By Pascal Languillon, CEO Luxe Wellness Club
There are places that leave a lasting impression. Places remembered not only for the exceptional comfort of their villas or the impeccable quality of their treatments, but above all for the unique atmosphere that reigns there, that rare alchemy between nature, spirituality and hospitality. At COMO Shambhala Estate, near Ubud in Bali, I found one of those places that deeply moves you. In my entire career as a hunter of exceptional places, I can say without hesitation that this is one of the most beautiful estates! Here’s a detailed account of this memorable stay.
A beautiful natural sanctuary
The COMO Shambhala Estate is undoubtedly the flagship of the prestigious COMO Hotels & Resorts collection, particularly when it comes to wellness. This award-winning resort embodies the very essence of the holistic philosophy developed by the brand. Here, the art of pampering, ancestral practices, yoga, nutrition and nature come together to offer a holistic and profoundly transformative experience.
The COMO Shambhala Estate is just a twenty-minute drive from the center of Ubud, the cultural and spiritual heart of Bali. Nestled in the verdant heights of the island, the hotel overlooks the Ayung River valley, surrounded by dense, vibrant jungle. On arrival, you’re immediately drawn into the raw energy of the rainforest. The vegetation is almost unreal in its density, as if every leaf, every vine, every tree trunk wanted to assert its existence brilliantly.
Cicadas punctuate the days with their deafening song, monkeys make mischievous appearances along the paths, and the powerful, majestic Ayung River sculpts the landscape in a way that compels admiration. Here, everything seems more intense: the colors, the sounds, the smells.
So much so, in fact, that you sometimes get the impression of being in the heart of a natural sanctuary, a secret kingdom where nature still reigns supreme. What’s striking, then, is the sheer scale of the estate. More than just a hotel, it’s a true estate integrated into the jungle, a vast green setting where villas, pavilions and communal areas intertwine in perfect harmony.
The architects have respected the rugged topography of the site, creating walkways, open terraces and staircases leading down to the river, inviting visitors to explore the lush natural surroundings.
The hotel offers excursions that allow you to immerse yourself in Balinese life beyond the grounds. I chose a bike ride through the surrounding rice paddies, at the magical moment of sunset. The route meandered between the bright green terraces, punctuated by small temples where locals came to place their offerings. Along the way, I passed smiling villagers, children playing by the wayside, women in sarongs carrying baskets on their heads. The golden light at the end of the day enveloped the landscape in an almost unreal glow, sublimating every detail.
Sumptuous suites lost in nature
The COMO Shambhala Estate is made up of private residences, villas and suites scattered on the hillside between tropical forest and small clearings. The architecture, by Cheong Yew Kuan, blends into the landscape with a rare elegance, while the interiors were conceived by Japanese designer Koichiro Ikebuchi, a master in the art of refined sobriety.
Local materials are given pride of place: volcanic stone, noble woods and traditional alang-alang (dried palm leaves) roofs create a whole that seems to have always belonged to the jungle. It’s an organic architecture that doesn’t seek to dominate its surroundings, but to blend in, offering visitors the rare feeling of inhabiting nature rather than observing it from a distance.
I stayed in a Terrace Suite, a room category that perfectly combines comfort and jungle immersion. Spacious, probably 80 m², it offered an elegant, minimalist interior space, dominated by a king-size bed with exquisitely soft sheets, as well as a bathroom open to the outside, where you can enjoy the sounds of the forest even while getting ready in the morning. I also had a private terrace from which I could observe the canopy and listen to the incessant chirping of the cicadas.
This chic colonial style, which blends modern comforts with the timeless elegance of a bygone era, gives the suites a unique character. The experience was rounded off by access to the Residence’s shared spaces: a lounge with old-world charm, a convivial dining room and a communal swimming pool surrounded by frangipani and coconut trees, perfect for watching the sun decline over the valley.
Waterfalls as a playground
The COMO Shambhala Estate has an additional asset that few hotels can claim: its natural waterfalls, accessible directly from the estate. Descend a steep path winding through dense vegetation, and suddenly discover these wild waterfalls, with pools where you can take a dip.
Swimming there, surrounded by the jungle, with the power of the water crashing down around you, gives you a feeling of absolute freedom. I felt like a child again, in awe of the power and beauty of nature. It’s an experience I’d recommend to anyone staying here: it’s not just a swim, but a communion with the elements.
A spa immersed in the jungle
I’ve been lucky enough to experience many wellness rituals in my life, but one of the treatments I received here will remain etched in my memory. Imagine: a massage table set up in the middle of nature, with the sound of water mingling with birdsong, and the air charged with the damp scent of ferns. The therapist begins with gentle pressure movements that seem to follow the rhythm of the river. Every gesture, every movement seems orchestrated by nature itself !
At the end of the treatment, I’m invited to immerse myself in an open-air bath strewn with rose petals. It’s as if the whole body dissolves in an ocean of sensations, a total osmosis between self and environment. Pure bliss !
A temple to Ayurveda and yoga
At COMO Shambhala Estate, the treatment program is based on ancestral Asian traditions, in particular Ayurveda. I had a consultation with an Ayurvedic doctor who took the time to explain my doshic profile and recommend suitable treatments. During my Ayurvedic consultation, the doctor explained that I’m predominantly Vata, with a Pitta component. This means I’m creative by nature, curious, always on the move, with a lively but sometimes erratic energy. I tend to get carried away, to think too fast, and to feel a certain nervousness if I don’t take the time to settle down. It’s true! That’s why he recommended slow, deep breathing practices every day, to bring more stability and inner calm.
The Ayurvedic massages, with their warm oils and enveloping movements, relaxed me deeply, but above all they gave me the feeling of being rebalanced.
Yoga also plays a central role. Classes are held in pavilions overlooking the jungle, where every breath mingles with the pure air and every posture seems amplified by the energy of the place. Practicing the sun salute against the backdrop of the sunrise over the rainforest is an experience that almost touches on the sacred.
Healthy, refined dining
A wellness holiday would not be complete without the right cuisine. Here, the COMO Shambhala menu is a true signature. Designed to be healthy, balanced and delicious, it features local, often organic produce, and subtly blends Balinese tradition with international inspiration.
The culinary experience at COMO Shambhala Estate alone is worth the trip. In the evenings, I liked to settle down at Kudus House, a 150-year-old Javanese house transformed into a refined restaurant. The atmosphere is both intimate and authentic, as if time had stood still. I remember a dinner punctuated by deeply flavored Indonesian dishes: melting beef rendang, vegetables flavored with coconut milk…
By lunchtime, I was back in the bright, contemporary atmosphere of Glow, where the open kitchen invites you to watch the chefs at work. It was here that I tasted one of the best salads: an unexpected blend of quinoa, cranberries, ginger and miso, both nourishing and full of freshness. Between the freshly squeezed juices, colorful bowls and vibrant plates, I can say I loved the culinary experience.
Mornings at Kudus House are magical too : birdsong, soft jungle light and a table that celebrates both gourmandise and vitality. I started with a fresh juice or a shot of Golden Jamu, invigorating and comforting, before indulging in tropical fruits and homemade granola, as crunchy as it is fragrant. I loved the mango and coconut yoghurt pancakes, as well as the quinoa bowl with mushrooms and avocado, colorful and nourishing.
Of all the options, my real favorite was the Real Toast: a crunchy almond and flaxseed toast, topped with a creamy avocado crush, served with a fresh tomato, cucumber and parsley salad. A dish I’d love to make again at home.
Our feeling
The natural setting, absolutely exceptional, is without doubt one of the most impressive we’ve seen in a hotel. The strength of the jungle, the presence of the river and waterfalls, the palpable energy of the place: everything contributes to creating a unique atmosphere. The villas with their infinity pools are sublime, the treatments of remarkable quality, the cuisine refined and perfectly in tune with the philosophy of well-being. A true sanctuary for body, mind and soul, and our favorite place in Bali.
Book Como Shambhala Estate
Take advantage of our wellness expertise and contact us for a personalized quote at COMO SHAMBHALA ESTATE.
Rates: Expect to pay from around 1,000 USD per day on average for a single person, all-inclusive (accommodation, care, full board), or around 650 USD per day per person for a couple. Contact us for a special deal and/or exclusive perks.
Contact us by phone to discuss your holiday plans:
- from France on + 33 1 85 73 22 14
- from Switzerland: +41 22 501 75 16
- from the Emirates: +971 54 583 1623
- from the USA: +1 (646) 980 6652
- from the UK: +44 20 4577 3258
