The Indonesian archipelago is made up of over 17,000 islands. So narrowing down your ideal destination is no simple task. Volcanic mountains, lush jungles, rice terraces and black sand beaches compose the diverse natural landscape of the largest country in South East Asia. Its nose to tail traverses a greater distance than between New York and LA. A haven of outdoor adventure, from surfing to hiking, Indonesia is also home to some of the world’s best wellness resorts. From Bali and beyond, these are the best luxury wellness retreats in Indonesia for a healthy island escape.
This article was originally published by Amanda Sheppard on December 12, 2019, and was last updated on July 6, 2022.
1. COMO Shambhala Estate
COMO Shambhala Estate brings a unique brand of wellness to Bali’s healing heartland, Ubud. Rooms and suites are spacious, overlooking the gardens or featuring their own infinity pools. Meanwhile larger three-bedroom properties come fully equipped with their own kitchens and swimming pools, overlooking the lush jungle. The Estate’s food programme is inspired its own cookbook. It features diet and intolerance-friendly healthy cuisine inspired by Indonesian culinary culture. Ayurveda and detox retreat guests benefit from their own personalised programmes. Activities and excursions include walks through the jungle and cycling across the nearby rice fields. Meanwhile, there’s also white water rafting, cooking classes and relaxing spa and wellness treatments at the spa.
Read our full review of COMO Shambhala Estate
2. Nihi Sumba
All-inclusive resorts have an unfortunate reputation for compromising on quality in exchange for quantity, but not so Nihi Sumba. The award-winning, five-star luxury eco-resort boasts canopy beds, handmade chocolates in its minibar and uninterrupted views of the Indian ocean. It’s all from your choice of one to five-bedroom villas. The resort works in conjunction with the local Sumbanese community to preserve the area and its traditions. Outdoor excursions include horseback riding, trekking to waterfalls, surfing and visiting a local chocolate plantation. Plus, guests can rent a private boat charter to explore the pristine surroundings. Thus, it’s a popular destination for all types of wellness travellers.
Read our full review of Nihi Sumba
3. Bawah Reserve
A luxury private island retreat, Bawah Reserve sits in Indonesia’s Anambas Archipelago, although it’s reached from Singapore via private seaplane. Featured in publications like Condé Nast Traveler, Vogue, and Bazaar, this award-winning sustainable resort has captured the hearts of wellness travellers the world over. But be sure to enjoy the dreamy sunsets, crystal-clear waters and bespoke wellness programmes, guests can do yoga, Pilates, Ayurvedic spa treatments and spiritual healing.
Read our full review of Bawah Reserve
4. Fivelements
A luxury eco-resort steeped in the rich tradition of healing Balinese philosophies, Fivelements combines ancient healing modes with its own modern, holistic approach to wellness. Suites are located on the riverbank and boast outdoor baths and large terraces. It’s located in Ubud and surrounded by dense greenery and vegetation and rice fields. The award-winning wellness property offers guests nutritious vegetarian meals throughout their stay. Meanwhile, yoga, meditation, cooking classes and a wide range of spa and wellness treatments, traditional Balinese healing rituals and guided excursions in and around nearby Ubud. So, it’s one of the best luxury wellness retreats in Indonesia.
Read our full review of Fivelements Bali
5. MesaStila
Nestled in the midst of a coffee plantation in Java’s Central Highlands, MesaStila offers guests detox and weight loss programmes in a unique isolated setting. A romantic spot for couples, book the Plantation Villa for the utmost luxury. Meanwhile, you can also relax in the spa with the hammam steam room and bespoke massages. Then, enjoy hiking and cycling in the clean mountain air.
Read our overview of MesaStila
6. Six Senses Uluwatu
Eco-conscious wellness warriors can’t look past Six Senses Uluwatu, which upholds the brand’s core DNA of sustainability, wellness and service to a tee. Offering custom wellness experiences alongside tailored programmes designed post-consultation with the resort’s resident wellness expert, guests can engage in daily scheduled activities like yoga, meditation, and mat Pilates, while more intensive options like TRX, HIIT, and aerial yoga can be booked separately. But don’t miss out on the daily complimentary ice cream, including refreshing flavours like avocado.
Read our full review of Six Senses Uluwatu
7. Rascal Voyages
Set sail on a luxurious literal voyage of self-discovery as you explore Indonesia’s island archipelagos from the sea. Choose between journeys to explore Komodo Island and National Park from Flores Island, or an adventure to Indonesia’s little-visited Raja Ampat region in West Papua. Meanwhile, snorkelling, diving, and yoga are all included along with plant-based dining and a one-to-one guest-to-staff ratio, and guests will have the opportunity to see wildlife like sea turtles, manta rays and dolphins. Thus, it’s a luxury wellness retreat in Indonesia, at sea.
Contact bookings@compareretreats.com to book your luxury wellness retreat
8. Amanjiwo
Beside the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Borobudur, Amanjiwo is an oasis of calm in the Central Javanese jungle. Although it’s brimming with Indonesian culture and heritage, the luxury resort also offers guests spiritual wellness and enlightenment journeys with private soul-searching yoga sessions, meditation, and temple visits with experienced local guides. Alternatively, you can relax at the resort and indulge in the Aman spa with traditional Javanese healing. So, guests can visit Amanjiwo for a trip to one of Aman’s stunning resorts on the Island of the Gods.
Contact bookings@compareretreats.com to book your luxury wellness retreat
9. Escape Haven
A women’s-only wellness retreat on Bali’s Canggu beachside, Escape Haven combines surfing, nutrition, spa therapies and yoga for a week-long wellness adventure. Retreats include daily activities in your chosen wellness focus, spa treatments, full-board, cultural workshops and an adventure excursion around the island, along with luxury perks like chauffers, photos from the retreat, nightly-turn down, and goody bags. Thus, it’s the perfect women’s trip.
Contact bookings@compareretreats.com to book your luxury wellness retreat
10. Amanwana
On the small island of Moyo just south of Lombok, Amanwana is an idyllic isolated escape favoured by celebrities for its exclusive privacy. Luxury beachside tented suites over a back-to-nature experience with Aman’s signature five-star service. Guest can keep active with snorkelling, jungle hikes, or sailing, but equally—this is the place to revel in doing absolutely nothing. Thus, it encourages guests to digitally detox with outdoor activities and the open-air jungle cove spa.
Contact bookings@compareretreats.com to book your luxury wellness retreat
11. REVĪVŌ Wellness Resort
REVĪVŌ may have only opened a few years ago, but it has quickly developed a reputation as a leading wellness resort in Bali. In the bustling beachfront Nusa Dua district, REVĪVŌ carves its own slice of privacy within the centre of the action. It offers a wide range of wellness programmes, spa treatments and fitness classes. It serves guests natural, nutritious meals as close to their original form as possible, with balanced, low fat, low carb meals that don’t compromise on flavour.
The hotel boasts a 50-metre pool, a saltwater floating pool within its water suite, Jacuzzis and a hammam. Plus there’s scheduled yoga, meditation, Pilates and qi gong sessions. TRX, boxing, Muay Thai and barre classes will have guests working up a sweat. That’s before enjoying a well-earned trip to the restorative spa. Thus it’s a favoured place for relaxing. Although it’s one of the best luxury wellness retreats in Indonesia, it’s relatively low-key.
12. Svarga Loka
The Garden of Eden may be the stuff of legends, but Svarga Lokais as real a paradise as any. Because the name is derived from an ancient Hindu poem and a heavenly paradise. Svarga Loka sits atop Ubud and is known as one of Bali’s best traditional wellness centres. Indulge in a rejuvenating spa treatment at the hands of one of the property’s skilled practitioners. Take part in yoga, meditation or martial arts classes. Then, simply unwind by the relaxation pool. The ways to while away the time are nearly endless. Thus, it makes it one of the best luxury wellness retreats in Indonesia.
