Head to any of these top 10 retreats for some R&R and, of course, to get your downward dog on
Indonesia’s most popular island destination is known for its luminous green rice paddies, volcanic mountains, beautiful beaches and rich cultural offerings. It’s also a hotspot for avid and aspiring yogis, as well as those in search of wellness escapes.
1. Fivelements
Fivelements’ eco-conscious approach allows guests to reap the rewards of a personalised organic-healing programme. Balinese healing traditions are practised within the resort, whose design blends the natural world with the spiritual to create an ambience that supports an integrated wellness experience.
2. Soulshine Bali
Situated in the heart of Bali’s spiritual capital Ubud, Soulshine Bali is committed to the local community and building a greener future. Its dedication to that is complemented by its chic surroundings and uncomplicated approach to both physical and spiritual healing.
3. Naya Ubud
Surrounded by the picturesque rice fields of Ubud, Naya offers both a relaxing yoga retreat and a space to gain personal development. Under the yoga shala, there is a secluded space where guests can sit and reflect, and if they so wish, add their writings to a wall of poems and prayers.
4. Azadi Retreat
Placing strong emphasis on yogic principles, Azadi Retreat is where you can learn to become a yoga teacher through exclusive training, or take part in a retreat in a secluded yoga shala, set among endless rice paddies.
5. Como Shambhala
The Como Shambhala resort offers one of the best wellbeing experiences in Bali, thanks to its attention to detail during completely personalised retreats. Whether you are practising yoga in a shala overlooking the Payangan Village valley, finding peace during meditation or lapping up the intricately prepared cuisine, the resort staff will be on hand to provide for your needs.
6. Uluwatu Surf Villas
While not purely a wellness retreat, guests will find that practising yoga daily in a beautifully restored teak pavilion and surfing the remarkable breaks along the coast is all the healing they require.
7. Sukhavati
Located just north-west of Denpasar, Sukhavati offers a calm that is in stark contrast to the bustling capital of Bali. It practises ancient Ayurvedic and Vedic healing arts, which heavily influence its variety of wellness programmes. Private pool villas and gourmet Ayurvedic cuisine complement an already luxurious experience.
8. Desa Seni Resort
Desa Seni is the result of a mission to create a wholly original Indonesian village, which saw fruition in the form of this outstanding resort. A range of yoga classes – from Ashtanga to Tantra – are taught here; all are set in a dreamscape of antique homes and traditional pavilions.
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9. Floating Leaf
Offering an eco-friendly yet luxury-orientated experience, Floating Leaf is renowned as an open-air yoga sanctuary with stunning views of the Indian Ocean and the towering Mount Agung. With a focus on balanced wellness, the resort offers a truly holistic experience.
10. Kura Kura Yoga Retreat
Kura Kura Yoga Retreat, set among antique Javanese-style houses on the edge of the Indian Ocean near Seminyak, offers both yoga retreats and a space for yoga teachers to host their own getaways. Its appeal lies in its close connection with nature.
– TEXT BY TIFFANY ESLICK
PHOTOS: FIVELEMENTS FACEBOOK, SOULSHINE BALI FACEBOOK, NAYA UBUD FACEBOOK, COMO SHAMBHALA ESTATE BALI FACEBOOK, ULUWATU SURF VILLAS, TOMMY SCHULTZ, SUKHAVATI AYURVEDIC RETREAT & SPA BALI FACEBOOK, FLOATING LEAF ECO-LUXURY RESORT FACEBOOK, KURA KURA YOGA RETREAT BALI BEACH FACEBOOK
This article was originally published by Singapore Press Holdings.
