Dubbed the ‘Island of the Gods’ it’s not difficult to see why so many find respite in Bali's emerald hills - tranquillity in her mist-clung jungles, solace in ancient temples. The spiritual heart of the island, Yoga capital Ubud is where the world’s elite come to get their om-on, but with dedicated yoga rooms, decks with to-die-for views and sprawling lawns leading down to wind-swept shorelines, the island’s private villas now offer tailored yoga-focused retreats for those looking for the ultimate detox. Why not hire a private instructor for a sunrise salutation, meditate in your private jungle palapa, soothe aching muscles with an in-villa spa treatment or have your chef prepare a post workout snack? Here's our pick of the best retreats for yogis looking to indulge both body and mind.
1. San Villa
Just moments from Ubud’s central market and famous Royal Palace, San Villa is an oasis of serenity set amid a sea of luxuriant rice fields and lush tropical gardens. Accommodating 12 across six bedrooms nestled around a 25m lap pool, this spacious villa is perfect for health conscious friends - boasting its own meditation terrace with sweeping jungle views and private instructor on request. Just outside the compound, Ubud begs to be discovered, rich in cultural treasures, as well as art, superb spas and shopping.
2. Villa Malaathina
Set on a 5,000-square-metre estate, this 7 bedroom villa has a stunning 25-metre lap pool, choice of open-air and indoor living, dining and bar areas, dedicated yoga room and state-of-the-art gym, sleek Teppanyaki pavilion and enormous air-conditioned library. Set on a quiet lane in a peaceful hamlet near the village of Umalas, typified by local Balinese houses and temples, with a smattering of private villas and rice fields, the villa is a bucolic retreat only 1km from bustling Jalan Raya Semer with its local and international cafés.
3. The Istana
Boasting a stunning cliff-top setting, spectacular ocean views, expansive living space, and a 32-metre cliff-edge pool this extravagant villa is set high on the coveted coast of The Bukit - a few kilometres from the revered Uluwatu temple and a stroll to Sulamben beach. Five large bedrooms make this an ideal venue for a fantastic family holiday, while sweeping views of the Indian Ocean from the poolside bale make for a splendid sunset yoga setting.
4. Kaba Kaba Estate
A sprawling estate, this regal retreat is ideal for yogis who want to indulge their every whim. Located in Bali's Tabanan regency, explore three acres of palm-shaded gardens in which to set down your yoga mat, with spectacular views out over the sea of emerald rice terraces to distant, cloud clung volcanoes rising from the horizon. A series of individual pavilions house eight bedrooms, a home theatre, games room, library, gym, spa, tennis court. At the edge of the sleepy Balinese village of Kaba Kaba - one of the prettiest on the island- the surrounding rice fields and neighbourhoods are awaiting discovery, providing endless opportunities for walking or cycling on the bikes provided.
5. Como Shambala Wanakasa
This Residence—whose name means Forest in the Mist—sits perched among the trees, the semi-circular edge of its private pool echoing the bend of the Ayung River 100 metres below. Columns made from wide trunks of bingkirai trees support the main living pavilion and pool while teak floors and ironwood-shingle roofs provide the atmosphere of a five-star treehouse. COMO Shambhala Estate provides an immersive, 360-degree wellbeing experience, from comprehensive treatments, to daily yoga as well as adventure and cultural discovery being central to their holistic approach.
6. Alila Ubud Terrace Tree Villa
A verdant hillside resort one mile from the village below, Alila Ubud owes its inspiration to traditional Balinese life. Set above the breezy jungle canopy, privacy meets luxury in their tree villas, all offering panoramic views of the valley below, the River Ayung and ring of surrounding volcanoes. Yoga and Tai Chi classes are offered on a weekly schedule while the resort’s spa is one of it’s biggest assets - with all products made bespoke from natural, local ingredients.
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