I tried Mauna, a Nyepi-inspired wellness retreat at The Apurva Kempinski Bali. Here’s my experience, and why it’s setting a new standard for Bali’s wellness scene.
In recent years, Bali has truly upped its wellness game. But what sets the island apart as one of the world’s leading destinations for wellness tourism? The seamless blend of culture and luxury. The Apurva Kempinski Bali, a five-star resort in Nusa Dua, is a shining example of that, especially with its new holistic wellness program.
The brainchild of Apurva Spa’s Director, Ira Maharani Putri, Mauna – The Art of Silence centres on four pillars of wellness: mindfulness, movement, nourishment, and sleep. Inspired by Bali’s sacred Day of Silence, Nyepi, the retreat embraces the same philosophy: eliminating external distractions to help you tune inward.
I recently had the pleasure of immersing in Mauna at The Apurva Kempinski Bali. Here’s my day-by-day look at what this three-day restorative journey involves. It might just be your sign to hit pause and reset…
Day 1 of Mauna: Self-Awareness & Nourishment
First things first – check-in. As one of Bali’s top luxury resorts, The Apurva Kempinski’s concierge team has perfected the process. Everything felt seamless and stress-free, exactly as it should for a wellness-focused stay.
I then made my way to my Cliff Private Pool Junior Suite, where my Mauna essentials awaited: a journal with guided prompts, a mala meditation necklace, calming incense, and seven chakra stones.
Though my private plunge pool was calling my name, I headed to the opening ceremony led by Ira. We began with a mindful body-scanning ritual to connect with how we felt at the start of the retreat. The session closed with Mauna Meditation. I have to admit: meditation isn’t usually my thing, but Ira’s soothing voice made it surprisingly easy to embrace the stillness.
Dinner that evening was a rijsttafel-style feast at Pala Rooftop, celebrating Indonesia’s vibrant culinary heritage with nourishing dishes: vegetable soup, grilled or boiled proteins, fresh fruits, and traditional jamu elixirs.
Back in my suite, I found a thoughtful turndown surprise: a sleep mask and lavender pillow spray from Utama Spice (one of my favourite Bali brands). It was a lovely touch to conclude my first day of the retreat.
Day 2 of Mauna: Movement, Mindfulness & Deep Rest
The second day of the retreat began at sunrise in the Apurva Chapel — a stunning glass-walled space overlooking Nusa Dua Beach. With ocean sounds as the soundtrack, I flowed through yoga and breathwork. Movement is my kind of therapy, and this was honestly one of the most serene settings for a mindful practice.
After a plant-forward brunch and free-flow immune booster shots, the focus shifted to the next wellness pillar: sleep. As someone who struggles with insomnia, this was the part I’d been waiting for. Australia’s leading sleep expert, Olivia Arezzolo, joined us for the day. With over 14 years of experience, she unpacked the science of sleep, shared practical tips for quality rest, and guided a soothing sleep meditation.
The afternoon continued with a deep sleep and tension-release treatment at Apurva Spa. I started with breathwork, followed by a therapeutic deep tissue massage that worked out every knot. From the 15th-floor with its sky-high views, even napping felt luxurious.
Our final dinner was at Bai Yun Restaurant, where the chef’s signature Chinese hot pot was reimagined with wellness in mind, using restorative broths, organic meats, premium seafood, and seasonal vegetables.
Returning to my suite, I found another thoughtful setup: chamomile tea, dried rosella, and a lavender-salt bath waiting to help me wind down. Safe to say, I had one of the best nights of sleep in a long time.
Day 3 of Mauna: Purification & Gratitude
Before I knew it, it was the final day of Mauna. We began with an oceanfront meditation, followed by a water purification ceremony (Melukat) and temple prayers at nearby Geger Beach. It was the perfect way to blend Balinese spirituality with the retreat’s luxury wellness focus.
The closing ceremony brought us back to where it all began, tying everything together with mindful, self-reflection.
My final thoughts
Mauna at The Apurva Kempinski Bali delivers exactly what it promises: a holistic, Nyepi-inspired retreat grounded in mindfulness, movement, nourishment, and rest. It’s a powerful antidote to the noise of modern life — three blissful days of silence, introspection, and self-care.
Retreat duration: Multiple days. I’d recommend at least three days to really immerse in silence.
What to wear: Comfortable clothing for activities, smart casual outfits for dining.
Insider tips:
- Mauna is available daily through Apurva Spa.
- Share your wellness goals with the spa team for a personalised program.
- Give yourself a day or two after the retreat to ease back into normal life – you’ll want time to process and integrate the calm.
- Embrace the silence, even if it feels awkward at first. Stillness creates space for clarity and self-connection.
- Pack light, but intentionally. Bring clothes that make you feel relaxed and free. Comfort over fashion wins here.
Ready to step into silence?