On a quiet Bali morning, stepping into the tranquil shadows of the leaves, we enter the mysterious entrance of Alchemy Yoga Center. In the yoga meditation space, George Harrison’s spiritual music ‘All Things Must Pass’ resonates within. Here, we meditate, delve into philosophy and introspection, touch the soul, and find ourselves again.

Alchemy Yoga Center

Located in the heart of Ubud, Penestanan, Bali, Alchemy Yoga Center was established by the historic vegan organic restaurant Alchemy . The architecture here is a unique bamboo structure that emphasizes body awareness, connection with the earth through breath, and cultivating an awareness of life’s elements in a balanced, non-judgmental environment.

This place, acclaimed as a yoga sanctuary, has won the ‘Global Design Award’ and the ‘Dezeen Awards The architecture primarily uses bamboo, weaving natural beauty and spirituality into a flowing, sustainable space, all thanks to the ingenuity of the IBUKU architectural studio.

Centered around the Balinese concepts of Tilem (new moon) and Purnama (full moon), the yoga space uses bamboo as its main material, covered with handmade copper tiles. This blend of natural colors ensures durability while also enhancing the beneficial energy generated through yoga.

Why choose bamboo?

Rainforests have nearly vanished due to the production of plywood needed for human use, and the carbon footprint of cement further hinders the future. Therefore, bamboo has become the greenest choice. Bamboo is one of the most renewable building materials on Earth. If children plant bamboo today, four years later, they will have the most eco-friendly and durable building material available every year for the rest of their lives. This is the vision of John Hardy, the founder of the Green School.

Lumi Shala

Following The Arc at Green School winning the Architecture MasterPrize in 2022, IBUKU brought an even more exquisite work in 2023, which won the Health and Wellness Project of the Year at the Dezeen Awards.

Five fan-shaped roofs overlap in a dynamic arrangement that vividly conveys the vitality of nature. Bamboo arches extend upward along earthen mounds, creating a tall, column-free space covered with 4,423 hand-cut copper tiles. This forms a light and comfortable semi-enclosed atmosphere, with natural light gently filtering through the gaps, creating the perfect lighting needed for yoga.

 

Tilem Shala （Bali：New Moon）

The structure supports a dark red ceiling that extends to the dark-colored ironwood floor, deliberately avoiding clear directionality to inspire freedom of thought. Here, the boundaries between space and mind blur. Tilem Shala is not just a place but rather a state of being.

 Purnama Shala （Bali：Full Moon）

Using zero cement, the floors are made from a mixture of limestone, soil, and clay. The natural earth floor, crafted with an almost forgotten ancient technique, connects people closely to the earth. Tall bamboo arches frame the grid-patterned roof, allowing natural light to filter through the gaps and reflect on the earthen walls, creating a sense of being embraced and secure as people move through the space.

Natural Elements Course

Using a modern, easily understandable approach, the Natural Elements Course integrates the elements of earth, water, fire, air, ether, and Krama. It shares the fundamental principles of traditional Tantra and Hatha Yoga, balancing through study (adhyayana), practice (sādhanā), and community (kula). This course helps each visitor restore their mind, body, and spirit.

• Ether is an abstract element, fundamentally meaning space, and is facilitated by the other four elements. The empty spaces in the body, such as the mouth, ear canals, and internal cavities, symbolize the presence of the space element. In yoga practice, maintaining these spaces is key to achieving a state of ease and spaciousness, referred to as ‘liberal.’
• In yoga, ‘krama’ is a Sanskrit term meaning ‘steps’ or ‘progression.’ It emphasizes practicing in a systematic and gradual manner, ensuring that each step is fully mastered before moving on to the next stage.”

Alchemy Academy offers a variety of plant-based culinary arts courses and retreats, including Level 1 and Level 2 Chef Certification, therapeutic detox retreats, raw chocolate courses, vegan cheese workshops, gluten-free baking courses, pop-up dining events, yoga, meditation, and more.

Alchemy Yoga Center embraces two essential elements of yoga: grounding and extending. With 100% natural materials and soft clay flooring, this is a place where Bali’s traditional dances and walks have been practiced for thousands of years. The traditional craftsmanship ensures that every step visitors take is closely connected to the earth, allowing the mind to rest and be reborn. It is a place that truly reaches deep into the heart.

In Bali, the old symbols of ‘sun, sea, and sand’ have gradually transformed into representations of serenity, spirituality, and sustainability.

This place attracts 95% of remote workers worldwide, who consider it their preferred workspace. The Indonesian Ministry of Tourism has introduced a new ‘Digital Nomad Visa’ (E33G visa) and extended its validity to five years, far surpassing other countries. Against this backdrop, in the future, travelers will be able to spend more leisurely time on the island, immerse themselves in the spiritual land, and experience profound spiritual journeys.