The 10 Best Yoga Retreats in Bali (2024)
The Ultimate Guide to Bali’s Best Yoga and Wellness Retreats
Bali is one of the world’s leading wellness and yoga vacation destinations. Also known as ‘the island of the gods,’ Bali offers a unique blend of stunning beaches, luscious rice terraces, a unique spiritual culture, and incredible yoga studios and retreats.
The best way to really experience the magic of yoga in Bali, and it’s deep connection to wellness and spirituality, is on a retreat.
Yoga retreats provide numerous benefits, including improved mental and physical well-being, a serene environment for relaxation and deepening your yoga practice, and the opportunity to explore the beautiful island.
Whether you are dreaming of an affordable yoga retreat for beginners, a luxury spa and wellness retreat, or a thrilling surf and yoga adventure, there’s plenty of choice in Bali.
In fact, there’s such a wide range of Bali retreats it can be overwhelming, so we have looked at retreats all over the island to create our guide on the top 10 best yoga retreats in Bali to help you choose your perfect getaway.
Why Bali is the Perfect Yoga Retreat Destination
Bali, often called the island of the gods, has a unique blend of spirituality, rich cultural traditions, stunning scenery, and warm-hearted locals, making it an ideal destination for the best yoga retreats.
In fact, Bali is home to some of the best yoga retreats in the world! At a yoga retreat you’ll be able to benefit from traditional Balinese healing practices, relax and immerse yourself in the deeply spiritual culture of the island.
Like India, where yoga originated, Bali practices Hinduism and provides ample opportunities to deepen your yoga practice and understanding of its ancient roots.
In addition to yoga, the island is host to ancient temples, exceptional spas, a world-class vegan food scene and a plethora of holistic therapies, unique workshops, and spiritual ceremonies that help with healing, growth and enlightenment.
Bali is also home to a lively yoga community and friendly locals and is a safe place for solo female travelers with plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow yogis.
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Top Destinations for Yoga in Bali
There are studios and retreats all over the island, but without a doubt Ubud and Canggu are the top destinations for yoga in Bali.
Ubud
Ubud is the island’s spiritual, cultural and artistic hub, home to temples, spas and amazing vegan restaurants.
You’ll find a mature and thriving yoga social scene, with dozens of yoga schools around the town and out amongst it’s beautiful rice fields.
Alongside yoga studios and retreats you’ll find a huge variety of workshops, healing therapies, and yoga teacher training programs.
The renowned Yoga Barn can be found in Ubud, as well as the amazing Pyramids of Chi and the sacred Monkey Forest.
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Canggu
For those seeking beachside yoga and surfing opportunities, Canggu is your go-to place.
Its beaches are well-known for surfing, and there is a vibrant nightlife scene with many great healthy cafes, trendy boutiques, bars and beach clubs.
The picturesque Tanah Lot temple, perched on a rock in the sea, is close by, and the sunsets from Canggu’s beaches are truly beautiful.
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Ulu Watu
Aside from Ubud and Canggu, Ulu Watu‘s yoga scene is fast gaining popularity in the yoga community as a more off-beat and upscale destination.
This rugged area on the Bukit Peninsula at the southern tip of the Bali is home to the mesmerising Uluwatu temple where you can witness a traditional Kecak dance.
Ulu Watu also boasts famous surf breaks, clifftop views, amazing sunsets and a growing number of yoga studios, healthy cafes and surf lodges.
Islands
For a tranquil island experience, consider yoga retreats on small neighboring islands such as the Gili Islands, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida.
Both offer the opportunity to see what life in Bali was like before mass tourism began. Theirs is a laid back and peaceful way of life, which they are always happy to share with any travelers who make the short boat trip over from mainland Bali.
There’s only a few yoga retreats on these small islands, but they offer something a bit different, and perhaps more unique, than many in the larger towns of Bali.
Tips for Choosing the Best Bali Yoga Retreat for You
There’s no shortage of yoga retreats in Bali, each offering a unique experience. Here’s some things to consider to ensure you choose the right one for you:
Location:
Retreats are held in beautiful locations all over Bali. The best places for yoga in Bali are Ubud, Canggu, Seminyak, Ulu Watu and the island of Nusa Lembongan.
If being close to the beach and surfing is important to you, choose a coastal location like Canggu, Ulu Watu, Seminyak or Nusa Lembongan. Or choose Ubud if you would prefer to be surrounded by lush jungles and rice terraces and immersed in the spiritual and cultural heart of Bali.
Take into account the proximity to busy tourist areas and nightlife, depending on your preference for a more tranquil or vibrant atmosphere. Retreats located off the beaten track can provide a more peaceful and authentic experience.
Experience Level, Style of Yoga Classes and Length:
Choose a retreat that suits your yoga experience level to ensure you have a fulfilling experience. Some retreats cater to all levels, while others are specifically for beginners or focus on advanced yoga teacher training.
Also consider the teachers and style of yoga taught, for a dynamic and challenging practice consider styles like Ashtanga, Power and Vinyasa Flow. For a more gentle, relaxing experience look for styles like Hatha yoga, restorative yoga and yin yoga. Some retreats also offer the chance to try innovative styles like Ariel yoga, Acro yoga and Balinese Watukaru yoga.
Opting for a multi-style or traditional Hatha yoga retreat can be an excellent choice if you’re unsure or just want to try different styles and teachers and find your favorite.
Make sure the length of the retreat suits your schedule. Yoga retreats in Bali typically range from 3-day retreats to week long experiences or longer! Yoga teacher training retreats usually take between 2 – 4 weeks to complete. Some retreats may offer customizable options to best suit your schedule and needs.
Accommodation, Meals, and Facilities:
Bali’s retreats offer a variety of accommodation options, facilities, amenities and meals, so check which one meets your requirements and personal preferences.
At Bali’s best yoga retreats you can expect excellent amenities such as:
- Comfortable accommodations
- Daily yoga and meditation classes
- Healthy meals
- Spa and Balinese massage treatments
- Outdoor swimming pool and fitness center
- Excursions and activities (e.g., cultural tours, wellness workshops, hiking, cycling, etc.)
Luxury yoga retreats in Bali often feature stunning private rooms or villas, swimming pools, and spa facilities, while budget retreats may only provide shared rooms or dormitories.
Most wellness retreats serve healthy, organic vegetarian or vegan food, but some may not offer alcohol. Check the retreat centre can meet your dietary preferences and requirements.
Other Activities:
Retreat packages in Bali often include various additional activities alongside yoga and meditation, such as spa treatments, massages, surf lessons, sightseeing excursions, airport transfers, and cultural activities like cooking classes and offering making workshops.
Check what is included in the package; budget retreats may exclude some features and may not include meals, while all-inclusive retreats might ultimately offer better value for money and a more enjoyable overall experience.
Check Reviews from Previous Guests:
It’s important to check reviews from past guests to know what to expect from your chosen retreat. Avoid relying solely on the retreat’s website or social media pages for reviews, as they may not provide unbiased opinions. Consider browsing through sites like bookyogaretreats or bookretreats for impartial reviews before making your booking.
Top 10 Yoga Retreats in Bali
There are hundreds of yoga retreats in Bali, but these are the top 10:
Best Eco Luxury Retreat | Details |
Best Balinese Culture and Wellness Retreat | Details |
Best Yoga Retreat for Beginners | Details |
Best Yoga Retreat in Ubud | Details |
Best Surf and Yoga Retreat in Canggu | Details |
Best Surf and Yoga Retreat in Nusa Lembongan | Details |
Best Authentic Spiritual Yoga Retreat | Details |
Best Wellness, Spa and Yoga Retreat | Details |
Best Emotional Healing Retreat | Details |
Best Budget Yoga Retreat | Details |
Best Eco Luxury Yoga Retreat
- Location: De Moksha Boutique Resort, Tabanan
- Duration: 5 days
- Price: from approx. USD 595 / EUR 575 / AUD 950
De Moksha Boutique Yoga Resort offers an eco-luxury experience where every detail is designed to create a blissful luxury yoga vacation.
Daily yoga classes are held in a variety of styles in the gorgeous semi-open air shala. You’ll also receive spa treatments at the riverside spa and enjoy cultural activities, excursions, and workshops.
You’ll stay in luxurious private villas and enjoy healthy fresh juices and vegetarian meals. The retreat is located near the Tanah Lot temple, overlooking scenic rice fields and surrounded by authentic Balinese villages.
Best Balinese Culture and Wellness Retreat
- Location: Balitrees, Tabanan
- Duration: 5 days
- Price: from approx. USD 320 / EUR 310 / AUD 510
Immerse yourself in Balinese culture and wellness at Balitrees, where you’ll learn a traditional style of yoga and meditation while also experiencing the beautiful local traditions.
During this yoga holiday, you’ll enjoy Balinese Watukaru yoga and meditation classes, authentic Balinese cultural excursions, two pampering spa treatments, daily wholesome meals, and seven nights of accommodation surrounded by nature.
Balitrees healing sanctuary is located in Sesandan village, a hidden, spiritual sanctuary away from the busy tourist areas. You’ll have chance to stay in the village homestays and really immerse yourself in to the daily customs and rituals of those living here.
Best Yoga Retreat in Bali for Beginners
- Location: Firefly Retreat, Ubud
- Duration: 7 Days
- Price: from approx. USD 385 / EUR 350 / AUD 595
Firefly Retreat is a fantastic choice for beginners looking to practice yoga in Bali in a relaxed and care-free environment.
You’ll stay at a beautiful yoga resort overlooking the rice fields and enjoy daily yoga classes in a variety of yoga styles and organic vegetarian meals.
The retreat also includes fun excursions and traditional Balinese cultural activities, making it amazing value for money.
This serene yoga and meditation retreat is set in the rice paddies within walking distance to Ubud so you get the best of both worlds.
Best Yoga Retreat in Ubud
- Location: The Yoga Barn, Ubud
- Duration: 3 days
- Price: from approx. USD 620 / EUR 580 / AUD 960
The Yoga Barn in Ubud is a world-renowned yoga studio that offers a wide range of yoga classes, workshops, and retreats for all levels.
The center features seven yoga studios and hosts 100 yoga and meditation classes each week in a lush, green setting near the heart of Ubud.
You’ll also be able to enjoy healing and Ayurvedic treatments, raw and vegan food at their Garden Kafe, and a welcoming community of yoga enthusiasts.
Accommodation is not included in the retreat prices, but can be added as an extra if you want to stay at The Yoga Barn rather than book your own room elsewhere.
Best Yoga and Surf Retreat in Canggu
- Location: Pelan Pelan, Canggu
- Duration: 8 days
- Price: from approx. USD 830 / EUR 745 / AUD 1260
Pelan Pelan, near Canggu, offers the perfect combination of yoga and surfing and can cater to every experience level, including beginners.
Get riding the waves with surf lessons taught by local experts, and enjoy yoga classes with a Balinese teacher. You’ll also receive blissful Balinese massages, and a healthy homemade Indonesian breakfast and lunch.
Choose from budget-friendly shared rooms or spacious private rooms in their beautiful villa close to some of Bali’s best waves and find out for yourself why this is one of the most popular yoga and surf retreats in Bali.
Best Yoga Retreat on Nusa Lembongan
- Location: Yoga Bliss, Nusa Lembongan
- Duration: 7 days
- Price: from approx. USD 605 / EUR 560 / AUD 935
Escape the crowds and experience Bali as it was twenty years ago with Yoga Bliss Retreats on Nusa Lembongan.
This incredible surf and yoga retreat includes unlimited yoga sessions, 2 surf lessons, a snorkeling trip to see manta rays, and 2 Balinese massages.
You’ll stay in comfortable island yoga resort with cute wooden cottages to suit different budgets just steps from the beach. Days begin with an energizing Hatha yoga session before . indulging in a nourishing complimentary breakfast at their onsite cafe.
Smoothie bowls, avocado toasts and vegan pancakes are amongst the delicious menu that is tailored for vegetarians and vegans and is a popular hangout for all the yogis on the island.
Then enjoy the rest of your day surfing, snorkelling or relaxing on the beaches and unwind with a massage to end the perfect day in paradise.
Most Authentic Spiritual Yoga Retreat in Bali
- Location: Om Ham Retreats, Ubud
- Duration: 5 days
- Price: from approx. USD 635 / EUR 600 / AUD 1,000
Hailing from from a family of traditional Balinese shamanic healers, Master Guru Ketut Asana founded Ashram Munivara and then this yoga resort and retreat center in 2014 to help people find their true selves, making this the most authentic spiritual yoga and meditation retreat in Bali.
You’ll learn Kundalini Tantra yoga and meditation from highly experienced teachers, experience traditional rituals, and enjoy organic meals prepared with locally sourced ingredients.
Some of the highlights of this retreat are the opportunity to experience Ancient Sound Healing Meditation at the Pyramid of Chi – a unique, purpose-built healing center close by in Ubud, and undertaking a purification ceremony at the holy water temple.
Best Wellness, Spa and Yoga Retreat
- Location: Bali Green Retreat, Tabanan
- Duration: 7 days
- Price: from approx. USD 635 / EUR 615 / AUD 1,010
Nestled on a small hill near Tabanan, BaliGreen yoga sanctuary is surrounded by a tropical garden and vast, unspoilt nature. It’s the ideal location for immersing yourself in a variety of pampering spa treatments, detoxifying foods and joyful yoga practice.
Every day starts with a 90-minute morning yoga class, in styles including Hatha, Vinyasa, Yin, Restorative and Ashtanga. There’s a further 90-minute yoga session every other day, leaving time for cultural activities and day trips. Every day also includes a 1-hour spa treatment.
At this BaliGreen retreat you’ll have a menu of extra fun things to do, including beachside yoga, waterfall purification rituals, nature walks and authentic Balinese cooking and dance classes. You can get involved with organic gardening, coconut oil making and even join the local community to make traditional offerings to the gods.
Best Emotional Healing Retreat
- Location: Santhika Retreat Center, Lovina
- Duration: 8 days
- Price: from approx. USD 1,139 / EUR 1,070 / AUD 1,765
Rediscover yourself at Santhika Retreat Center, where you’ll embark on a journey of emotional healing.
Engage in transformational workshops and practices designed to help you overcome emotional obstacles, discover self-love, and cultivate lasting happiness.
Find a balance between your mind, body, and soul at this serene and rejuvenating yoga retreat where they strive to give everyone the attention and motivation they deserve.
Over the course of this retreat you’ll have 3 spa sessions, a purification ceremony and all meals included on top of the daily yoga and meditation classes.
Best Budget Yoga Retreat in Bali
- Location: Serenity Eco Guesthouse, Canggu
- Duration: 7 days
- Price: from approx. USD 135 / EUR 125 / AUD 210
Serenity Eco Guesthouse in Canggu offers an affordable, week long yoga retreat experience, providing unlimited yoga classes, vegan buffet breakfasts, and a one-hour Balinese massage.
Accommodation options are plentiful, including shared dormitories in the hip area of Canggu just 150m from the beach, and private rooms in bamboo suites.
Guests have access to up to 10 yoga sessions a day, offering a wide variety of yoga styles perfect for beginners as well as intermediate and advanced practitioners.
You can try aerial yoga, ashtanga, chakra flow, chakra sodhana meditation, chest and hip opening, creative vinyasa, core strength vinyasa, detox flow, gentle flow, flyhigh yoga, yoga handstand, power yoga, tantric yoga, and sound healing sessions. It’s an exciting mix offering something new for everyone.
Tips for Your Bali Yoga Experience
Get away from the crowds:
For a more immersive Balinese experience, explore ashrams, yoga, and spiritual retreats away from touristy areas. These yoga centres, like Balitrees, Shanti Toya Ashram and Santhika Retreat Center can offer a more genuine connection to the traditional Balinese culture and yoga lifestyle within a more tranquil setting.
Explore a world of holistic wellness:
Bali’s abundance of wellness retreats and spas makes it one of the world’s leading wellness destinations so don’t stop at yoga – why not embrace all the opportunities for wellness, healing and spirituality that Bali has to offer like mediation sessions, spa treatments and much more.
Treat yourself to an all-inclusive retreat:
Some of the best yoga retreats in Bali offer comprehensive all inclusive vacation packages, including daily yoga classes, healthy nutritious food, meditation sessions, spa treatments, sightseeing tours, cultural activities and airport transfers making them great value for money and a stress free experience.
Final Thoughts on Bali’s Best Yoga Retreats
With its stunning landscapes and unique atmosphere, Bali is really the perfect place for a yoga retreat. Each visit to this enchanting island is a remarkable and memorable experience, and it’s easy to understand why people fall in love with it.
This guidance on Bali’s retreat offerings will hopefully assist you in discovering the ideal retreat for your yoga journey, allowing you to immerse yourself in the beautiful environment and extraordinary energy of the island.
With so many exceptional retreats to choose from, there is something for everyone. By focusing on your personal needs and preferences, you’re sure to find a retreat experience that fits you perfectly on the Island of the Gods.
Remember that researching, comparing, reading reviews and keeping an open mind are crucial steps to ensure that you find the retreat that best aligns with your personal goals.
So take your time and trust that whichever retreat you ultimately choose, the magic of Bali will leave a lasting impression.