In the freshness of early morning we make our way down a stone path lined with lush foliage and tropical blooms, arriving at a rustic open-sided yoga studio with the kind of views that really do take your breath away. High above a dramatic gorge, where steep forested slopes drop to a fast flowing river, the air is filled with bird song and the hum of cicadas; it’s hard to imagine a more conducive spot for yoga and meditation. Our Balinese yoga instructor, Pak Budi, gently leads us through an hour of hatha/vinyassa flow that leaves us supple, energised – and rather hungry. Luckily our Morning Yoga package includes a healthy breakfast and we make our way back up the path to Kemiri restaurant, an open sided pavilion surrounded by verdant greenery.
We start with a fresh squeezed nutritious juice blending Carrot, Celery, Ginger, Tomato and Apple. Fresh Fruit Salad follows, a mix of strawberries, mango and grapes with a dollop of yoghurt and a sprinkle of bee pollen. The Egg White Tortilla is wonderfully light and fluffy, filled with mushrooms, capsicum and baby leeks and topped with roasted tomato and rocket salad. We also try the delicious Cottage Cheese Hot Cakes. While the pancakes themselves are more savoury in flavour, the topping of grilled banana, dried cranberries and apricot sauce provides a sweeter note. A round of smooth creamy Lattes leaves us fully charged and ready to head back into the real world.
Afternoon Yoga packages are also offered with a one hour yoga session followed by afternoon tea. If you really want to soak up the serenity of this picturesque resort perhaps treat yourself to a Rejuvenation Day Package which includes afternoon tea, free use of facilities such as steam, sauna pool and gym, scheduled yoga class, 120 minute body treatment in the spa and a healthy set dinner. If yoga is not really your thing, you can still drop by for a meal at Kemiri restaurant where the menu incorporates renowned COMO Shambhala Cuisine, with nutritious and tasty dishes – including imaginative raw food like the excellent Pumpkin and Macadamia Nut pizza. Alison
