bali and beyond
June 9-16, 2025 Ubud, Bali
Music, Culture & Nature Retreat
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..….. ”
EB
“ I was very pleased with the content of the retreat. I thought every activity was different and a new experience to have”
GN
“Dope trip. Grateful to have gone and experienced it. Life changing indeed”
VF
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
Youngin rippin it
Rindik class with Putu Septa
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
Legong dancer at the Ubud Palace
Workin it at the Pemulan Farm, picking the goods for lunch.
3 more to die for recipes we make at the Pemulan Farm Cooking School
Workin it at the Pemulan Farm, picking the goods for lunch.
Two of the 6 recipes we learn to cook at Pemulan Farm Cooking School. From that day forward, I STILL cook these weekly.
No Nutribullet here, old school cooking... MASH IT!!
Lush Water temple
THEEEE most friendly people you'll meet
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.
Our practice Gamelan location
Putu Septa surveying one of his Gamelan orchestras
Putu Septa teaching the many instruments of the Gamlean we study on
Rehearsal at Dewa Alit's
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.
EVERYWHERE..
The nature in Bali is second to none
Little guy making sure you're not getting too close
Chillin next to his own statue
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.
Kendang drum lessons with Putu Septa. What doesnt he play?
Rindik lessons with Putu Septa
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
Random roadside lessons are common
I wanna sit with them.. Monkey Jungle
Kecak (aka Monkey Chant) heating up
Momma and baby
Precious locals
Beauty EVERYWHERE
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
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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