Bali luxury resorts

If you’re searching for a destination that redefines what a luxury escape can be, COMO Shambhala Estate in Bali offers an experience unlike any other. Set on 22 acres of emerald-green jungle near Ubud, Bali’s cultural heart, this property has built a reputation as one of the best luxury hotels and resorts in Asia. Far removed from the island’s busy tourist hubs, it feels like a world within a world—where wellness, sustainability, and exclusivity blend seamlessly.

The Evolution of a Wellness Icon
Originally opened in 1995 after a British couple fell in love with its paradisal grounds, the estate began as a collaboration with local villages. It was later acquired by Singaporean hotelier Christina Ong as part of the COMO group, which now operates several acclaimed luxury travel destinations worldwide. With the introduction of yoga pavilions, spa treatments, and immersive wellness programming, Shambhala soon became a flagship property—a retreat for travelers seeking something deeper than a typical resort stay.

Who Comes Here and Why
COMO Shambhala has become a discreet retreat for high-profile guests seeking rejuvenation. Celebrities such as Victoria Beckham, Katy Perry, and John Legend have reportedly stayed here, but the estate’s appeal extends far beyond the famous. Whether you’re interested in luxury travel experiences focused on mental clarity, physical healing, or simply unplugging from modern life, the estate is designed to meet you where you are.

Residences Designed for Privacy and Connection
Five residences are scattered across the property, each blending harmoniously with the surrounding jungle. Built from natural materials like teak and Sumbanese stone, they feature treehouse-inspired suites, jade-tiled pools, and open-air living spaces. You can book an entire residence for a private group escape or reserve a single suite for a more intimate stay. Each residence also comes with a personal assistant available at all times—just a message away on WhatsApp—ensuring a level of service that makes it one of the best luxury hotels in the world.

Smart Comfort Meets Traditional Craftsmanship
While COMO Shambhala’s aesthetic feels timeless, its amenities are cutting-edge. Suites are now fitted with smart blinds, self-flushing Toto toilets, and sound-frequency hubs designed to improve sleep quality. These features combine the intimacy of a retreat with the conveniences of luxury travel gadgets you’d expect in top-tier properties. Communal spaces decorated with traditional Balinese artifacts invite you to unwind, creating a balance between technology and tranquility.

Luxury vacation ideas

Luxury vacation ideas

Bespoke Wellness Programmes
Most guests come for one of the estate’s signature or tailor-made wellness programs. On arrival, you’re guided through a personalized consultation with an Ayurvedic doctor who analyzes your doshas (body-mind types) to recommend treatments, dietary plans, and lifestyle habits. These programmes may address gut health, skin concerns, weight loss, or stress management.

Your customized plan could include:

  • Daily massages and body treatments at the redesigned Ojas Wellness Centre
  • Hydrotherapy sessions in a spring-fed pool
  • Open-air movement classes like yoga or Qi Gong
  • Calming walks through nearby villages

Every element is curated to ensure you leave feeling healthier and more balanced—an example of how exclusive experiences elevate modern luxury vacations.

Dining With Purpose
Wellness extends to the dining experience. Kudus House, a temple-like restaurant, serves mostly plant-based dishes inspired by Indonesian cuisine, while Glow offers an all-day menu of nutrient-rich meals and fresh juices. All produce is locally sourced, reinforcing the estate’s EarthCheck-certified sustainability practices. While the menu is wellness-focused, you won’t feel restricted—staff are happy to accommodate requests for wine or alternative dishes, making this one of the most flexible yet health-conscious fine dining experiences in Bali.

Ancient Traditions Meet Modern Biohacking
What sets COMO Shambhala apart from other luxury resorts is its seamless integration of old and new. Alongside centuries-old Balinese purification ceremonies and spiritual offerings, you’ll find high-tech treatments such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy, infrared saunas, and contrast therapy suites. This blend allows you to experience holistic healing while exploring cutting-edge wellness innovation—ideal for travelers interested in luxury travel trends for 2025.

A Model for Sustainable Luxury
In an era when overtourism threatens Bali’s natural and cultural heritage, COMO Shambhala Estate stands out for its commitment to preservation. From its architectural choices to food sourcing, the estate integrates sustainability into every detail. For travelers concerned with the environmental footprint of luxury travel destinations, this property offers a model of how indulgence and responsibility can coexist.

Why It Feels So Restorative
After even a short stay, many guests report leaving lighter, calmer, and healthier than when they arrived. Whether it’s the carefully crafted wellness programs, the immersive jungle setting, or the attentive yet discreet service, the estate’s restorative power lies in how it harmonizes all these elements. It’s not simply about relaxation—it’s about recalibration.

Conclusion
If you’re planning a luxury vacation in Asia and want more than a beautiful place to sleep, COMO Shambhala Estate should be on your list. With its unique blend of privacy, holistic wellness, and world-class service, it redefines what luxury travel experiences can be. In a landscape filled with beautiful resorts, this estate offers something rare: a chance to return home not only refreshed but transformed.