A world away from the bustle and frenetic pace of South Bali lies a sprawling estate nestled deep within the riverine forest neighbouring Ubud. Just beyond the fabled town, considered to be Bali’s cultural heartbeat, is the 8.9-hectare sanctuary occupied by Como Shambhala Estate.
Even amid Bali’s temple-studded lands, the Estate is remarkably well-positioned for spiritual significance. Reaching down to the banks of the flowing Ayung River and encompassing a sacred spring, these bountiful grounds are a traditional place of purification for the local Balinese. It’s hard to envision a more fitting environment for the pursuit of deep renewal and healing.
Respect for the elements
The Estate is a sensorial delight. In the collaborative vision of architect Cheong Yew Kuan and interior designer Koichiro Ikebuchi, natural beauty is not a mere backdrop but the main attraction.
“Our Estate was designed to honour the elements and to create spaces that harmonise with nature,” Gede Suteja, cluster general manager of Como Shambhala Estate and Como Uma Ubud, informs me. “Each of the five residences embodies a distinct element—earth, water, fire, wind or forest—to create not just places to stay, but sanctuaries that reflect balance, cultural depth and a seamless connection to the landscape.”
With such a wealth of innate serenity at one’s doorstep, it’s no wonder that the Estate has become a beacon for travellers in search of rest, rejuvenation and above all, wellness. Facilitating this is a range of bespoke programmes, from Ayurvedic consultations to gentle movement itineraries and state-of-the-art wellness facilities.
Pressing pause
And thus I found myself arriving at the Estate with a wish to experience a deep reset. Comfortably ensconced within the Wanakasa residence—which appears to float above the canopy with breathtaking forest views—I could’ve remained happily cocooned within this lushly decorated space and still emerged feeling refreshed.
However, there’s an understanding at Como that resonant transformations often extend beyond mere rest. “Every journey at Como Shambhala Estate begins long before our guests arrive,” explains Prasanth Vayanakathu, the resort’s wellness manager and Ayurvedic consultant. Indeed, having shared my wellness goals in a prior assessment, the creation of a personalised plan spanning therapies, activities and nutrition was already well under way. Meeting with Vayanakathu for a consultation upon arrival, I was thrilled to find that while my suggested itinerary was meticulously tailored, it also prioritised an open approach. “Each of our six wellness paths is designed to meet specific goals while remaining flexible to the guest’s evolving needs during their stay,” he smiles.
Nourish to glow
Cherishing the opportunity to strengthen my mind and body, I select from a menu of group activities each day, extending from yoga and Pilates to walking and cycling tours of the nearby village. Gravitating towards languid yoga classes at sunset, I rely on guided walks of the Estate’s riverine perimeters to work up a sweat. Calming spring pools, sacred offering sites and secluded picnic areas dot the verdant routes where staff warmly impart their knowledge.
Beyond, a bevy of cultural experiences including tours of Ubud and excursions to iconic temples may also be arranged. I opt for a private water purification ceremony on the Estate’s grounds. Cleansed by fresh waters located at the Estate’s sacred spring and accompanied by the blessings of a local priest, a deep sense of connection to village life and the land is all but inevitable.
“Our connection with the community is as vital as our connection with nature,” Suteja explains. “More than a retreat, [the Estate] is an extension of Begawan Village, where respect, harmony and cultural exchange have been at our story’s heart for more than two decades.”
Between such expeditions and the comfort of my suite, my psyche is also nourished by the joys of massage at the newly refurbished Ojas Wellness Centre. The Centre is considered the heart of wellness at the Estate, and a curation of blissful treatments is on offer from Thai, Indonesian and Indian massage styles to more targeted remedies. Craving a lighter-handed approach, I find the deep tissue massage to be unparalleled. Lulled to slumber, the steady strokes of this massage style focus on loosening the muscles and encouraging blood flow. As a result, I wake up with a tangible sense of lightness that spreads throughout my body.
Rebalancing act
By the time my stay at the Estate comes to an end, there is no doubt that I’d achieved exactly what I’d hoped for: a deep sense of renewal. Carrying newfound gratitude for each facet of my journey, from the now-familiar smiles of staff to a meaningful understanding of Balinese spirituality, the healing benefits of this trip remain instilled even weeks after leaving the island behind.
“Emotional feedback is what inspires us most: guests frequently describe leaving the Estate feeling ‘reborn’, ‘reset’ and ‘recharged’,” Vayanakathu affirms. “It is this sense of renewal—both physical and spiritual—that defines the Como Shambhala experience.”
Learn more and book your stay at Como Shambhala Estate.
This story appears in Vogue Singapore’s October ‘Kinship’ issue, available online.
