Bali: shrines, terraces, and the waves of the Indian Ocean

Bali is the Island of the Gods. Six days and five nights, from terraced yoga in Ubud to surfing in Kuta, restoring body and mind between temples, rice fields, and waves.

Ubud is the soul of Bali. The terraced fields of Tegralang stretch layer upon layer into the valley, with farmers herding water buffalo in the morning mist. Find a cliffside café and watch the sea of clouds flow above the rice fields—it's the most healing morning in Bali.

Tanah Lot is built on a reef in the middle of the sea, accessible at low tide and floating at high tide. At sunset, golden afterglow envelops the black temple, making it the most iconic silhouette of Bali.

If you like to be active, go surf in Kuta or Uluwatu. The waves in the Indian Ocean suit all levels; rent a board, hire a coach, and you'll be able to stand up in half a day. In the evening, watching the sunset on cliffs and skateboarding boys at Single Fin is full of hormones.

Yoga and spas are another rhythm in Bali. Ubud is full of yoga studios and healing centers; a class of aerial yoga followed by a traditional Balinese massage feels like your body and mind are reformatted.

Bali's balance is the coexistence of divinity and pleasure. When you meditate in the rice fields or scream in the waves, you suddenly realize that happiness and tranquility can be on opposite sides of the same path.