Review: COMO Shambhala Estate
Everyone knows that the COMO Shambhala Estate is the mack daddy of feeling good. But how good exactly? Our journalistic integrity compelled us to try it out for ourselves… read on for the honest-to-goodness deets.
We’ve said it once and we’ll say it again: this residential health retreat in Ubud is super luxe. Come on, a 23-acre site with a natural spring known for its healing properties? Resident experts that run the gamut from Yoga Master, Ayurvedic Doctor, and Nutritionist to teachers in Tai’Chi, Qigong, and other martial arts? This Destination Spa of the Year also has a Vitality pool, private treatment areas beside the River Ayung, indoor and outdoor gyms, a climbing wall, yoga pavilion, and Pilates studio? This one has it all!
Image by Suasti Lye
We started each morning with breakfast served in our suite. A real highlight for us was the Real Toast – toast made of 100% raw food like nuts and seeds. There’s also a selection of pure, fresh juice made daily – served without ice so you can take your time on breakfast without worrying about diluted juice. We love that they think about the little details!
Speaking of details… we also had our own private butler, whom we LOVED. You’ll be in full holiday mode with someone to coordinate your schedule and pre-book your treatments for you.
Post-breakfast you’ll want to spend some time in your own infinity pool, or relax in your own steam room before hitting the outdoor shower. If you’re looking for some real indulgence, hit up the modern spa (it is COMO Shambhala). We had the Shambhala massage, similar to a Swedish massage – except waaay better.
If you’re craving some action, you can hit the mountain bike, go hiking, or whitewater rafting. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head back for a nutritious meal at the award-winning Glow restaurant– it is a health retreat – or if you’re extra ravenous, feast on Indonesian dishes at Kudus House.
A real point of difference is that the COMO Shambhala Estate also actively supports the local school and community in the village nearby. We actually witnessed the General Manager of the Estate, Paul Linder, clearing the roads of rubbish with the locals. Two thumbs up!
Overall we left feeling thoroughly relaxed and cleansed. There’s something about COMO Shambhala (the gorgeous food? the serene locale?) that got us feeling refreshed and ready to tackle city life again… but not before we booked in for our second trip.