Fifty shades of green
COMO SHAMBHALA ESTATE, BALI
Bali has no shortage of wellness retreats, but there is a reason that Como Shambhala Estate is consistently named the island’s top getaway. The estate has just 30 rooms spread across a series of home-style residences, each one offering communal lounging areas and a pool, as well as picturesque views across the lovely Ayung Valley. Add in an impressive roster of skilled therapists, including gifted Ayurvedic practitioners, and Como Shambhala is a foolproof choice for some time out.
WHAT’S ON OFFER At Como Shambhala, you take things at your own pace. If you have specific goals, there are structured programs designed to assist with everything from cleansing to upping your fitness. If that’s not your speed, you can choose to join in any of the extraordinary roster of daily activities. Options include everything from hydrotherapy to Pilates, a scenic bike ride to circuit training – and then there are informative talks on everything from stress management to Balinese culture. Como’s famous spa cuisine is served in two restaurants, including one set into a 150-year-old traditional Javanese house. HIGHLIGHT Part of Como Shambhala’s rejuvenating effect is courtesy of its verdant setting, all leafy slopes and a moss-clad forest. Spend some time exploring the paths that meander through the estate, wending their way past tranquil ponds and hidden clearings. The estate is even home to one of Bali’s eight sacred springs, which supplies the water used in Como’s spa treatments. GO SOLO OR BRING A FRIEND? Can’t find a friend who has time to get away? You’re not alone. The majority of Como Shambhala’s guests are solo travellers, which means that there’s always someone to have a chat with.
MORE Wellness programs start at US$740 per day, including accommodation, full board, therapies and activities. Find out more at comohotels.com.