Ketut Ariana

Ketut was born in a village just outside Ubud, the second son of a family of rice farmers. He took his first yoga class at 19 while working at a guesthouse, trained as a teacher a few years later and has taught in the Ubud area for fifteen years. He also qualified as a licensed guide, because guests kept asking him about the ceremonies they passed on the way to class.

His style is classical hatha with some steady vinyasa: clear alignment, long holds and plenty of time for breathing. He teaches with humour and patience, and he often connects a practice to something in daily Balinese life, such as the morning offerings or the rhythm of work in the rice terraces.

Ketut leads Ubud Morning Practice at Rumah Tirta Retreat Centre, sharing the week with Amara Osei. Most days start with his 06:30 class in the open-sided shala while it is still cool, followed by breakfast. On the second day he guides a visit to the Tirta Empul water temple, explaining what the purification ritual means and how to take part respectfully if you choose to. Sarongs are provided. Later in the week he leads a sunrise walk through the rice terraces and a workshop where you make canang sari, the small palm-leaf offerings you see on every doorstep.

Beginners can join every class. Ketut demonstrates each pose slowly, explains it in plain English and walks the room offering blocks and adjustments, always asking first. If the heat or an early start catches up with you, sitting out a class is normal and nobody will mind. On temple visits, nobody is expected to join the ritual; watching quietly is completely welcome.

Outside SOLARA weeks Ketut teaches public classes in Ubud, guides small cultural tours around Gianyar and helps organise ceremonies in his home village, where he still lives with his extended family. He is also the person SOLARA calls when a guest wants to understand a ceremony they have been invited to.