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TESTIMONIALS FROM OUR GUESTS
“It is now the end of a very long week back in “reality” and I am missing the company of you, your” family”, the new friends I have made, the gorgeous surroundings of Ayung Sari Indah, the rest of Bali and of course, those bootcamp sessions.
My friends and family thought I was crazy going to Bali on my own, but I would have to say it was one of the best experiences I have had in a long time and will cherish those moments forever. I have certainly come back a much brighter, happier, healthier, fitter and more confident person than when I left and for me,that speaks volumes.
The “retreat” was more that I could have asked for and your tireless work behind the scenes to make everything happen so effortlessly is to be commended.
It will be lovely to see you again when you return to Australia, so please keep in touch and work on that cookbook – I can’t wait to try out Gusti’s food on my friends!
I trust all is well and that Wayan is safely back home with you.”
S. 2010
“I traveled here with a group of friends from our local fitness club for a week and absolutely loved it! My first time to Bali and it could not have been in a better place. Karen and Wayan have created the perfect place to stay to experience the culture and hospitality of Balinese life. The accommodation is lovely, peaceful, comfortable and traditional. The food and service is outstanding as you feel like you are staying with friends. Our volcano trek, jungle trek, yoga sessions, spa treatments were all organized for us and were AMAZING!”
W. 2009
“Ayung Sari Indah is a simply amazing place to stay and enjoy (for a short time!) being part of a working village in a beautiful location. They offer different packages (yoga, cooking etc); we did the bootcamp week. It was a great challenge and the trainer (an Australian personal trainer) was brilliant. The highlight of the week was the Volcano Trek; the climb and ascent of Mt Batur was tough, but do-able . . . and the reward at the top were the views over neighbouring volcanoes and the enormous crater lake. Incredible! The guides at the top cooked eggs and bananas on the steam . . . a very unique experience! They offer a number of different bungalows (all very unique and interesting); we were in a two-storey tree house bungalow, which had sweeping views across a valley and mountains, breathtaking. The accommodation was described as 'simple luxury' and that is very accurate. Our bungalow was beautifully presented and clean with traditional furniture and fittings. It seemed like a couple of times per day someone would refresh the fresh hibiscus flowers strategically placed and leave a flask of delicious lemongrass tea for us. The food . . . now that is INCREDIBLE! Very clean, simple Indonesian fare . . . curries, sambals, rice and salads. All made with local produce. We had 1 cooking class and it really made you appreciate the food we devoured at every meal because of the time it took to prepare?!?! The hosts, Karen and Wayan become your friends and you almost feel like part of the family; they are always ready to assist . . . but at the same time . . . you can have absolute solitude in the many places around the property for lounging and enjoying the views. A quick walk down a path will reveal a roofed platform with cushions and a daybed. . perfect for a snooze and a read in the fresh air. The property has a labyrinth of paths and alleyways that are lined with sculptures and gardens and lead to yet another lovely vantage point. Ubud is not far away and you can get a shuttle there when you need it; you can shop and visit day spas (which are happily arranged). All up it was a great stay and I would go back again if I ever get back to Bali . . . even for a few days of rest (even without any organised activities). Everyone should re-energise and stay/live at Ayung Sari Indah!!”
A. 2009
“I know Nik has been in touch but I just wanted to pass on my thanks for a wonderful and somewhat magical stay at the special place created by Wayan and yourself. Its been more a week since we left and I have thought back to the special place you have created everyday - I really appreciated the lovely generous spirit of everyone we met and the amazing grounds and surrounds. The food was sensational and has inspired me to try and continue eating more healthily and more closely sourced food more often (I tell myself my busy life style doesn't allow me the time to choose such food but with a bit of commitment I can really!). Gaby was an inspiration and has inspired my yoga practice to more become more frequent and meaningful. You really have created something quite special and should be proud of it. I hope it’s around for a while so I can come back with my girls when they are older and enjoy seeing everyone and the magical grounds again.”
Many thanks B. 2009
“Our first stop in Bali was straight to Ayung Sari Indah and I believe that there is no better way to start the trip for a first time visitor. Wayan collected us from the airport and was very friendly and accommodating. We arrived at the village and given that there was only 1 other couple staying at this time we were able to choose our bungalow. Our views from the bungalow were amazing overlooking the mountains and nestled into the jungle. On the first night we went to a village wedding, and were able to really interact in the Balinese culture, everybody was very welcoming towards us. There are amazing jungle treks that the staff are only too happy to escort you around. We did a yoga session also. We really interacted with the staff and they became our friends. We walked the rice paddies and visited the staff's friend’s houses around the village. Everywhere we went the villagers could not be more welcoming offering us food and drink even if it meant climbing trees to obtain. We helped to gather the food and also assisted to prepare a meal with Gusti, she is a great chef and her meals are of fine dining standard. This is a truly memorable experience and I would recommend it to those who wish to get away from the hustle and the bustle and do something a little different. We learnt a lot from this stay including the basics of the language. I would definitely recommend it to anybody looking for a cultural experience or that needs to get away to clear their head. To give you an indication of the sheer beauty of this place we took over 700 photos in the first 3 days!!! Thank you so much to Wayan, Gusti, Made, Dolla and the rest of the team. Xxx”
C. 2009
“You are what, you crazy woman!” was most peoples response when I said I was going on holiday to Bali to do a boot camp. Well it suited me down to a tee – the kids were away on holiday with their father, I loved travelling and had never been to Bali and of No. 1 importance, it was exercise in a beautiful, lush environment. After working so hard for so long, I could not contemplate not exercising for a week – to me that would be torture!
My week away doing Bali Boot Camp at Ayung Sari Indah was quite frankly one of the best holidays I have ever had. It had all the essential components for me, being a lovely, tranquil environment; simple but comfortable accommodation; nutritious food, great company, a variety of exercise in the outdoors and the ability to express yourself and have some fun also. I have made some new friends and have come back appreciating my life and the amazing people I have as family and friends.
What I got out of it, in regards to my own fitness – yes I am reasonably cardio fit and strong but my abdominal muscles and core need some work.
I now pose the question to some of my fellow “exercise-head” friends, “why don’t a group of us go over next year (with ort bikes) and do a similar thing with our Coach perhaps”? Or am I just plain mad?!”
S. 2010
“I just wanted to let you know that I had a wonderful time at Ayung Sari over the last 5 days. All the people there were so lovely, Gusti and little Gade and all of the others.
The property is magical, a beautiful place to do yoga and relax. Gabby was a great teacher, I'm a yoga novice, so she was patient and explained everything thoroughly.
Gusti's brother (is it Murah??) and young Gade took us on a walk down the mountain for a swim in the river ... and stopped for some green coconuts chopped off the trees as we sat there, on our way back .. lovely.
The accommodations were really lovely, I loved the big open bathroom, and had to share it with a few frogs who came in from the pond, but it was all part of the fun.
I took quite a few photos while I was there and have posted them on facebook, if you can access that then just search for my email. If you don't have access though, let me know and I'll email some through to you.
I told Gusti I'd send some of her daughter through to you to pass to her.
I'm definitely going to try to arrange for my next visit to be around the boot camp.
Thanks again”
T 2009
“Hi Karen,
I feel so bad that I haven't emailed before now!!
I meant to send you a note just to say thank you so much to everyone there for looking after me so well during my stay in July. It was the most peaceful and relaxing week I think I've ever had and everyone made me feel so welcome and so looked after!
Ayung Sari really is like a little piece of heaven on earth and I will be trying to make it an annual excursion I think for a bit of relaxation and peace!
Please pass on my sincere thanks and appreciation to everyone, especially Gusti and little Putu who is just gorgeous... she helped me get through the week without my little girl, but I definitely will have to bring my daughter next time and they can hang out together... they would have such a good time!
Thanks again!
Best regards,”
E. 2010
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