7-Day Silent Zen Meditation and Yin Yoga Retreat in Bali, Indonesia (Review)

A week of silence in Bali — what this retreat is really about

This silent meditation retreat Bali, Indonesia, review covers Maitri Retreats’ 7-day program built around Noble Silence, Zen Zazen practice, and Yin yoga in a serene Balinese landscape of farmland, jungle, and mountain views—often including Mt. Agung on clear days.

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At-a-glance (7 days / 6 nights)

The promise here is simple, but not “easy.” This is a retreat for people who want to stop dispersing their attention and meet themselves directly. Instead of guided visualizations or constant talking circles, the retreat centers on Shikantaza—“just sitting.” That’s a bare-bones practice, yet it can feel radically confronting and deeply nourishing.

If you’ve been craving quiet but keep filling every gap with noise, this retreat offers something rare: a week where silence is not a vibe—it’s the method. And because the program combines sitting meditation, walking meditation, mindful nature walks, dharma talks, and Yin yoga, it supports both mind and body through the intensity of long practice hours.

• If you want more options in this category, browse our Spiritual retreats.
• For a broader “reset + healing” angle, see Healing retreats.
• New to retreat travel? Start with First spiritual retreat.

Zen practice explained (what “just sitting” means here)

The listing gives unusually rich context for what Zazen is—and what it is not. In this retreat, Zazen is presented as:

• Not a tool to “get somewhere”
• Not a technique to manufacture a special state
• Not a project of self-improvement

Instead, it’s the practice of being fully present to this moment—body, mind, breath—without chasing, fixing, or narrating. That’s the paradox Zen points to: when you stop striving for a future result, you often touch a deeper intimacy with life as it is.

This framing matters for trust. It sets expectations correctly. You’re not buying a week of “bliss.” You’re choosing a week of practice that may include boredom, resistance, restlessness, tenderness, and clarity—sometimes in the same hour.

Program & experience (what the days actually look like)

This retreat runs on a steady rhythm. Most days include:

• Multiple blocks of Zazen (seated meditation)
• Kinhin (walking meditation)
• Yin yoga
• Mindful walks in nature
• Dharma talks
• Evenings around a bonfire

The program is structured so different experience levels can participate. Participation in three sits is required; the fourth (afternoon) session is optional.

The meditation blocks (clear, repeatable structure)

Each meditation block includes:

• 25 min seated (zazen)
• 10 min walking (kinhin)
• 25 min seated
• 10 min walking
• 25 min seated

This structure supports the body. Long sitting can be demanding; walking breaks reduce stiffness and help regulate energy.

Daily schedule (day-by-day)

Day 1 (arrival + purification + opening)

• 13:00 Arrival
• 15:00–16:30 Water purification ceremony at a nearby waterfall (with a Balinese priest)
• 17:00–19:00 Opening ceremony + orientation
• 19:00 Dinner
• 20:00–21:45 Zazen
• 22:00 Sleep

This first day sets the tone: ceremony, orientation, then silence and practice.

Days 2–5 (the core silent rhythm)

• 06:00 Wake up
• 06:30–08:15 Zazen
• 08:15 Breakfast
• 09:00–10:30 Yin yoga
• 11:00–12:45 Zazen
• 12:45–15:00 Lunch + rest
• 15:30–16:30 Mindful walk (village + nature)
• 17:00 Tea + snack
• 17:30 Dharma talk
• 18:30 Bonfire gathering
• 19:00 Dinner
• 20:00–21:45 Zazen
• 22:00 Sleep

This is a lot of practice. However, the day also includes rest windows, food, and gentle movement. That balance helps people stay steady across the week.

Day 6 (council + integration)

• 06:00 Wake up
• 06:30–08:15 Zazen
• 08:15 Breakfast
• 09:00–10:30 Yin yoga
• 11:00–12:45 Group council
• 12:45–15:00 Lunch + rest
• 15:30–16:30 Walk in nature
• 17:00 Tea + snack
• 17:30 Dharma talk
• 18:30 Bonfire gathering
• 19:00–20:00 Dinner
• 20:00–21:45 Zazen
• 22:00 Sleep

Traditionally, many silent retreats end with a chance to share. Here, the group meeting on the last day gives a container for what surfaced—without turning the retreat into a week of talking.

Day 7 (closing + break silence + fire ceremony)

• 06:00 Wake up
• 06:30–08:15 Zazen
• 08:15 Breakfast
• 09:30–10:30 Zazen
• 10:30–12:00 Closing ceremony + break silence
• 12:00 Fire purification ceremony (with a Balinese priest)
• 13:00 Lunch
• 15:00 Departure

This ending is well-designed: final sits, then a clear closing, then a purification ritual to mark transition back to daily life.

Yin yoga (why it fits a silent Zen retreat)

Yin yoga is slow, gentle, and long-held. That makes it a strong complement to Zazen:

• It opens hips and legs after long sitting
• It trains patience and sensation-awareness
• It supports down-regulation and nervous-system steadiness

Yoga is led by a qualified teacher. You’ll receive a form ahead of time to share injuries. Mats and props are provided, and you can bring your own cushion if you prefer a specific one.

Mindful walks + nature (meditation beyond the cushion)

Each day includes a silent mindful walk in the village and surrounding nature (about an hour). If you prefer, you can meditate during the walk instead of “walking as an activity.”

For many people, this becomes the most accessible part of the retreat: attention naturally settles when you move slowly through living landscapes.

Ceremonies + Balinese cultural context

Two ceremonies frame the retreat:

• Water purification ceremony at a waterfall (Day 1)
• Fire purification ceremony to end the retreat (Day 7)

The listing positions these as a way to connect with Balinese spirituality in a grounded, respectful way—without turning the retreat into a tourist performance.

Food & nutrition (simple, supportive, clean)

Meals include:

• Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks
• Drinks: water, coffee, tea
• Vegetables sourced from their own organic farm

Diet options listed: gluten free, raw food, paleo diet. If you have special dietary needs, communicate them when reserving.

This is a quiet but important trust marker: when you meditate for many hours per day, food quality matters. Clean meals reduce agitation and support sleep.

Accommodation & setting (views, silence, and space)

The accommodation is described through the landscape: farmland, jungle, mountains, and views of Mt. Agung when the sky is clear. You can see the mountain from the yoga shala, dining area, main guest residence, and lookout spots around the property.

Check-in is 14:00 and check-out is 14:00, which is unusually generous and helps with travel planning.

What’s included (and what to budget extra)

Included

• Instruction on meditation technique (seated + walking)
• Meditation and yoga each day
• Dharma talks each day
• Yoga mats and props
• Meditation cushion (bring your own if you have a preferred one)
• All meals from dinner on Day 1 to lunch on the final day
• 6 nights accommodation + bedding

Not included

• Travel costs to the retreat center
• Insurance
• Flights
• Airport transfer (available for €40 pp)
• Massage treatments

Optional add-on: full body massage (1.5 hours) for 30 USD (book in advance).

Who this retreat is for (and who should skip)

Best for

• People who want a true silent meditation retreat (not a chatty wellness week)
• Beginners who can commit to silence and are open to learning technique
• Intermediate/advanced meditators who want long sits in a supportive group container
• Anyone craving simplicity: sit, walk, eat, sleep, repeat
• Travelers who want nature, ritual, and a Zen frame without fluff

Maybe not for

• Anyone who feels anxious about silence or needs frequent social contact
• People who want guided meditation every session (this is not guided)
• Travelers who want a flexible holiday schedule
• Anyone who struggles with long sitting and doesn’t want to work with discomfort

How to prepare (so you enjoy it more)

The listing gives unusually practical prep advice. The key points:

• Start a daily meditation practice as soon as you can
• Consider reading Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind and Opening the Hand of Thought
• Plan to be offline: phones won’t be taken, but flight mode is strongly recommended
• Tell work/family you’ll be unreachable

Important: Noble Silence is required. If you need something practical (blanket, room issue), you write a note to the host. If you have emotional difficulty, you can write a note to the facilitator and arrange a time to speak.

That last part is a strong safety/trust element: silence is held, but support still exists.

Practical info & logistics

• Duration: 7 days / 6 nights
• Instruction language: English
• Yoga style: Yin
• Group size: 8–35 participants
• Airport: DPS (Ngurah Rai International Airport)
• Transfer: available for €40 per person (48 km away)

Trade-offs (honest limitations)

1. Silence is non-negotiable. This is the point of the retreat.
2. Meditation hours are high. Expect 6–8 hours/day. That can feel confronting.
3. Meditation is not guided. You get instruction, but the sits are silent.
4. Group size can be large. Up to 35 participants changes the feel versus a tiny retreat.
5. Cancellation policy is strict. Deposit is non-refundable (details below).

Alternatives (when to choose something else)

• Choose a shorter silent weekend if you’re unsure about a full week of Noble Silence.
• Choose a yoga-first retreat if movement is your main doorway and sitting practice feels secondary.

FAQ

Is this retreat beginner-friendly?

Yes, the listing includes beginner level. However, “beginner-friendly” here means you can learn the technique and follow the structure—not that it will feel easy. If you’re new, prepare a little and commit to silence.

How much meditation is there per day?

You’ll meditate about 6–8 hours/day, with multiple blocks of sitting and walking meditation.

Is the meditation guided?

No. The meditation is in silence and not guided. You will receive full instruction on seated and walking technique on the first day.

Can I keep my phone?

Phones won’t be taken on arrival, but flight mode is strongly recommended. The retreat asks participants to stay offline to protect Noble Silence.

What’s included in meals?

Three meals per day plus snacks, with vegetables sourced from their own organic farm.

What’s the airport transfer situation?

Transfer from DPS is available for €40 per person (additional charges may apply; request in the next step).

What’s the cancellation policy?

A reservation requires a 30.25% deposit, and the deposit is non-refundable if cancelled. The remaining payment is due 30 days before arrival.

If you’re ready for a real week of silence—Zazen, walking meditation, Yin yoga, dharma talks, and nature—this retreat offers a clear structure, cultural depth, and a strong container for practice.

Check availability and book here