The Bali Experience at Viceroy Bali: Yoga and TaiChi

Located just seven minutes' drive from central Ubud, this tropical paradise feels like another world, with 25 Bali-styled luxury pool villas, bespoke amenities -- including a complete gymnasium and wellness-centered spa -- award winning restaurant, peerless service, and stunning surroundings. It's the perfect place for the discerning traveler to relax and renew in utter tranquility, for celebrants to gather for a wedding or reunion, or for executives to retreat to plan for the future.

Better yet, there's a world of experiences on offer that highlight the very special place that is Bali. Among them: classes in yang style taichi and – of course -- yoga.

In general terms, taichi chuan is a series of bodily movements with a martial component which has been used by Chinese people for centuries to keep physically fit. Tai chi incorporates many aspects of Chinese culture, including traditional medicine and philosophy. As an “internal” martial art, tai chi emphasizes that the internal focus is as important as the external movement itself. Breathing is also essential.

The traditional yang style of taichi chuan (Taijiquan; Taiji Quan) consists of diverse elements, each demanding a different approach and drawing on different resources from within the student. All of these elements, however, are built on the tai chi chuan principles, which form the basic frame of reference of this system.

Reflecting this diversity, yang taichi is a martial art, but at its heart it isn't about fighting. Similarly, it involves a great deal of movement, but also some static postures. Of course it is good for one's health, but it isn't a miracle cure. It looks like slow motion “kung fu”, but it can be fast. And while it's graceful and gentle, it generates enormous internal power.

Viceroy Bali also offers classes in Ashtanga yoga. This system of yoga was introduced to the modern world by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois (1915-2009). Practitioners learn to synchronize the breath with a progressive series of postures in a process that produces intense internal heat and a profuse, purifying sweat that detoxifies muscles and organs. The result is improved circulation, a light and strong body, and a calm mind.

Vicery Bali's yoga master is Kadek, while taichi is taught by Ong Wen Ming. Both are available on 24 hours' notice.

Once finished with class for the day, guests can reward themselves with a visit to Lembah Spa, another spectacular experience. The skilled staff specializes in combining the best of western and Balinese techniques to provide wellness treatments in a tranquil setting that reflects the spa's therapeutic focus. In addition to the normal amenities, Lembah Spa offers double massage rooms with showers (one with a double bath), a steam room, a cold plunge pool, a 68-jet therapeutic American Jacuzzi, and relaxation decks overlooking the Petanu Valley. Treatments range from traditional massage to special themed treatment courses to reflexology sessions, and packages are available. Guests might wish to nurture the glow a bit longer by dropping by the Viceroy Boutique to peruse its offerings of quality casual resort wear, jewelry, artifacts, and hotel memorabilia.

Those new to the disciplines of taichi and yoga, as well the most experienced, will find that practicing these ancient arts in a setting as stunning as the grounds of Viceroy Bali is truly an elevating experience.

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