Bali has its own special brand of spiritual energy. Whether its healing, renewal and inspiration you seek, or some hard core Vinyasa flow to rinse you out, here are five of the best on the island, each with something special to offer.
Como Shambhala
The kingpin of the Bali wellbeing scene, this stunning estate set in the hills just to the north of Ubud has been the go-to health retreat for the rich, famous and conscious for many a year now and shows no sign of ever losing its mantle. Their holistic 360-degree approach includes signature Como massages, Ayurvedic therapies, beauty treatments as well as incredibly nutritious cuisine and daily activities involving hiking, climbing, cycling and more. Or you could just smuggle in a bottle of something expensive and bubbly and make the most of one of the island’s classiest villa resort setups. Oh, and did we mention the breath-taking view?
Como Shambhala, Banjar Begawan, Desa Melinggih Kelod, Payangan, Ubud, p. +62 361 978 888, e. CSestate@comohotels.com.
Prana Spa Seminyak
Prana Spa Seminyak
If heading into the hinterlands of Ubud isn’t your thing and you are after a mix of urban hedonism and spiritual rebalancing then Prana Yoga at the spa in the heart of Seminyak is where you should be heading. There’s a full array of yoga styles and classes to suit beginners through to advanced students whilst the adjacent spa is one of the best in Seminyak with some truly creative treatments including a private suite themed after the Arabian 1001 Nights and a host of other extremely luxurious indulgences. Accommodation is conveniently tucked around the back in The Villas and you’re only a five minute taxi ride into the heart of eat street and the best bars and clubs on the island. The best of both worlds.
Prana Spa, Jalan Kunti, Seminyak p. +62 361 730 840, e. spares@pranaspabali.com.
Fivelements
Fivelements
Perhaps the most spiritually enlightened retreat on the island, Fivelements is named after the five guiding principles of the Balinese way of life. As such a massive focus on the elements and harmonious existence is what makes Fivelements such a unique addition to the island’s wellbeing scene. The Bali Usada silent meditation retreat focuses on harmony of the mind with a full module on the Tapa Brata meditation technique whilst the Cuisine for Life retreat is a one of a kind gastronomical journey into a raw vegan diet with hands on classroom methodologies and a chef’s tasting menu in the Sakti dining room at the close of each day. The sacred River Agung beautifully situates the nine eco-luxurious villas with two waterfall suites being absolutely the best rooms to book. Fivelements is something completely unique and beautifully Balinese.
Fivelements, Puri Ahimsa Banjar Baturning, Mambal, Ubud, p. +62 361 469 260, e. contact@fivelements.org.
Jiwa Bikram Yoga
Jiwa Bikram Yoga
Jiwa Studios in Petitenget is something of an insider’s pick with seemingly every local expat in the area heading there at least once a week. Specialists in Bikram Yoga, the light spacious classrooms, western certified Bikram teachers and all the mod cons (not to mention a very reasonable pricing strategy) have helped Jiwa garner a fiercely loyal following. Most outside guests tend to stay just round the corner at W, and pop in for morning or evening classes. Those looking for the full 5-day retreat experience stay with host Angie Maricel at the Plataran Resort in Kerobokan and join two classes a day plus a farewell dinner on the last night at crowd favourite Biku. Word is there’s a new, more rustic styled Jiwa heading soon to Canggu, we’ll keep you posted.
Jiwa Bikram Yoga, Jl Petitenget 78, Seminyak, p. +62 361 841 3689, e. info@jiwabikramyogabali.com.
Yoga Barn
Yoga Barn
Love, inspiration, healing and renewal are the founding philosophies behind this incredibly successful holistic community centre in the heart of Ubud. Daily classes and workshops include Classical Hatha, Vinyasa Flow, Power, Pranayama, Restorative, Iyengar, Yin & Anusara. The barn also contains an established holistic healing centre with detox, cleansing and restorative therapies on offer. The ‘Yoga Buffet’ is the opportunity for everyone to experience Yoga regardless of ability or level whilst the onsite Garden Kafe and newly upgraded guest house provide a meeting place for like-minded practitioners and students.
Yoga Barn, Jalan Raya Pengosekan, Ubud, p. +62 361 971 236, e. info@theyogabarn.com.
Image: Como Shambhala
