There are places you visit, and then there are places that feel like they’ve been waiting for you all along. Tucked away in the lush hills of Ubud, Bali, the COMO Shambhala Estate is one of those rare destinations that feels less like a hotel and more like a personal sanctuary. It’s not just a retreat—it’s a gentle nudge to slow down, to breathe, and to rediscover the harmony between nature and luxury.
Location: Seclusion with Soul
About a 15 to 20-minute drive from central Ubud, the estate is perfectly positioned to feel secluded without being completely removed. The drive itself is a small journey into Bali’s greenery, and by the time you arrive, the outside world feels wonderfully far away. Here, the soundtrack is the rustle of leaves, the distant call of birds, and the steady hum of the jungle.
Design: Where Luxury Meets the Landscape
The design of COMO Shambhala Estate is the embodiment of understated luxury. Instead of imposing on its surroundings, the architecture seems to melt into the landscape, allowing the jungle to take center stage. Think airy spaces, natural textures, and infinity pools that blur into the treetops. There’s a sense of expansiveness everywhere you look, yet nothing feels overdone. It’s the kind of luxury that whispers rather than shouts.
The Rooms: Retreats Within a Retreat
The estate is home to just 30 rooms and suites, spread across five residences. Each residence has its own Sanskrit-inspired name, its own pool, and its own sense of character. We stayed in a Retreat Pool Villa, a two-bedroom, two-story haven that came with a private infinity pool overlooking the jungle canopy. Mornings were spent with coffee in hand, watching mist rise from the trees, while evenings were for cooling off in the pool, lit only by moonlight. It felt like our own hidden corner of paradise.
The Details: Toiletries and Thoughtfulness
Every COMO property uses its in-house COMO Shambhala spa brand for toiletries—a thoughtful touch that ensures your daily routine feels like an extension of the spa experience. It’s a subtle reminder that here, even the smallest details are designed with wellness in mind.
Dining: Where Nourishment Meets Indulgence
The estate houses two distinct restaurants, each with its own story:
- Kudus House – Set inside a 150-year-old former Javanese residence, Kudus is atmospheric and deeply rooted in Indonesian heritage. Breakfast here felt like a gentle ritual, and dinners often featured local specialties—the chicken satay in particular was unforgettable.
- Glow – The wellness-driven counterpart to Kudus, Glow offers food that proves healthy doesn’t mean boring. The menu is brimming with vibrant, nutrient-rich dishes, but the real revelation was the gluten-free mushroom pizza—so satisfying that it became a daily indulgence.
The only slight disappointment? The coffee. Coming from capsule machines, it couldn’t quite match the depth of flavor we’d tasted elsewhere in Ubud (Uma Ubud still holds the crown).
Spa & Wellness: A Temple for the Body
The spa is the soul of COMO Shambhala Estate. Imagine lying down for a massage while gazing out of a window that frames the tropical rainforest. The experience feels almost sacred. I tried the signature Shambhala massage (a deeply soothing Balinese treatment) and the Taksu massage, which leans stronger and more invigorating. My therapist, Widi, was extraordinary—her skill transformed the treatment into something far beyond routine.
The spa menu spans over 20 treatments, from acupuncture to body therapies, making it easy to tailor your wellness journey. There’s also a dedicated Pilates studio, fully equipped with a reformer and cadillac machine, alongside mat classes that make movement feel effortless.
Pools, Yoga & Fitness
Wellness here isn’t confined to the spa. Each residence has its own pool, but the estate also offers a main resort pool as well as a 25-meter lap pool tucked into the jungle. Fitness enthusiasts can explore the gym, while yoga lovers will appreciate the thoughtful touch of a yoga mat provided in every room. It’s the kind of detail that encourages you to actually use it, whether on your villa’s deck or at sunrise by the pool.
Service: Personalized to Perfection
If there’s one thing that sets COMO Shambhala apart, it’s the service. I’ve stayed at many five-star hotels, but this felt different—intuitive in a way that’s almost magical. Each guest is assigned a personal assistant, and ours, Eka, was exceptional. From organizing our daily schedules to anticipating small needs before we even voiced them, she elevated the entire experience. The staff here don’t just serve—they genuinely care, and it shows.
Programs & Extra Touches
Beyond daily indulgences, the estate also offers wellness programs starting from three days. These are immersive, guided journeys into health and mindfulness—something I’d love to return for. It’s not just about staying at a hotel; it’s about giving yourself space to reset.
Final Thoughts: A Favorite, Forever
COMO Shambhala Estate isn’t just another luxury hotel—it’s a destination that reshapes how you think about travel, wellness, and rest. It’s where jungle stillness meets world-class comfort, and where service is so thoughtful it feels almost invisible. Of all the places I’ve stayed, this one sits firmly at the top—a favorite I know I’ll return to again and again.
Because some places aren’t just for vacations. They’re for transformation.
