Bali is the perfect place for an eco retreat and Floating Leaf gets it right.
Bali is a stunning and very spiritual island in Indonesia, and is the perfect venue for not just enjoying the culture and the beautiful scenery, but for using all of these elements to have a much needed break. Bali abounds in resorts and retreats, but there are some big differences. Those that give back to the community, and those who take from the Balinese.
Why eco tourism should not scare you
Contents
I think a lot of people freak out when they hear the term “eco” travel or “eco” tourism or “eco” retreat. It seems that they feel that they won’t be able to enjoy themselves that they will be living on mung beans and water and be locked into a rigid routine of ‘cleansing and detoxing’.
But … an eco retreat, an eco holiday or eco travel is pretty much what most people do normally anyway. It means that you have respect for not only the environment but also for the cultures that you interact with. I can’t really see that there is an issue in any of that, because that is how the majority of people live anyhow.
The Floating Leaf is an eco-retreat, that offers a genuine insight into Balinese culture. They also have an extensive wellness and spa centre as well as offering photography and surfing tours.
Floating Leaf works closely with the local community and helps farmers to grow organic, nutrient-rich crops free from pesticides. They offer free classes in English, permaculture, arts and yoga to the villagers and anyone else who wants to learn and that is what eco tourism is. Giving back.
Meals are made from the villager’s crops and prepared by the local people, a private chef who works at the retreat. And that is what eco-travel is; utilizing the food that is grown on the island of Bali and NOT shipping it in from other places. Problem?
Photography
Highly experienced photographers can help you to take the perfect photo of the stunning natural beauty that is Bali. In addition you are also taken to places of great cultural significance. These tours take place at varying times of the day to capitalize on the light and to see people both at work at play. The quality of these tours has been utilized and recognized by people from National Geographic, the History Channel, the Smithsonian Institution and the the BBC amongst others.
Wellness
Floating Leaf is all about wellness and healing, and here the options are endless. The retreat has a stunning open air yoga center with views of the Indian Ocean and Mount Agung Volcano. There is also relaxation pool complete with waterfalls, and hidden private areas to help you relax. It offers a huge menu of options that will assist you in whatever you are after. It is best to look at their website to see all of the options as they are literally endless and to contact them with your specific needs and requirements. This is a retreat that is excellent for group visits.
Cultural tours
Bali is a significant culture and to be able to get inside information about their beliefs, traditions and ceremonies makes you so much more aware of them as a people. This is eco tourism.
Surfing tours
Bali has some of the best beaches in the world and is a magnet for surfers. These surfing tours are by those who know the beaches best and can share with you their experience.
Why expertise matters
The owners and staff of Floating Leaf are exceptionally qualified in each of their areas.
Mikaku Doliveck, owner, has been an Art and Photography Professor for over 18 years, and leads the photography tours. He has written numerous articles on Bali’s culture, art, mysticism, healers and more.
His wife, Maryam Putu Doliveck is from The Balinese Royal Family of Karangasm and was raised learning the traditional dances, healing arts and the culture of Bali. Her skills in all of these are a big feature of the retreat.
Kadek Darsana was raised to be the spiritual leader of his village and has an unparalleled connection to the island. He serves many roles from liaising with the locals, to driver, and as a spiritual specialist.
Eka Sukma Putra, is the in house yoga instructor and a native Balinese who comes from the village of Banjar Telabah. His style is based on Hatha Yoga, traditional healing and Pranayama (a form of yoga breathing).
Dino Maiolo helps people to organize their trips. As an avid surfer he knows where to surf and not just the waves as he is a certified Google search marketing professional. He is also very aware of giving back to the community and of preserving the environment.
In conclusion
Get to know the real Bali, get to know the local people properly, take time to relax and enjoy and rejuvenate yourselves. Enjoy the specialized photography and surfing tours and embrace the wellness facilities that Floating Leaf can offer you. .
Location
Floating Leaf is located right on one of the best surfing beaches in Ketewel, which is 40 mins from Denpassar and just 10 minutes from the lively Sanur, where the food, nightlife and beaches are very impressive.
This is a non sponsored post, just a great place.
