Riverside yoga, personalised massages and wholesome gourmet dining: welcome to our roundup of Ubud’s best wellness retreats.
With its eclectic art scene, quirky cafés and focus on all-round wellbeing, Ubud has fast become the wellness capital of Bali. Yogis come for their fix of sunrise stretches, health-food fanatics will always find a new vegan hot spot to try and spa savants can take their pick of luxurious treatments.
If you’re looking for an escape with a touch of tropical TLC, check out our pick of Ubud’s best wellness retreats and experiences.
Viceroy Bali
This intimate, family-run hotel has garnered multiple awards for its personalised take on wellness (including being named Best Luxury Resort in Asia at the World Luxury Hotel Awards 2021). Sitting on a steep ravine, overlooking the Petanu Valley, Viceroy Bali is surrounded by rich Balinese jungle but is just five minutes from the centre of bustling Ubud.
Treatments at the onsite spa have been meticulously developed using Western knowledge and traditional, time-honoured Balinese wellness techniques. Succumb to serenity with a Four Hands Harmony massage, where two expert therapists use synchronised strokes to promote relaxation and wellbeing. The spa packages take things to a new level, combining treatments with warm flower baths, jacuzzi sessions and cleansing fresh juices. Balance out all that relaxation with wholesome activities like yoga, guided trekking and cycling.
Sanctoo Suites & Villas
Escape the everyday at this secluded slice of Balinese heaven, located 30 minutes outside the centre of Ubud. The views alone are enough to promote a deeper sense of wellbeing; the resort overlooks lush tropical jungle and Bali Zoo’s stunning Savannah exhibit, home to exotic African wildlife.
Unique healing treatments are tailored to each individual at the spa, where you can book in for holistic hot stone massages, organic black tea facials and more. Resort activities are designed to bring you closer to nature and provide an insight into Bali’s fascinating culture. Embark on a guided trek through the rice paddies, hire mountain bikes or take part in a Balinese cleansing ceremony and blessing.
Kayumanis Ubud Private Villa & Spa
Hidden within a tropical forest overlooking the Ayung River, Kayumanis Ubud Private Villa & Spa radiates tranquility, while only five minutes from the artists' village of Ubud. Stay in one of just 23 secluded villas, each one a private sanctuary with personalised butler service.
Sensory indulgence is guaranteed at the spa, which is elevated over the river and surrounded by lush greenery. Feel at one with nature as you enjoy the refreshing breeze from a thatched treatment pavilion, where expert therapists offer signature massages, herbal compresses and more. Market tours and cooking lessons will introduce you to wholesome Balinese fare, while yoga and meditation by the river calm mind, body and spirit.
The Purist Villas and Spa
It’s all in the name: The Purist Villas and Spa is a place of pure indulgence. Surrounded by Ubud’s rice paddies, it feels worlds away from day-to-day life, while being only five minutes from the centre of town.
The Purist Spa sits elevated over the sparkling swimming pool and offers a range of specialised Ayurveda treatments. Often referred to as the ‘sister science to yoga’, Ayurveda aims to keep mind and body balanced and healthy. Complement treatments by joining one of the resort’s yoga sessions, with both beginner and advanced options available.
Tanah Gajah, a Resort by Hadiprana
Escape to the undulating hills of Ubud to find sumptuous serenity among 12 acres of verdant rice paddies at Tanah Gajah, a Resort by Hadiprana. As the former estate of Hendra Hadiprana, one of Indonesia’s most respected art collectors, the resort places tranquility at its forefront, with lotus ponds and reflection pools scattered amid its 20 villas and suites.
Treatments await at the spa’s paddy-facing suites, where talented therapists offer jade massages, classic Indonesian bathing rituals and deep-conditioning remedies. Take in views of sacred Mt Agung from the 25-metre swimming pool, immerse yourself in the world of Balinese Kecak dance or join a wholesome farm-to-table culinary experience with the resort’s Executive Chef.
