Overall the yoga barn is a fantastic place to be at. The quality of accommodation, food and yoga classes were definitely up to my expectations. The garden cafe really provides excellent meals that well complement the yoga lifestyle. The rooms are beautiful and comfortable. I spend 4 days there and I could have stayed another week without a problem. I had read some negative reviews online about the noise level which I didn't experience at all (yes there is construction around but that's not too bad), and the quality of the yoga mats (which in my experience were brand new and not smelly at all).
The location is very convenient, one can just walk out at night on the Main Street and try some of the many delicious restaurants in Ubud.
There also is a super nice spa called "Kush", I had the hot stone and a facial, both were amazing though the lady doing the facial looked like she would have preferred being somewhere else than massaging my face - but I can understand that, I wouldn't like to massage someone either.
The staff overall, like in most places in Bali, is amazing: friendly, genuine and speak perfect English.
There are some areas for improvement though, like in anything.
- on my first day I stepped onto a piece of burning incense that had fell on the bathroom floor and ended up having to go to the hospital to get the infected wound cleaned up, not amazing when you have to do yoga 3/4 hours a day. Luckily the team allowed me to check out earlier (thanks Jero) without charging me a cancellation fee for shortening my stay
- The registration system for the classes is not very handy. Understood that it could be first come first serve for external students, but there should be an option for residents to book classes in advance. I don't see why someone staying there precisely for yoga wouldn't be allowed to commit to classes on advance. It was annoying t have to be there 30 mns before each class though it didn't ruin the experience.
- Towels should be provided for free to students, just like any other studio. Working out for 90 minutes in the heat obviously result in intensive sweating.
- Yes there are amazing bathtubs in the rooms, but they are impossible to fill. The water just doesn't run with enough pressure (I once tried for over one hour) and is not hot enough, so you would end up waiting forever for a cold bath - not great.
I would really recommend this place to anyone who wants to take a break from a busy lifestyle and practice yoga in a peaceful environment - I would certainly go back there anytime and for a longer stay.
At the end of the day - all these minor issues really are first world problems - it's a blessing to be able to stay there and afford such precious time out.
Thank you Yoga Barn team!
