Beyond Relaxation: Discovering the Holistic Magic of COMO Shambhala Estate

Location

Arriving at the estate, I was immediately struck by its spectacular setting. The property is beautifully located on a ridge overlooking the Ayung River, about 15 minutes from central Ubud. As I walked the grounds, each turn revealed new views of the surrounding forest. The estate's secluded setting among tall trees and tropical plants created a peaceful, private atmosphere that made the outside world feel pleasantly distant.

Vibe and crowd

For two decades, this has been a sanctuary where high-net-worth individuals come to invest in their health and wellbeing. COMO Shambhala Estate is a luxury wellness destination rather than a typical resort. While children under 12 stay free, the estate is more geared towards adults, though families are welcome in the private villas. The property attracts a mix of guests, from solo travelers seeking quiet moments to couples enjoying private time by their pools.

Rooms

COMO Shambhala Estate offers 30 rooms, 21 suites spread across five residences plus nine villas ranging from one-to three-bedroom. The rooms and villas are spread across five distinct residences, each with its own pool, complemented by Pool Villas that range from one to three bedrooms. The design throughout harmoniously blends East and West, combining traditional Balinese architecture with modern luxury touches. The Pool Villas caught my attention, each offering spectacular valley views. The Principal Suites - one in each residence — showcase the height of luxury. The COMO Shambhala Suite at Tirta Ening Residence is particularly remarkable. This suite features a private entrance, terrace, waterfall pool and jacuzzi, along with an impressive six-ton carved stone bath. Each space I viewed demonstrated a seamless integration of indoor and outdoor living through thoughtful design and generous windows.

Food

During my visit, I had lunch at Glow, the estate's all-day restaurant with an open kitchen. Here, I discovered their signature COMO Shambhala Kitchen, which serves wellness-focused food. The menu features local organic dishes with a healthy emphasis, incorporating fresh Southeast Asian ingredients like tamarind and sumac.

The property also houses Kudus House, set in a beautiful 19th-century Javanese villa, which serves Indonesian cuisine. For lighter fare, guests can choose from a menu of snacks around the estate. The property offers a special dining experience at Kedara Water Garden, where mineral water pools are surrounded by jungle. Here, guests can enjoy a picnic lunch in this hidden garden at the heart of the property. The kitchen team prepares and delivers chosen meals in woven baskets, setting up the picnic on the deck beside the sunlit pools. It is a perfect way to combine the estate's wellness cuisine with its natural beauty. Throughout all dining venues, I noticed a strong commitment to using locally sourced produce, with clean-eating principles guiding the menus while never compromising on flavor.

Amenities

COMO offers extensive wellness facilities throughout the estate. The beautiful yoga pavilion provides a serene space for practice. What sets this property apart is its holy water source — guests can visit the spring where local people perform traditional ceremonies. This sacred water is thoughtfully integrated into daily life at the estate, used for both cooking and feeding the pools. Following the path down from the main property, you'll discover natural spring-fed pools perfect for relaxation, which can also be reserved for private events. All pools at the estate benefit from this mineral-rich spring water, known for its healing and soothing properties that leaves swimmers' skin notably silky.

Wellness center

At the heart of the estate's approach is the wellness center, where East meets West in its holistic treatment philosophy. The treatment rooms are thoughtfully designed to embrace nature, with large windows offering peaceful views. The center offers an impressive range of specialized Wellness Paths led by expert consultants, each tailored to specific goals. For those seeking a thorough reset, the Cleanse Path focuses on improving lymphatic circulation and detoxifying the body's main filtering organs, while developing sustainable health practices. Other options include an active path for fitness enthusiasts, a rejuvenation path combining beauty and wellness treatments and a Traditional Chinese Medicine path featuring acupuncture, herbal remedies, qigong and meditation. The estate's wellness team includes specialists in multiple disciplines. Giving you options that range from Ayurveda and reflexology to yoga, Pilates, nutrition and Traditional Chinese Medicine. They also offer an Ayurveda Programme, which can include detox treatments, specialized body therapies, customized diet plans, yoga and meditation.The diverse expertise of the team allows for a truly personalized wellness journey for each guest.

The wellness center will reopen on July 1, 2025 after refurbishments.

Sustainability

COMO Shambhala Estate integrates sustainability throughout its operations. The property partners with local farmers and incorporates traditional Balinese building techniques in its architecture. Thus, working to preserve local heritage while harmonizing with the natural environment. The estate serves water from its own spring in glasses made by local artisans, reflecting their broader commitment to community engagement.

The estate implements various environmental initiatives, including LED lighting, smart climate control, water recycling and rainwater collection. They maintain organic gardens on the property and work to minimize waste through composting and digital systems.

Community involvement is central to COMO's approach, with programs supporting local education, employment and cultural preservation. Their partnerships with local artisans and farmers help sustain traditional practices while providing economic opportunities.

The estate offers a unique blend of wellness programming and luxury hospitality. From its therapeutic spring waters to expert-led wellness programs, COMO Shambhala Estate provides an environment where traditional Balinese elements complement modern amenities. The property suits both those seeking structured wellness programs and guests simply looking for a peaceful natural retreat.

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