Guide To Your Healthy Escape To Ubud

Bali continues to define the Indonesian archipelago's global allure. And as the cultural shift toward slower, considered and wellness-driven sojourns that prioritise health and restoration, Bali is poised as a leading travel destination for the modern explorer. This evolution of 'Bali trip' into a world-class, health-focused retreat is deeply aligned with the idyll of the Australian holiday-seeker, and Ubud is no exception. 

At Bali's epicentre, Ubud is the beating heart of culture in the Balinese community. Its verdant pastures and panoramic natural views make it a deeply atmospheric and haven-like retreat away from the bustle of busier regions. If you're searching for a paradisiacal stay, complete with tailored self-care modalities and endless opportunities to enhance wellbeing, Ubud is a lush location summoning your next travel plans. Here, we bypass your travel planning and detail the best accommodation, training and wellness activities for the ultimate faraway journey (back to oneself). 

WHERE TO STAY

Tanah Gajah, a Resort by Hadiprana

Nestled in a secluded, private estate set upon undulating Balinese hills, Tanah Gajah is a resort by Hadiprana. The deeply grounding haven comprises 24 self-contained villas and suites spread across a slow-living landscape of six-hectare gardens and abundant rice fields. Tanah Gajah is 38 kilometres from Ngurah Rai International Airport, 35 kilometres from Seminyak Beach and 4.3 kilometres from Ubud Centre.

The architecture, landscaping and interior design vision were brought to life by Mr Hendra Hadiprana. The intention? Create a hideaway that allows for complete sensory immersion and personal recalibration. Marvel at local artefacts from the hailed Hadiprana collection throughout the property, and expect every suite or villa across the resort to celebrate the best of Balinese design. The art-laden units will delight romantic duos and active nomads alike, with suites overlooking the ponds and gardens of Tanah Gajah. From pool villas to family villas and an ultra-indulgent Hadiprana Villa (fit for Balinese royalty), there is something for everyone to rejoice.

For dining, head to the Panen Padi Lounge, the pool bar, or lap up some glorious in-villa dining as you wake from an afternoon snooze.

Wellness at Tanah Gajah unfolds gently, shaped by nature and mindful ritual. Guests can practise Hatha yoga and private meditation overlooking Ubud's rice paddies, train in a light-doused health club, swim laps in a tranquil lotus-lined pool, or join guided walks through the never-ending fields. Rise at dawn for Bali's only licensed hot air balloon ride over Mount Agung, or linger over a floating breakfast in the villa pool. Evenings can be enchanted with the Elephant Gate five-course dining experience or a mesmerizing Kecak dance and Royal Balinese dinner at the candle-lit amphitheatre. 

Capella

Tucked away in breathtaking rainforest foothills, Capella Ubud is a luxurious tented sanctuary where senses-igniting wilderness meets world-class decadence. Each of the 23 bespoke tents and villas boasts private plunge pools and open-air living, casting intimate views of the Petanu River valley. It is the pinnacle of restorative accommodation, reminding travellers to stop and smell the incense drifting at dusk, or the jungle warmth on their skin.

Dreamt up by Bill Bensley, the resort blends colonial-era elegance with the lush natural landscape. Spacious interiors and handpicked furnishings invite guests to switch off, while feeling inspired by sophisticated interior design.

The dining philosophy at Capella hinges upon seasonal and locally-sourced ingredients, reflected through menus that nourish body, mind and soul. Find solace in slow breakfasts loaded with tropical fruits, bounties of house-made pastries and nutrient-rich smoothies to restore balance from the inside, out. On-site dinner experiences fuse traditional Indonesian cuisine with fire-roasted meats and artisanal desserts. 

Wellness is supreme at Capella, as guests are welcomed to embrace every opportunity for rest and rejuvenation. Feel reborn through lunar-inspired rituals at Auriga (their state-of-the-art in-house spa), or join in daily pilates, yoga and suspension classes. If you're feeling adventurous, opt for guided rainforest treks or try strength training at The Armory. Meditate, bask in a saltwater pool, or simply sit back with a good book and park up for an afternoon of auditory rainforest bliss. This is serenity, served in spades.

Viceroy Bali

Synonymous with calm, the proudly independently-owned Viceroy is a few minutes' drive from Ubud's quiet centre. Radiating less 'resort' energy and feeling more like a precious secret to keep, the renowned it-spot canvasses 40 private pool villas set above a striking ravine. Mornings at Viceroy commence with birdsong, not bustle. 

Aesthetically, everything has been blessed by a Midas Touch from local architect Ketut Mahardika, and design concept by founder Margaret Bainbridge. A dreamscape of terrazzo floors, woven textures and expansive terraces feel surreal given the juxtaposition of the dense surrounding jungle. 

Viceroy is a frontrunner in the accommodation-meets-food-destination space, playing host to two coveted hospitality stalwarts. CasCades Restaurant dishes up healing breakfasts, while Aperitif offers European-leaning fine-dining just a stone's throw from your front door. Make your reservation with haste and prepare for refined tasting menus with worldly wine pairings orchestrated by chef Nic Vanderbeeken. At golden hour, Pinstripe Bar is the place to be for a vibrant cocktail and elevated afternoon snacks. 

Wellness at Viceroy is woven into the fabric of the everyday, rather than an afterthought. The Akoya Spa curates signature massages and experiences with the mission to dissolve any unwanted tension, and reprogram your brain to activate 'holiday mode'.

The Ridge

Luxury intersects with total privacy and The Ridge. Perched on its namesake, the Sayan Ridge, this exclusive stay promises panoramic views and the height of personalised service.

Complete with your very own private butler, you'll be staying in one of only five decadent villas (replete with vistas of the Ayung River Valley). The Ridge is a recluse's boutique fever dream, perfect for a short hiatus from the rest of the world.

The design is understated luxury at its most serene. Picture open-air living areas, plunge pools, ringed outdoor bathtubs and natural materials that allow the jungle to feel like an extension of your villa. Through the looking glass of your bedroom, you'll see only vast greenery for miles.

If you do decide to venture out of your abode, the Sayan Valley Sunset Bar & Restaurant plates Balinese-inspired dishes, fine wines and cocktails. But it's the in-villa dining that truly allows for those uniquely slow-motion mornings and intimate evenings with a loved one, or in your own company. 

Of course, wellness is integral to The Ridge's ethos. Like all other touchpoints, the focus is on individualisation and customisation. Recline for a Balinese spa ritual, release tension through traditional massage services and soothe your mind via aromatherapy treatments. 

WHERE TO TRAIN

Titi Batu Ubud

If you're searching for boutique wellness in Ubud, this centrally-located studio is one to add to your hitlist. Melding yoga, Pilates and functional movement into one, guests of all levels can find something to sync with their movement goals at Titi Batu. For a restorative and rewarding session while out-of-office, look no further.

Atmospheric and inviting, the studio is brightened through floor-to-ceiling windows giving way to tropical greenery. Timber floors and stone accents round out the minimalist aesthetic, sure to help ground a busy mind. It is as if every stretch, hold or pulse is empowered by the jungle outside.

Classes at Titi Batu are underpinned by alignment, breath and form. There are private sessions available for those seeking a deeply tailored experience. Every session is sure to prime participants for Ubud's many available treks and activities.

Gymnasium Bali 

Gymnasium Bali ups the ante as a full-service fitness mecca, inviting travellers to lock in for a high-octane workout that will help you break a sweat before the next pool swim. Featuring a range of premium equipment, the movement hub offers functional fitness, classes, boxing, personal training and restorative recovery.

The vibes at Gymnasium Bali are reflected through the interiors: a dark and modern fit-out with punchy, neon strip lights throughout. It's somewhere you can imagine pumping music and peak motivation. Despite the moody setting, treadmills are lined up against glass windows inviting the jungle context to still shine through (and keep you inspired on your walk or run).

If you're needing a post-class refuel, there are plenty of protein shakes, smoothies and wellness snacks on offer. For recalibrating after a tough workout, foam-rolling workshops are held to prevent injury and maintain rehabilitation goals while on holiday. 

Alchemy Yoga & Meditation Center

Even on brief travel stints, a holistic health hub is the ultimate way to keep your health goals in check. Combining yoga, meditation and energy-focused practices (like dance and mantras workshops), Alchemy Yoga & Meditation Center takes a diverse approach to living well. 

Open-air bamboo pavilions frame river views at this jungle-adjacent venue. The natural-looking canopy above the yoga floor prompts clients to feel 'at one' with nature, while improving their technique. 

Alchemy's belief in the importance of living in harmony with nature through healthy living and eating is reinforced by their nearby plant-based Alchemy restaurant. The overarching initiative draws on sustainable building materials and maintaining a permaculture food forest to supply organic food to the restaurant. 

Pilates Ubud

For the Pilates-obsessed, this specialist location brings a range of mat-work classes to Ubud. For travellers missing their at-home routines and looking for low-impact and core-strengthening sessions, Pilates Ubud is the antidote to missing out.

Calm and intimate, Pilates Ubud canvasses quality props and natural lighting. The minimalist interiors keep the focus firmly fixed on serenity, strength and balance.

Aside from their regular group session program, small group and private sessions are available for an added layer of bespoke servicing. Each class at Pilates Ubud is a masterclass in posture, flexibility and form. 

WHAT TO DO

Mount Batur Sunrise Climb

This is something you'll actually want to set the alarm clock early for. The Mount Batur Sunrise Climb is one of Bali's most treasured physical rituals. For your hard work, the payoff is significant — imagine a shifting landscape as you ascend, with volcanic rock underfoot and an enchanting view at the summit. Most climbs are guided and paced for moderate fitness levels, and they take two hours all up. Once you're at the peak, behold the sun lifting over Lake Batur and spy distant Mount Agung. This is an extracurricular activity of the extraordinary kind.

Sound Healing at Pyramids of Chi 

Ubud is home to myriad wellness experiences, and a sound healing session is certainly one to plot on your colourful itinerary. The Pyramids of Chi's sound healing iteration is treated with reverence, magnetising travellers who are seeking a full nervous-system reset without the spectacle. You'll be lying down inside a pyramid-shaped structure (hence the name) built to amplify the good vibrations. Soak up the throng of ancient gongs, crystal bowls and harmonic instruments rippling through the sacred space. If physical exertion has been ticked off, consider sound healing as recovery without the sweat.

Water Purification at Tirta Empul 

If ritual and intention sound enticing to you, the Melukat purification ritual is an undeniably popular (and revered) experience held at the Tirta Empul water temple. A cornerstone of Ubud's spiritual identity, the temple is home to this sensory wellness modality. Sarong-clad and open-minded, participants are invited to move through a series of holy spring fountains, with each spout carrying symbolic meaning and the opportunity to cleanse both external and internal impurities.

Fivelements Ayung River Healing

Tactfully plotted on the Ayung River, Fivelements brings a ceremonial retreat to the fore of Balinese wellbeing. This experience draws on traditional healing, sacred arts and plant-based cuisine within a design-led and nature-enthralled setting. Partake in energy work, water blessings and body rituals — it's a full-spectrum reset and return to stillness. 

Images Credit: Supplied