Anyone who’s been to Bali knows: the cultural capital Ubud is a magical place, but the constant hustle and bustle on the roads can quickly become tiresome. It’s time to get away from it all and rediscover the tranquillity of the Isle of the Gods , for which the island is famous for. Away from the crowds, just 20 minutes from Ubud, lies the magnificent Fivelements Bali Retreat Hotel, sanctuary of well-being. Don’t tell everyone, but it’s one of our favorite places in the whole world. Pascal Languillon, Director of Luxe Wellness Club, talks about his stay.
There’s the setting, of course, which makes it a haven of peace. Its bamboo buildings and villas overlook the Ayung River amid lush vegetation. The sound of water, tropical flowers and not a trace of concrete: you feel far away from it all, in a timeless bubble.
Ecological architecture is one of the world’s best examples of what can be done with wood and bamboo. The ashram meditation and yoga room resembles a huge teepee.
Luxury here means nature
The hotel is not large, as it favors quality over quantity. A number of spacious villas are set in perfectly manicured gardens. They open onto nature and offer panoramic views of the verdant landscape. They feature a private balcony with outdoor seating area. The wooden furniture is highly refined. As for the bedding, which is necessarily king-size, some might find it almost too comfortable, inviting you to laze around. But why not? The key word here is relaxation.
As is often the case in these tropical paradises, the bathrooms are open to the outdoors and filled with plants, allowing you to feel in touch with the elements. Relax your muscles in large marble tubs, gazing at the stars and listening to the sound of the river.
Operation Healthy
Party-goers beware! Fivelements prohibits alcohol and smoking on the property. It’s time for meditation, introspection and the benefits for body and mind. Everything is done to make you feel super healthy when you leave. Choose from a range of fitness programs, including yoga, pilates, meditation and reiki.
Puri Ahimsa’s riverside treatments are simply divine. Oil massages, flower baths in sacred water, acupuncture, reflexology… Don’t missaqua healing, a massage in water. The range of therapies is very comprehensive.
The attentive, smiling staff know how to create a caring, soothing atmosphere. There really is something magical about this spa, something that’s hard to describe without feeling it.
Crudivores’ paradise
While everything is more than fine at Fivelements, the highlight for us was the gourmet restaurant. The chef is a specialist in raw vegan food (the famous raw food ). The plates are a festival of flavors and colors. The aesthetics are meticulous, and you eat with your eyes first. We then enjoy delicate dishes, with natural aromas magnified by the lack of cooking.
Don’t worry, big stomachs are well catered for. It’s a real feast for the taste buds, so yes, if there was a Michelin Guide to raw food, Fivelements would already have been awarded 3 stars!
As far as activities are concerned, there’s so much to do in Bali that boredom seems impossible. Of course, the cultural discovery of Ubud leaves you breathless, with its superb temples and magical dances, including the Kecak. Nature lovers will be delighted by volcano climbs and walks through rice paddies…
Our feeling
A temple to authentic, affordable wellness. You’ll love it!
Luxe Wellness Club
Book
Call us for the USA on +1 (646) 980 6652 or for the UK on +44 20 4577 3258
