COMO Shambhala Estate
Ubud, Bali

COMO Shambhala is one of Ampersand's Top 10 Hotel Spas and Top 10 Swimming Pools.

COMO Shambhala Estate, just north of Ubud, is Ampersand’s long-standing pick for one of the world’s best wellness retreats, and features in our Top 10 Hotel Spas and Top 10 Swimming Pools. Set within nine acres of tropical forest, staggered down the steep slopes of the sacred Ayung River Gorge, the setting feels almost otherworldly. Towering palms, thick ferns and tumbling water create an atmosphere that is both dramatic and serene, with the estate designed to immerse you fully in this landscape.

At its heart, COMO Shambhala is dedicated to holistic wellbeing, but this ethos is carried out in a subtle, relaxed manner that never feels prescriptive. Guests can dip into wellness programmes as lightly or as deeply as they wish. For some, it may mean yoga, meditation and nutrition consultations; for others, it is simply about enjoying the estate’s natural beauty, expert therapies and restorative calm.

Accommodation is spread across a series of uniquely styled Residences, each with four or five suites and a shared pool, as well as four Private Villas and five Retreat Villas, all with their own pools and living areas. Interiors combine pared-back Balinese style with contemporary comfort, using natural woods, stone and light-filled spaces to keep you connected to the outdoors. The sense of privacy is remarkable; villas are tucked into the hillside, often with sweeping views over the gorge or the estate’s lush gardens.

Dining is central to the experience, with menus designed to complement the wellness ethos. Much of the produce is locally sourced, and the kitchens specialise in fresh, flavourful dishes that are both nutritious and satisfying. Meals can be tailored to specific wellness programmes, but they are far from austere, this is healthy food at its most creative and delicious.

The spa is among the most celebrated in Asia. Minimalist in design and award-winning in reputation, it offers a wide menu of treatments drawing on both traditional Indonesian therapies and modern wellness practices. Several treatment pavilions overlook the gorge, where the sound of the river enhances the sense of calm. One of the estate’s most iconic features is the natural spring-fed pool at the river’s edge, a serene, glassy stretch of water that has become one of Ubud’s most photographed swimming spots.

For those seeking activity, the estate makes the most of its dramatic setting. Mountain biking, guided trekking and white-water rafting can all be arranged, while within the grounds there are opportunities for yoga, Pilates and circuit training. Each programme is personalised, ensuring that guests balance relaxation with discovery.

What makes COMO Shambhala so special is its ability to combine deep wellness expertise with a sense of lightness and ease. You can commit to a full wellness immersion or simply retreat into nature, knowing that every detail, from the service to the setting, is designed to restore and inspire. And with central Ubud just a short drive away, cultural excursions are always within reach.

There are no foreign lands. It is the traveller only who is foreign.
Robert Louis Stevenson