COMO SHAMBHALA ESTATE

HIGHLIGHT

Achieving a lasting and holistic lifestyle improvement, in total privacy. There are 30 rooms, villas and suites scattered across the 9ha estate, so it sometimes feels like you’re the only guest.

WELLNESS PHILOSOPHY

When it comes to destination spas, few do it better than Como Shambhala Estate, which is situated just north of Ubud, nestled within a jungle and along the impressive Ayung River, touted as Bali’s longest. The strategic location sets the mood for a holistic wellness retreat, where we left our worries at the door. Heavily influenced by the principles of Ayurveda, the property touts itself as a “retreat for change”: wellness programmes are adjusted to each individual’s needs, and guests are educated on adopting lifestyle practices and healthier diets for a continuous wellness journey. These programmes—cleanse, Be Active, Ayurvedic and Bespoke—last between three and 14 nights. As I was new to the concept of wellness, I opted for the Bespoke programme, personalised to my needs by the estate’s experienced team of wellness experts. I started my experience with a consultation, where the specialist sought to understand my health condition and wellness goals and recommended treatments, diets, and daily activities, from hatha yoga to hydrotherapy circuit training, to bring me closer to my ideals. I didn’t have to worry about keeping up as my personal assistant was on top of my schedule and ferried me around the large estate via a buggy. Meals at the Kudus House and Glow restaurants are healthy affairs. Both boast an extensive menu of juice blends and health-focused dishes, should you opt out of the programme’s personalised diet menu. Picky eaters or anyone with dietary restrictions need not worry either—the culinary team will be happy to accommodate your requests. Treatments at the Ojas Spa are indulgent and conducted in minimally decorated treatment rooms that boast views of a mini garden or an outdoor shower. The

Ojas Spa offers an extensive repertoire of treatments and massages, including acupuncture, reflexology, Ayurveda and Taksu, although the estate’s signature has got to be the Como Shambhala massage, a nurturing full-body treatment to rejuvenate and rebalance your mind and body. Using Como Shambhala’s signature blended oils, the therapist targets unique problem areas with a medium pressure massage and gentle rocking movements, allowing any tension and knots to melt away as I swayed to a calming rhythm. While leaving the property was definitely a bittersweet affair, it was anything but the end of my journey. I was offered health and diet recommendations based on my fitness performance during the programme, and I returned with a trove of wellness and lifestyle knowledge to practise beyond the short but transformative escapade.