If you’ve ever typed into Google, “What are the best yoga retreats in Ubud,” you’re definitely not alone. I did the same thing before my first trip to Bali, and let me tell you, the search results can be overwhelming. There are hundreds of retreats scattered around Ubud alone, each promising something slightly different — from detox and raw vegan menus to deep meditation practices and luxury spa treatments. And it’s not just hype. Ubud really is the heart of yoga culture in Bali, and it feels like every corner has a retreat, a studio, or at the very least, a rice-field café where yogis hang out after class.
Now, before diving deep, let’s clear something up: not all yoga retreats are created equal. Some lean heavily into the spiritual, with early morning chanting and fire ceremonies. Others are more about the physical practice, giving you two or three classes a day in gorgeous open-air shalas (yoga halls) with views of palm trees and distant volcanoes. Then there are those retreats that balance everything — they feed you nutritious food, pamper you with spa treatments, and still leave time for exploring waterfalls or markets. That’s why knowing what you want out of your retreat is half the battle.
I’ve stayed in different ones across Ubud during separate trips, so what I’ll share here comes from lived experience, not just promotional brochures. My approach is simple: I’ll walk you through the types of retreats, specific places worth considering, what you can expect in terms of costs and amenities, and even small insider tips (like which places actually serve decent coffee — trust me, this matters if you’re not ready to swap caffeine for herbal tea just yet).
Read also: Traditional Balinese Massage Therapy in Ubud
Why Ubud Is Considered the Yoga Capital of Bali
You probably already know Ubud isn’t just any Bali town. The energy here is different. People often describe it as spiritual or grounding, and honestly, it’s not just a marketing slogan. Between the endless green rice paddies, the trickle of the Campuhan River, the local temples filled with incense smoke, and the gentle sound of gamelan music at dusk, it feels like the town was designed for slowing down.
Yoga found a natural home here decades ago, and it has only grown since then. According to a report by Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism, Ubud has the highest concentration of wellness centers and yoga schools in the country, attracting tens of thousands of international visitors each year specifically for holistic travel. That’s not surprising when you realize that Bali’s Hindu traditions — with their offerings, daily rituals, and connection to nature — blend so seamlessly with yoga philosophy.
Another thing? Ubud isn’t just for hardcore yogis. Whether you’re a complete beginner who struggles to touch your toes, or someone who’s been practicing Ashtanga for ten years, you’ll find retreats that meet you exactly where you are.
Types of Yoga Retreats You’ll Find in Ubud
So, what kind of yoga retreat should you pick? This is where a lot of travelers get stuck, because Ubud has everything. I’ve broken it down into a few categories to make it easier.
Hatha and Vinyasa Focused Retreats
If your goal is to improve your practice, sweat it out, and get that post-yoga glow, go for retreats that center on Hatha, Vinyasa, or Power Yoga. These usually offer 2–3 classes per day, plus optional workshops on alignment, breathwork, or even inversions. The vibe is very active, and you’ll leave feeling physically stronger.
Spiritual and Healing Retreats
These retreats dig deeper than just the physical. Think sunrise meditation, sound healing sessions, chakra workshops, and even Balinese cleansing ceremonies. It’s less about perfecting your Downward Dog and more about reconnecting with yourself. I once joined one of these and spent an afternoon in silence overlooking the jungle — it was harder than any yoga class I’ve done, but also one of the most rewarding.
Detox and Wellness Retreats
Maybe you’ve been burning out at work, or just want to reset your system. Ubud has retreats that focus on detox with juice cleanses, raw vegan diets, colonics (yep, that’s a thing here), and spa treatments. They usually include gentle yoga and meditation to support the process. A friend of mine swears by a 7-day detox she did here — said she came back glowing and a little lighter, inside and out.
Luxury Yoga Retreats
On the other end of the spectrum, you’ve got retreats that feel like staying in a boutique resort. Infinity pools overlooking rice terraces, private villas, fine dining plant-based meals, and yoga shalas with polished teak floors. These come with a higher price tag, but if you want comfort while you heal and practice, it’s worth every penny.
Budget-Friendly and Community-Based Retreats
Not everyone wants to (or can) spend thousands on a retreat. Luckily, Ubud has more down-to-earth options too — homestays that include daily yoga, shared dorm rooms in eco-lodges, and community-driven retreats. The bonus is you often meet more like-minded travelers here and form genuine connections.
The Best Yoga Retreats in Ubud Worth Considering
Now, let’s get into the specifics. Based on my own experiences and what fellow travelers rave about, here are some retreats in Ubud that really stand out.
1. The Yoga Barn Retreats
The Yoga Barn is practically an institution in Ubud. Even if you don’t book a full retreat, you’ll probably end up taking a class or two here because it’s that popular. Their retreats combine daily yoga, meditation, healing workshops, and even Ayurvedic treatments. The space itself is huge — multiple shalas hidden among tropical gardens, plus a vegan café that serves killer smoothie bowls.
- Best for: Variety and community vibe.
- What I loved: Meeting people from all over the world. Every class had a mix of locals, digital nomads, and tourists.
- What to know: It gets busy, so if you prefer smaller groups, this might not be your vibe.
2. Blooming Lotus Yoga
This one is more intimate, offering 4- and 7-day retreats focused on traditional Hatha and meditation. The teachers here are amazing — patient, insightful, and really knowledgeable about philosophy. It’s quieter and more spiritual than The Yoga Barn.
- Best for: Deepening practice in a small group.
- What I loved: Evening meditation sessions with candlelight, listening to the jungle sounds.
- What to know: The schedule is structured, so if you want lots of free time, it may feel restrictive.
3. Radiantly Alive
Another well-known name in Ubud, Radiantly Alive blends yoga with creative workshops — think acro yoga, aerial yoga, or even ecstatic dance. Their retreats are energizing, playful, and perfect if you don’t want things too serious.
- Best for: Adventurous yogis and creative spirits.
- What I loved: The aerial yoga workshop. I was terrified at first, but hanging upside down with silk wraps in the jungle was surprisingly freeing.
- What to know: It can feel a little “festival-ish” — which is fun, but not for everyone.
4. Fivelements Retreat Bali
This is luxury with a capital L. Fivelements is set on the banks of the Ayung River, surrounded by lush greenery. Their retreats combine yoga with healing rituals, spa therapies, plant-based cuisine, and cultural ceremonies.
- Best for: A holistic, luxurious experience.
- What I loved: The food. Hands down some of the best plant-based meals I’ve ever had.
- What to know: It’s pricey, but worth it if you’re celebrating something special or need serious self-care.
5. Shanti Toya Ashram
For a more affordable and authentic experience, Shanti Toya is great. It’s run by locals and has a family atmosphere. The yoga is solid, the food is healthy, and the place feels grounded rather than polished.
- Best for: Budget travelers who still want quality.
- What I loved: Practicing yoga in a simple open-air pavilion surrounded by rice fields.
- What to know: Don’t expect luxury — it’s simple and humble, but beautiful in its own way.
Costs of Yoga Retreats in Ubud
One of the most common questions people ask: how much does a yoga retreat in Ubud cost? The answer is — it really depends.
- Budget retreats can be as low as $250–$400 for a week, usually with shared rooms and simpler meals.
- Mid-range retreats fall in the $700–$1,200 range for a week, with private rooms, good facilities, and more included activities.
- Luxury retreats easily go up to $3,000+ for a week, especially at high-end resorts like Fivelements or Como Shambhala.
Keep in mind, most packages include accommodation, daily yoga, meals, and sometimes extras like airport transfers or excursions. When you calculate all that, it often ends up being good value compared to piecing things together on your own.
What to Expect Day-to-Day at a Yoga Retreat in Ubud
People often ask me what a typical day at a yoga retreat looks like. Of course, it varies by place, but here’s a sample schedule from one of the mid-range retreats I attended:
- 6:30 am: Sunrise meditation
- 7:00 am: Morning yoga (90 minutes)
- 8:30 am: Healthy breakfast — usually smoothie bowls, tropical fruit, and herbal tea
- 10:00 am: Workshop (like breathwork or philosophy)
- 12:00 pm: Free time or optional excursion
- 1:00 pm: Lunch (often vegetarian buffets)
- 3:00 pm: Restorative yoga or Yin session
- 5:00 pm: Free time / spa treatment
- 7:00 pm: Dinner
- 8:00 pm: Evening meditation or group sharing circle
By 9 pm, most people are in bed. It’s not exactly a party scene, and that’s the point. The days are designed to recharge you completely.
Insider Tips for Choosing the Right Retreat
- Check the teaching style. Some retreats are very alignment-focused, others are flow-heavy. If you hate slow classes, don’t book a retreat known for Yin yoga.
- Food matters more than you think. You’ll be eating there every day. If you’re not into raw food, don’t sign up for a raw detox retreat.
- Look at the group size. Do you want intimate classes of 6–10 people, or do you enjoy the energy of 40 people practicing together?
- Ask about free time. Some retreats pack the schedule; others leave afternoons free for exploring Ubud’s temples, monkey forest, or waterfalls.
- Location counts. Ubud traffic can be chaotic. A retreat tucked far into the rice fields is peaceful, but it might be inconvenient if you also want to pop into town often.
Why a Yoga Retreat in Ubud Is More Than Just Yoga
Here’s the thing: most people (myself included) sign up for the yoga, but what you remember later isn’t just the classes. It’s the conversations you have over long communal dinners, the quiet walks back to your bungalow with fireflies lighting the way, the morning you wake up to roosters instead of alarms.
One of my favorite memories was during a retreat near Tegallalang. We finished an evening yoga session, and the staff had set up dinner outside under fairy lights. A sudden tropical rain came down halfway through, and instead of running inside, everyone laughed, grabbed their plates, and we all squeezed into the yoga shala. That spontaneous moment of togetherness? That’s what retreats are really about.
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