Individually planned, each tour group will spend 4 nights by the ocean at Sanur beach village. Time at this lovely oasis offers an orientation to Bali's food, language, and culture, while recovering from jet lag. Included are language, culture, and daily yoga classes. Expertise in lyengar Yoga in this setting allows the student to discover a marriage of body, mind, and soul - reflecting those aspects in Bali's Hindu culture.

Next, experience Ubud -- Bali's cultural center -- with its enchanting view of surrounding volcanoes and lush green rice paddies. Amidst the pageantry of art, music and dance, spend 8 nights at "Kebun Indah", (Beautiful Gardens), deluxe Balinese bungalows set among tropical gardens, a swimming pool, and enjoy walking through the ricefield path to Ann's new studio - fully equipped with yoga props for yoga classes. Enjoy a delicious breakfast of eggs & toast, fruit salad, tea or coffee served on your doorstep every morning. (Double occupancy, private bath, and electricity). Before leaving this paradise island, each group will have ample time to experience traditional Balinese massage. The 2-week excursion offers enough time for a 2-day Island tour of Bali's temples and sacred shrines.

Included in the tour package are the following: Several days of language instruction & orientation upon arrival. Tickets to 2 Balinese dances including Legong, and Kechak. 2 exotic traditional Balinese feasts. Optional visits to local healers. Daily yoga classes with Ann. Local transportation to and from airport, bungalows in Sanur, and bungalows in Ubud. Spontaneous village festivals, cremations, and feasts. Unlimited time for exploring, shopping and writing.

The Balinese language has no word for "art" and "artist." To the Balinese, art is not a category; it is a way of life. Therefore, there is no need for those definitions. Everywhere, in palaces, temples, and homes, art has been a central vehicle. People are expected to surround themselves with things of beauty. A prince, who once was a model for behavior, was expected to be able to paint a picture, carve, play a musical instrument, dance and sing. Since few of these superhumans existed, it had been up to the prince to support actors, artists and musicians as part of his court. People looked to their aristocracy as models of behavior and would emulate them. Thus, many farmers, shopkeepers, and peasants become as fine an artist as the aristocrat. In Bali, the arts still endure. There is no separation between art and ritual. People pour all their talents into preparation for ceremonial occasions. Women fulfill a collective obligation to make things beautiful by arranging daily offerings. Creating beauty is considered a religious service to society.