COMO Shambhala Estate, Bali

This luxurious wellness retreat is scenically set in a gorgeous tropical rain forest, with a river snaking its way through the valley it sits in and lush trees and greenery all around. The stunning location is immersed in nature, offering breathtaking vistas and a peaceful atmosphere ideal for deep relaxation. Stone paths and steps meander across 23 acres of verdant grounds, leading to various swimming pools and down to the river. The traditional-style architecture includes wood-and-stone open-air pavilions with thatched roofs, while interiors are elegant in their simplicity. 

The all-white lobby offers seating on padded white sofas and wooden chairs, and a sleek wood-topped table serves as the front desk. Traditional touches include beautiful wood-carved details at the on-site Kudus House restaurant, which is housed in a 19th-century Javanese villa, while Glow restaurant offers a sleeker and more modern look. Spectacular scenery unfolds all around, and there are plenty of outdoor spaces to relax and take it all in. This secluded wellness getaway attracts those seeking to recharge and revive, and with extensive spa and wellness facilities, as well as a team of resident experts, travelers' goals can be catered to with tailor-made programs, diets, and treatments.

The hotel is situated in a tropical rain forest on extensive, lush grounds with wild greenery. Set on the hillside of a valley through which the Ayung River flows, the property features lots of paths and steps, which can be a problem for some and may mean quite a hike to get around. The secluded location means there’s not much in the area besides gorgeous surrounding nature. The hotel is set on a small village road off a main road leading to the Payangan area. Ubud is about a 20-minute drive south of the property. Ngurah Rai International Airport is an hour and 15 minutes away by car.

The Como Shambhala Estate offers a range of rooms and suites, each housed in an individually designed Residence with a shared pool, lounge, and dining area. Interiors feature lots of teakwood, with lovely four-poster beds and a mix of contemporary furnishings and some antiques. Amenities include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, DVD and CD players, electronic safes, tea- and coffee-making facilities, free Wi-Fi, and the services of personal assistants. Terrace Suites have private terraces or gardens, while Como Shambhala Suites add whirlpools. For something roomier, the Como Suite at Umabona has two master suites, a living room, dining room, and a private infinity pool as well as a small indoor plunge pool. Bathrooms vary, though most have luxurious deep tubs and rainfall showers -- some of which are outdoors or partially outdoors, which might not suit all guests. One of the bathrooms we saw had quirky vintage-style wooden toilets and sinks, while others are more modern.

Travelers seeking something with more space can book the one- and two-bedroom Retreat Pool Villas, which have private pools and lounge areas, or the two- and three-bedroom Private Villas, which also have private pools and a more modern look. Guests traveling with children must book a villa or an entire Residence.

Highlights here are the extensive spa and wellness facilities, which include four treatment pavilions, nine treatment rooms, a yoga studio, saunas, steam rooms, and several outdoor pools. An extensive list of treatments includes a variety of massages, facials, body wraps, mud treatments, and Ayurvedic therapy, and the resort benefits from a team of resident experts and consultants, including a dietitian, Ayurvedic doctor, yoga and Pilates instructors, and martial arts teachers. Guests with specific goals such as weight loss, fitness, stress management, or detoxification can get help from consultations and tailor-made programs, treatments, and diets. A range of free activities are offered daily, including yoga classes and guided morning walks, plus an array of adventures and excursions can be organized, including biking, hiking, and river rafting. The resort also has a tennis court on-site as well as a rock climbing wall, plus there’s a fitness center.

Two on-site restaurants emphasize raw food, organic products, and locally sourced ingredients. Kudus House serves Indonesian fare, and Glow, an all-day restaurant, serves local organic dishes. Room service and private dining are also available, including romantic dinners, and special diets can be created by the resident nutritionist or Ayurvedic doctor. Breakfast is included in the room rate, and Wi-Fi is free throughout.