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The Nature of You - QiGong Yin Retreat


  • Soul Tribe Studio 27 Sydney Street Mogo, NSW, 2536 Australia (map)

The Nature of You

A Qigong & Yin Yoga Retreat

A six-night retreat exploring the wisdom of the elements and the cycles of nature through Qigong and Yin Yoga with Jo Gates

Sunday 29 August – Saturday 4 September 2027
Basundari, Ubud, Bali

The Retreat

We’ll arrive gently on Day 1, settling into our beautiful accommodation before coming together for a welcome circle, introductions and intention-setting.

Over the next five days, we’ll explore one of the five elements each day, drawing on Taoist and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory: Water, Wood, Fire, Metal and Earth.

Each morning, we’ll practise Qigong—a gentle movement practice designed to support the flow of energy through the body, mind and spirit. In the early evening, we’ll enjoy Yin Yoga, a floor-based style of yoga supported by props.

No previous experience or knowledge is needed. All classes are suitable for a range of fitness levels and abilities.

Each day will also include a session to explore the element of the day through learning and discussion. We’ll consider how the five elements show up within each of us, how they interact in our day-to-day lives, and how they accompany us through the different stages of life.

All classes and sessions are optional.

Your Host

Hi, I’m Jo Gates.

It has been my dream to bring this retreat to you ever since attending my very first yoga retreat in Bali in 2019.

Since then, I’ve completed my initial yoga training, including Yin Yoga, with Clare Lovelace at Soul Tribe Studio in Batemans Bay. I’ve also undertaken further training with Jasmine Tarkeshi and Karolina Szymala in sequencing and hands-on assisting—an area that has become a real passion of mine.

I’ve continued my studies in Taoist energetics with Tahnee Taylor, as well as five-element theory and Qigong with Stephanie Nosco.

With a 25-year background in hospitality, including catering and event management, combining all these passions in one retreat feels like a natural next step.

This will be my sixth trip to Bali, a place that feels very dear to my heart.

The Venue

Discover the untouched beauty of Basundari, a serene retreat venue nestled among the lush jungle and sweeping rice fields of Ubud, Bali. Our eco-conscious space is built using recycled wood and furnished with upcycled pieces.

Meals at Basundari are served family-style, prepared on site and predominantly vegetarian, using locally sourced ingredients. Dietary requirements can be accommodated; please let us know about yours before arrival.

On arrival, each guest will receive a 15-minute head, shoulder and foot massage to help unwind after travelling.

Basundari also has an on-site spa with a full treatment menu. Treatments are available throughout your stay, with a one-hour massage costing approximately AUD $20.

The venue has a main pool, as well as a wellness centre featuring a sauna, ice bath and second pool.

We’ll practise in a beautiful yoga shala surrounded by jungle. All the props you’ll need are provided, so there’s no need to bring your own.

Getting There

Ubud is approximately 1.5 hours from Denpasar International Airport, depending on traffic.

I recommend staying at least one night in Ubud before the retreat, as many flights from Sydney arrive late.

I’ve travelled to Bali many times and would be happy to help with recommendations for accommodation and airport transfers.

Leaving Bali

The retreat will conclude at 12 pm on Saturday 4 September. You may choose to stay on in Ubud at another accommodation or travel to another part of Bali.

If you’re flying home that evening (many flights depart at around 10 pm), Basundari is happy to store your luggage while you explore Ubud for the afternoon, before heading to the airport.

What’s Included

Please refer to the accommodation spreadsheet for pricing options. You can choose any available room, subject to availability.

  • Six nights’ accommodation

  • Three meals a day, plus snacks, tea and coffee

  • A 15-minute head, shoulder and foot massage on arrival

  • All excursions

  • All practices and workshops

  • Full use of the facilities, including the pools and wellness area

What’s Not Included

  • International flights

  • Transfers to and from the accommodation

  • Travel insurance

  • Additional massages and spa treatments

  • Personal expenses

  • Any visa or entry fees required for Bali

Booking & Payment

We have four accommodation tiers available, each offering a different experience of this beautiful retreat venue.

All prices are in Australian dollars, per person, based on twin-share accommodation.

Tier 1 — Premium Retreat Experience

Arjuna

Early Bird: $2,880 per person
Regular Price: $3,200 per person

Our most spacious accommodation, featuring a beautiful private setting and an infinity pool. Perfect for those seeking additional privacy, comfort and luxury.

Tier 2 — Jungle Retreat Experience

Choose from Mantra or Seva

Early Bird: $2,655 per person
Regular Price: $2,950 per person

Beautiful rooms immersed in the surrounding jungle.

  • Mantra: A treehouse-inspired room with a hammock, balcony and jungle views.

  • Seva: A peaceful retreat closest to the jungle, featuring a private balcony.

Tier 3 — Signature Retreat Experience

Choose from Hatha, Kundalini, Jnana, Raja or Bhakti

Early Bird: $2,430 per person
Regular Price: $2,700 per person

Five beautiful accommodation options, each with its own character and connection to nature.

  • Hatha: Private balcony, terrarium headboard and jungle views.

  • Kundalini: Beautiful natural light, balcony views and spectacular sunsets.

  • Jnana: Conveniently located beside the main pool, with windows on three sides.

  • Raja: Sunrise and pool views, with a comfortable daybed.

  • Bhakti: Rice field views, a hanging egg chair and a unique rainbow shower.

Tier 4 — Essential Retreat Experience

Choose from Karma or Tantra

Early Bird: $2,250 per person
Regular Price: $2,500 per person

A wonderful, more affordable way to experience everything this retreat has to offer.

  • Karma: Rice field views, conveniently located near the kitchen, sauna and ice bath.

  • Tantra: Private balcony and meditation deck overlooking the rice fields.

A non-refundable deposit of AUD $500 is required to secure your place.

Early-bird guests will have first choice of rooms when full payment is received by 14 February 2027.

After this date, the full price applies. Room selection will be available once full payment has been received by 14 June 2027.

Payment plans are available—please speak with Jo - call 0407783421

To view the available rooms, visit: https://basundari.com/rooms

Payment can be made by direct deposit:

  • Account name: Joanne Gates

  • BSB: 732653

  • Account number: 599130

  • Reference: Bali (your name)

Cancellation Policy

The deposit is non-refundable, unless your place is transferred to another person.

Payments made up to and including 29 May 2027 will be refunded, less a AUD $100 administration fee.

After 29 May 2027, payments are non-refundable unless your place can be filled by another person. A AUD $100 administration fee will be deducted from any refund.

I recommend purchasing travel insurance to help cover any expenses you may incur if you need to cancel due to an emergency.

Are You Ready?

My intention for this retreat is for you to feel deeply held and nourished by the beautiful energy of Bali.

I hope you’ll gain a little insight into how you relate to the five elements around you and within you.

Arrive with an open mind and leave with a full heart.

I would be honoured for you to join me on this journey.

Please feel free to call me for a chat. I’d be very happy to answer any questions you may have.

With love,
Jo

0407 783 421
jo.lotusmacrame@gmail.com

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