Bali and Beyond 2025 — Ray Ippolito

bali and beyond

June 9-16, 2025 Ubud, Bali

Music, Culture & Nature Retreat

I'm in, sign me up!

Join us for an exceptionally unique opportunity into the heart of Bali, as we take a deep dive into the sacred and unparalleled world of Balinese music, culture, food and nature. We have curated a truly expansive week that will enrich and inspire you for a lifetime

Who this is for…

1. Musicians, Producers, DJ’s, and music lovers; who are ready to reinvigorate their creativity, fill their toolbox, and absorb the infinite wisdom from a long lineage of Gamelan masters. We have the rare and invaluable opportunity to take a deep dive, with these masters, into the intricacies and palette of the Gamelan, one of the richest sources of artistry in Indonesia and in the world. Have no fear, our workshops are set up for full enjoyment and benefit from beginners to professional.

2. Seekers of unique culture and the precious nature of our planet; as we immerse ourselves into the heartbeat of Bali surrounded by mystical ritual, a myriad of temples, captivating traditional dance, lush jungles, breathtaking waterfalls, monkey forests, gorgeous rivers, volcanic hot springs, endless rice fields and winding mountains of this incredible island.
3. Lovers of truly delectable, healthy and diverse food; We will begin with a tour of a local outdoor farmers market, choosing from a huge array of spices and seasonal additions, and then return to the lush organic family farm to pick our own vegetables and fruits and produce SIX incredible recipes that will surely be an addition to your daily menu for years to come. We will also be surrounded by a plethora of unparalleled restaurants that will satisfy anyone.

“ I thought the experience was perfect. ABSOLUTELY Life changing. I learned so much..….. ”

“ I was very pleased with the content of the retreat. I thought every activity was different and a new experience to have”

“Dope trip. Grateful to have gone and experienced it. Life changing indeed”

The Leap of a Lifetime

There comes a time when you take a leap into an experience that will change your life forever. This can certainly be one of those steps.

Needing something to nourish, inform and inspire your artistry? Finding the same old vocabulary and influences are leaving a lack luster feeling in your music? If you are wanting to add a VAST array of rhythmic, melodic, stylistic, compositional and instrumental colors to your palette as a creator in music, dance, art and/or lifestyle, then you can rest assured you have found this opportunity for a reason. NOTHING inspires like a drastic change of scenery for our eyes, mind, heart and ears.

Our focus will be immersing ourselves into the beauty and intricacies of Balinese music from unparalleled masters and descendants of a legacy of Gamelan masters who are on the cutting edge of traditional and contemporary expression music. We will begin our days behind the instruments of the Gamelan orchestra, transitioning to spectacular waterfalls, walking through the realm of the monkey forests, harvesting/cooking/eating a truly amazing array of food from a local farm to table cooking school and ending our days with the traditional dance/religious dance performances at exquisite temples and palaces under the stars and always returning to our stunning villa oasis.

OTHERWORLDLY traditional Balinese Legong dance and Gamelan at one of the many temples

Backstage at the Ubud Palace with Gamelan master Diksa Septa, father of Putu Septa

Mind blown after watching another amazing rehearsal with legend Dewa Alit

One of the MANY MANY waterfall paradise sanctuaries...

Workin it at the Pemulan Farm, picking the goods for lunch.

Farm to table baby!!!! First step of our cooking class.. Doesnt get more fresh than this

3 more to die for recipes we make at the Pemulan Farm Cooking School

Two of the 6 recipes we learn to cook at Pemulan Farm Cooking School. From that day forward, I STILL cook these weekly.

You better MAKE that peanut sauce from scratch!!!

Surrounded by rice fields. You'll never throw a grain of rice away after watching this hard work

Musicians are always happy to chat about what they are doing. Music EVERYWHERE in Bali

A full street, full marching Gamelan funeral procession is very common

A typical entrance to a modest home. Just like walking through a painting.

Putu Septa surveying one of his Gamelan orchestras

Putu Septa teaching the many instruments of the Gamlean we study on

One of the many many places for a jam session in Bali. They have a REALLY impressive talent pool. Killer bands.

Cant get my focus out of the AMAZING food and vibe at Akasha

Another site at Akasha, while you eat and listen to the breeze on the rice fields

So many incredible restaurants with Indonesian to American and everything in between.

Flower mandala offering. They are EVERYWHERE you go.

Little guy making sure you're not getting too close

Kecak (aka Monkey Chant) and Legong dance at sunset

Wonder where all the instruments get made at your music store back home?? Look no further for a fraction of the price. Bring an extra empty bag for sure.

Another amazing jam session with local legend Tigra

The landscape and architecture will leave you breathless

Get ready to dive and swim in paradise.. Yeah, you can chill on the bamboo raft too.

UNREAL pool vibes overlooking the rice fields

Deep, fun, and intense rehearsals made the recording AMAZING!!

Eating like Kings and Queens overlooking the rice fields..

So blessed to have created a performance fundraiser for the local orphanage

Your incredible experience includes…

- 7 nights, 6 days accommodations, June 9-16, 2025

- Delicious plant-based breakfast and lunch prepared by our own incredible local chef Rini
- Group music lessons/Gamelan training from Putu Septa and his experimental Gamelan orchestra - Nata Swara
- Balinese music/dance performances at the Ubud Palace, including an exclusive backstage orientation
- Deep bathe in the volcanic thermal hot springs of Mt Batur
- Gorgeous Waterfalls/river and nature excursions
- Day trip to traditional Balinese farmers market and cooking school
- Breathtaking guided Balinese temple tour
****** BONUS ****** A live multi-track recording of our performance with Putu Septa. * Feel free to request a copy of our previous recordings.

Does not include:

Airfare, TravelMedical Insurance, VISA/travel fees, Additional meals (dinner), Additional excursions/shopping, private in villa massage

Investment

Early Bird Pricing for full package:

Private accommodations $3100

Shared accommodations $2800 pp

$500 non-refundable deposit is required to secure your spot. Payment plans are available.

* Please inquire for available pricing for shared room/meals for travel partners not participating in additional programming

Im in, sign me up!

Meet the Host

Ray Ippolito has been a multi-instrumental performer, producer, music school owner, activist and world traveler for decades. He has performed, recorded, produced and traveled to Japan, Costa Rica, India, Brazil, Greece, Jamaica, Venezuela, Nepal, Italy, Burningman, Bali and many more which have gifted him with many truly exceptional musical experiences and relationships. Ray’s ability to connect to some of the greatest talent and opportunities throughout the world has been a treasured gift of many. He is greatly looking forward to sharing some of the worlds most incredible artists, culture and nature we have on this precious planet.

ARE YOU IN?

If you’re ready to experience the magnificence of Balinese Culture and Music for an opportunity of a lifetime, join us now for the Bali and Beyond retreat. If you have any questions please email here

We’ve got you!

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