Discover holistic healing, luxurious accommodation, and a transformative wellness experiences at Bali’s premier wellness retreat, COMO Shambhala Estate
It is common for healers and even psychologists to recommend you visualise and craft your idea of your own perfect or ideal day, and for me, as far as a solo day goes, every day at COMO Shambhala in Bali’s Ubud was it for me.
I checked into my luxurious Terrace Suite at COMO Shambhala Estate, a world-renowned wellness retreat nestled near Ubud, Bali’s cultural and spiritual heart. The moment you step of the plan in Bali, a warm, tropical coconut filled scent surrounds you- it is liberating to inhale.
This 40-room wellness sanctuary, is set across 23 lush, manicured acres overlooking the sacred Ayung Valley, and is more than just a wellness resort—this is a destination for holistic transformation and for healing, and one of the world’s most luxurious wellbeing retreats.
The retreat has been around for 26 years and has hosted some of the world’s biggest names including Julia Roberts, Chrissy Teigen, designer Donna Karan, John Legend, John Travolta, and Daniel Craig, all eager to experience the serenity and rejuvenation this retreat promises.
My favourite day during my stay included a quick run up the fairly steep hill to the gym and a workout in air conditioned comfort overlooking the spectacular green tropical jungle that is Ubud at 530am. I then went and had a coffee Kudus House, a 150-year-old Javanese residence – and the barista made coffee was excellent, a hot, rich chocolatey fragranced Balinese coffee blend. I had to have a second.
I then went back to my palatial room complete with indoor and outdoor shower, balcony and private day bed and enjoyed an outdoor shower – what an indulgence, in my private garden which was heavenly. After dressing, I went back to the breakfast room and sat again overlooking the spectacular view. The breakfast menu was vast and included various yogurt pots, juices, eggs, vegan vegetarian options and more – all made to order. There were daily specials and the black sticky rice with banana and coconut milk was incredible.
After a one hour walk around the vast property, I laid by my private pool, listening to the jungle cries of birds and far off monkeys, (each set of 4 villas shares their own pool, I was there solo. My room has three jars of home made biscuits and treats – all healthy and low cal and packed with fibre.Coconut water and other drinking options were in my fridge and included in my stay.
After some relaxed book reading, I headed down the very steep plant filled jungle valley down what felt like one thousand steps to the running creek through the forest and indulged in a basket full of healthy treats for lunch, followed by a plunge in the ice cold pool in the middle of the Ubud jungle. The freedom and the connection with nature I felt was palpable.
The day spa is world class as are the therapists. COMO have mastered the whole indoor/outdoor concept of a resort. My massage was simply out of this world, and one of the best I have had anywhere in the world. The spa has a wet and dry sauna, and after indulging, a plunge in the ice cold bath for 4.5 minutes left me feeling absolutely elated.
At dinner at Glow, the resort’s open-kitchen restaurant, most guests sat solo, and there was every fashion statement available from athleisure wear to evening dresses. I noted most guests were women. Plant based dining dominated the menu, but there were a few fish dishes and everything was healthy. Alcohol was on offer, but I wanted a real wellness break so chose not to drink.
With its rich history, top-notch wellness programs, and Eden-like setting, COMO Shambhala Estate offers a rare mix of indulgent relaxation and meaningful wellness. Below, I share my in-depth review of the experience in November 2025.
Overall Rating: 9/10
Location: 9/10
COMO Shambhala Estate’s setting is breathtaking. Located near Ubud, Bali’s spiritual hub, the estate sits on a ridge overlooking the Ayung Valley.
The jungle-clad slopes and terraced rice paddies stretch as far as the eye can see, creating an atmosphere of secluded tranquility. Morning mists rise from the valley, setting a meditative tone for the day, and the sounds of nature—from rustling leaves to birdsong—enhance the sense of peace.
The resort’s location is not just visually stunning; it is also spiritually significant. The Ayung River and nearby springs are considered sacred by the local Balinese, and the presence of temples and shrines imbues the area with a mystical energy.
Guided walks through nearby villages and excursions to holy water sites allow guests to connect deeply with Balinese culture, adding an enriching dimension to the wellness experience.
Rooms: 8.5/10
Designed by Singapore-based architect Cheong Yew Kuan and featuring interiors by Koichiro Ikebuchi, the rooms at COMO Shambhala Estate are 26 years old but still embody tranquility.
Each suite, villa, and residence feels distinctly Balinese and showcases local stone, wood, and traditional alang-alang thatched roofs, blending harmoniously with the natural surroundings.
The Terrace Suite, my temporary home, was spacious (80 square meters), with towering windows flooding the space with natural light.
Dark wood furnishings and neutral tones enhanced the calming atmosphere, while the outdoor deck provided sweeping views of the lush jungle, perfect for quiet contemplation or morning meditation.
The queen-sized bed, swathed in mosquito netting, brought a calming feel to evenings, while the bathroom was a vast sanctuary in itself, with double wardrobes, 2 copper sinks, a freestanding bathtub with shower, and COMO Shambhala’s Invigorate amenities.
An insider tip is that for travellers seeking a true retreat experience, the two villas closest to the spa—Taramala and Vasudara—offer quicker access to the wellness facilities.
However if like me, clocking up your steps is a priority, request the villas furthest from the restaurant and spa, and consider a long morning walk outside the COMO gates to see real Balinese life waking up.
And, if you’re here in a large group, the estate’s five expansive residences offer shared lounges and private infinity pools, ideal for larger groups.
Food and Beverage: 9/10
At COMO Shambhala, the dining experience is focussed on wellness and balance. The retreat’s signature COMO Shambhala Cuisine focuses on organic, seasonal ingredients with a field-to-fork ethos that celebrates freshness.
Breakfast at Kudus House, a 150-year-old Javanese residence repurposed into a restaurant, was a daily highlight. The menu is a well-curated mix of health-conscious options and comforting classics, ensuring all dietary preferences are catered to with changing daily specials.
From superfood-packed smoothie bowls to heartier options like Nasi Lemak and Bubur Injin (a delightful black rice porridge), each dish is crafted to nourish both body and soul.
The detox options, such as flaxseed crepes with cinnamon cashews and coconut yogurt pots with mango, were as delicious as they were nutritious.
Meanwhile, Glow, the resort’s open-kitchen restaurant, serves international fare with a wellness twist—think club sandwiches with avocado, sprout, and watercress, and zucchini waffles topped with smoked salmon.
No matter what you order, the food is delicious and you certainly do not feel hungry during a stay.
Whether sipping kimchi juice shots in the morning or indulging in freshly brewed espresso with an Indonesian twist at dinner, each meal was a sensory experience that nourished me but was enjoyable.
Style: 9/10
Combining authentic Indonesian design with a modern wellness ethos, COMO Shambhala Estate exudes understated luxury. The architecture, which draws on traditional materials and Balinese aesthetics, feels timeless. Alang-alang thatched roofs, locally sourced stone, and wood are all used thoughtfully, creating a design that respects and enhances the natural surroundings.
COMO’s aesthetic approach emphasises subtlety over opulence, with interiors that foster calmness and serenity. The spaces blend seamlessly with the outdoors, often bringing the jungle into view through large windows, open decks, and light-filled pavilions.
This refined style supports the resort’s mission to offer not just a retreat, but an escape into a realm of natural beauty and peace.
Wellness: 9.5/10
At the heart of COMO Shambhala Estate is its dedication to wellness, offering a comprehensive approach that addresses the physical, mental, and spiritual.
Led by wellness director Kimberly Rose Kneier, (who spoke with Renae’s World’s podcast recently )who specialises in traditional Chinese healing, the retreat offers personalised programs that blend ancient therapies with modern technology.
The treatment menu includes Ayurvedic therapies, acupuncture, sound healing, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy, alongside familiar and more traditional favourites like Pilates, yoga, and hydrotherapy.
Signature treatments like the COMO Shambhala massage, which combines eucalyptus, lavender, and peppermint essential oils, are designed to soothe post-travel tension and stress.
The holistic healing program here is transformative, with an emphasis on sustainable lifestyle changes rather than quick fixes.
Final Thoughts
COMO Shambhala Estate is more than just a luxury wellness resort; it’s a destination for true transformation. With its blend of indulgence, serenity, and spiritual depth, it attracts guests from around the globe who yearn for a reset.
Every element, from the thoughtfully designed rooms to the nutrient-rich cuisine and life-changing wellness programs, is crafted to support a holistic healing journey.
COMO Shambhala Estate offers an unrivalled retreat experience—one where luxury meets spiritual healing in a setting of breathtaking natural beauty. Whether you’re there for a few days of relaxation or a longer stay dedicated to lifestyle change, this Edenic sanctuary provides an unforgettable escape to reconnect, rejuvenate, and restore.
If you’re ready to experience one of the world’s finest wellness retreats, COMO Shambhala Estate awaits—a hidden paradise where health, beauty, and inner peace converge.
What Renae says about Como Shambhala, in Bali’s Ubud:
Who should Stay Here: Anyone who loves nature, calm, pampering and going within.
Who shouldn’t Stay Here: Anyone who does not love inner work and healing.
Location: In the jungle of Ubud in Bali.
Best Culinary Delight: The changing daily specials at breakfast
The Highlight: The massages – some of the best in the world.
The lowlight: Leaving – this is heaven.
Insider Secret: The spa is being renovated very soon.
To hear more about the wellness programs at COMO Shambhala Estate in Bali, this is the podcast with Kimberly Rose wellness director at COMO Shambhala Estate:
