It makes sense that if you were looking to reconnect with your spiritual side and nourish your inner Zen, you’d head to Bali – which also goes by the moniker ‘Island of the Gods’. Thanks to its deeply spiritual culture and a spectacular backdrop of azure seas and shimmering terraced paddies, Bali has become something of a Mecca for yogis from all over the world.
The island is home to more than its fair share of retreat centres, with offerings ranging from chic drop-in studios and rustic retreats, to lavish high-end resorts that specialise in detox, cleanse and wellness programmes. For active visitors who want to make the most of Bali’s outdoors, there’s a range of establishments offering dual surf and yoga packages, too. We’ve rounded up 10 of Bali’s best yoga centres for you to indulge in everything from powerful sun salutation sequences to blissful shavasanas.
The Yoga Barn: An international reputation
Ask almost any well-travelled yogi about the best yoga centres to visit in Bali, and the answer they’ll come back to you with will almost certainly include something about The Yoga Barn. Situated in Ubud – Bali’s spiritual centre and chief cultural hub – this establishment offers a plethora of packages, from yoga classes and teacher training courses to holistic healing treatments and detox programmes.
In terms of yoga styles and traditions, the breadth of options here is endless, with classes encompassing strong Vinyasa flow, classical Hatha and soothing Yin. There’s also yoga with weights, tai chi and Iyengar sessions to incorporate into your vacation. As a result, a trip to The Yoga Barn is a wonderful solution if you’re looking for inspiration to refresh your yoga practice back home. If you’re looking to chill our after an energetic day on the mat, there’s also a wealth of heavenly healing treatments to choose from. The hot stone massage in particular is to die for.
Essential info:
Web: www.theyogabarn.com
Tel: +62361 971 236
Address: Jalan Raya Pengosekan, 80571, Ubud
Facebook: www.facebook.com/theyogabarn
Instagram: theyogabarn
Taksu Yoga: A multi-faceted experience
The small, intimate classes at Ubud’s Taksu yoga centre make this the perfect destination if you’re looking for personal attention and guidance to help you build up your own practice. The centre runs a selection of teacher training programmes too, offering slightly different curriculums depending on what aspects you’re keen to focus on throughout the course.
The lavish spa forms the heart of Taksu, with the signature treatments such as the Boreh hot spice body wrap or Balinese exotic floral bath offering the perfect solution for unwinding after a physically challenging day of yoga. For sustenance, head town to the Taman Taksu Garden Café – a blissful open-air dining area nestled within the forest. A range of local dishes are available – but the glorious treats that emerge from the woodfired pizza oven might be our favourite.
Essential info:
Web: www.taksuyoga.com
Tel: +62361 971 490
Address: Jalan Goutama Selatan, Ubud, Bali 80571
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TaksuUbudBali
Instagram: taksuspa
Ubud Yoga House: Off the beaten track
If you’re searching for more of an intimate experience that’s truly cut off from the hustle and bustle of Ubud’s tourist trail, then get down to the Ubud Yoga House. Sit down in the yoga pavilion for your first class, and you’ll be greeted by lush emerald views of shimmering rice paddies that have become synonymous with central Balinese landscapes.
Perhaps one of the best things about this charming rustic retreat is that the classes are very much student-centred, so you can go at your own pace without straying from the rhythm of your unique flow. Thanks to its quaint, intimate vibe, Ubud Yoga House is also a great retreat if you’re looking to socialise with other yoga lovers from around the world. The centre also offers a Yoga Alliance-certified teacher training course.
Essential info:
Web: www.ubudyogahouse.com
Tel: +6208214 4181 058
Address: 80571 Ubud (overlooking the rice terraces on the path to Sari organic restaurant)
Facebook: www.facebook.com/UbudYogaHouse
Instagram: ubudyogahouse
The Jungle Room: Take a moment to breathe
For travellers searching for a studio they can pop into for an hour’s class whilst they’re on a beach-hopping tour of Bali, the guided sessions offered by The Jungle Room in Canggu provide the perfect solution. Visitors can choose from a colourful programme of classes, from Smiling Heart sessions that are aimed at surfers to Vinyasa flow classes for those who really want to get a sweat on.
Like many of Bali’s other yoga studios, you can expect to roll out your mat in a spacious, outdoor sala that’s surrounded by greenery, helping you to feel at one with nature as you practice. If you’re feeling peckish after class, head over to the breakfast and juice bar for a meal that will set you up a treat for the rest of the day.
Essential info:
Web: www.jungleroombali.com
Tel: +62812 3969 6629
Address: jl. Raya Uma Buluh 14, 80351 Badung, Bali, Indonesia
Facebook: www.facebook.com/jungleroombali
Instagram: JungleRoom Bali
Seminyak Yoga Shala: The jewel in Kuta’s crown
Situated within the bustling resort town of Kuta, the Seminyak Yoga Shala is another peaceful haven for visitors staying nearby who want to dedicate an hour or so to searching for their inner zen – if all the beach time simply isn’t enough.
Unlike many of the yoga studios on our list, this indoor centre offers a serene, light-filled space for yoga practice. There’s a range of classes on the programme, including Hatha, Ashtanga and Vinyasa flow. If you’re in the market for some stylish new yoga-wear, the studio is also attached to a shop is jam-packed full of colourful goodies.
Essential info:
Web: www.seminyakyogashala.com
Tel: 0361 730 498
Address: Jalan Raya Basangkasa, no. 1200B, Kuta, Bali
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SeminyakYogaShala
Instagram: seminyakyogashala
Surf Goddess Retreats: Heart of the action
Surf Goddess Retreats is savvy platform provides a hub for health-conscious women to book a retreat-style vacation that’s tailored to their fitness regime and goals. There’s a range of action-packed programmes available, including the fit goddess packages, Bali goddess retreats and surf goddess retreats. The activities are aimed at both seasoned yoga pros and surfer chicks, to absolute beginners, as well as solo travellers.
If you’re into water sports, there’s the chance to take part in both surfing and SUP (stand up paddle boarding) sessions. Partnered with Bali’s Rip Curl School of Surf, the coaching sessions available at this centre are lively, refreshing and fun and instructors provide individual attention and feedback to help you build up your skills.
Designed to cater to the full gamut of fitness levels, the daily yoga classes on this retreat take place in the breezy open-air yoga shala, which is set amidst fragrant frangipani gardens. A variety of yoga traditions are taught through the classes, so this retreat is ideal if you’re looking to challenge yourself with a new style or stretch.
Essential info:
Web: www.surfgoddessretreats.com/surf-sup-yoga-retreat/
Tel: +6189467 9887
Address: Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia 80361
Facebook: www.facebook.com/theorigainlgoddessretreats
Instagram: goddessretreats
Power Of Now Oasis: Sanur’s peaceful oasis
Situated in tranquil Sanur, Power Of Now Oasis offers two kinds of retreat programmes: the yoga and meditation package or the yoga and water sports retreat. However, visitors often like to pick and choose from the wealth of activities available in order to create a unique wellness experience that suits their own requirements.
For the ultimate relaxing experience, the eight-day yoga and meditation retreat begins with a memorable Balinese blessing ceremony. There’s also a private consultation with an Ayurveda specialist who can suggest ways on how to take what you learn at the retreat and integrate that into your day-to-day life. Unlimited yoga and meditation sessions offer the basis of the retreat, but guests are left with plenty of time to chill out in the herbal steam room or try out a session of chi machine therapy for skeletal and muscular relaxation. The floatation tank in the private pool area is the cherry on the cake.
Essential info:
Web: www.powerofnowoasis.com
Tel: 0878 6153 4535
Address: Jl. Merta Sari, Sanur, Bali 80224
Facebook: www.facebook.com/PowerOfNowOasis
Instagram: powerofnowoasis
Blooming Lotus Yoga: Getting in touch with your spiritual side
Depending on how much time you have to dedicate to a yoga retreat, Ubud’s Blooming Lotus Yoga has a selection of useful options, including four and seven-day programmes. The retreat also offers a Yoga Alliance-certified 200 hour teacher training course for visitors looking to immerse themselves more deeply in the yogic lifestyle.
However, the real jewel in the crown of this yoga centre is its silent meditation retreats. These courses are marketed as an opportunity for the individual to delve deeper into their inner reflections, taking the time to slow down and examine some of the big questions. If you fancy taking part in one of Blooming Lotus’s silent retreats, you can look forward to a gentle stretch in a morning Hatha yoga class, followed later by evening Dharma talks and daily sessions of classful Yoga Nidra – yogic sleep. There are three meditation sessions per day as well.
Essential info:
Web: www.blooming-lotus-yoga.com
Tel: +62813 3956 0670
Address: Blooming Lotus Yoga, Ubud, Bali 80571
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BloomingLotusYogaRetreat
Instagram: bloominglotusyoga
The Chillhouse: Canggu’s ultimate active adventure
As if surfing and yoga wasn’t enough, The Chillhouse has mountain biking thrown into the mix too. Situated on the southern shore of Bali in Canggu, this action-packed retreat centre is a perfect complement to the laid-back, old-school hippie vibe of the town. Visitors staying at The Chillhouse can look forward to a succession of delicious organic meals, all designed to help you power through the physical demands of the retreat. Much of the fresh produce used is grown locally, too, so you can surf happy in the knowledge that you’re supporting local farmers as you chow down on your meal.
There are two spacious yoga salas at The Chillhouse, which form the perfect setting for a powerful, energizing practice. A range of yoga styles are taught here, including Vinyasa flow, Kundalini, Hatha and relaxing Yin. The surfing side of the retreat is similarly impressive, and it’s worth noting that The Chillhouse is affiliated with Bali Local Surf School. Beginner and intermediate classes are available daily.
Essential info:
Web: www.thechillhouse.com
Tel: +62812 3958 3056
Address: Jl. Kubu Manyar No.22, Banjar Pipitan, Canggu, 80361 Bali
Facebook: www.facebook.com/thechillhouse
Instagram: thechillhouse
Zen Resort: Bali’s ultimate northern escape
If you’re seeking a once-in-a-lifetime, soul-searching and personal discovery retreat with a view, Zen Resort Bali could well be the place you’ve been looking for. This luxury establishment is situated on the remote northern coast of Singaraja, with the stunning jungle trekking and bird-watching opportunities of Mundak nearby.
Zen Resort offers a plethora of tailored packages based on your overall health aims – whether that’s simply to relax and cut off from the outside world, or to go on an intensive cleansing programme. Each package kicks off with an individual consultation with the centre’s ayurvedic and naturopathy doctors, who will put together a bespoke programme based on your personal health and fitness goals.
For those who opt into the yoga programme, each day begins with a sunrise yoga class. The sessions here cater to a variety of levels, and you can choose to take part in a private or group session. Soaking up the morning calm within the breath-taking Avani yoga pavilion or on the Nivanam treetop terrace is one of this resort’s true highlights. If you’re keen to explore outside of the complex, the Banjar Hot Springs and Vihara Temple are also nearby.
Essential info:
Web: www.zenresortbali.com
Tel: +62362 93578
Address: Zen Resort Bali, PO Box 18, Ds. Ume Anyar, Seririt, Singaraja, Bali
Facebook: www.facebook.com/zenresortbali
Instagram: zenresortbali
