There are countless reasons why Bali has become a dream destination for travelers. Its beaches, cultures, natures, foods, and of course, its spiritual serenity.
But if there’s one place in Bali that truly makes you pause, take a deep breath, and feel at peace, it’s Ubud.
Ubud is the spiritual heart of Bali. It’s world-famous for meditation, yoga, spas, and all kinds of wellness experiences. A haven for anyone in search of calm. And if that sounds like you, this guide is just what you need.
Ubud’s untouched natural surroundings and Bali’s deep-rooted Hindu traditions are what make it so special for spiritual journeys.
Here, you’ll find endless rice terraces, fresh highland air, the hum of cicadas, and the gentle sound of rivers flowing. You’ll also see temples where Balinese Hindus worship, and not to mention with the sacred energy of Mount Agung, believed to deepen meditation practice.
And if you happen to visit during Nyepi (the Balinese Day of Silence), you’ll witness Ubud at its most still and sacred. Imagine the rare kind of peace and healing that comes from being completely disconnected from the outside world. That’s the essence of Ubud.
Among the many options, Abisena Wellness and Resort Ubud truly stands out. Not only do we offer beautiful rooms overlooking jungles, you can also pamper yourself with a complete wellness program. Think yoga, guided meditation, and healing sessions with experienced instructors.
What makes Abisena unique is the way we transform the beauty of heritage, honoring our roots with elevated experiences. You can meditate in open-air spaces surrounded by Ubud’s signature tranquility, then join a sound healing session as the sun sets.
The best part? You can choose a one-day retreat if you’re short on time, or go for a multi-day package if you want a full mind-and-body detox in Ubud.
Happy guests often share how Abisena strikes the perfect balance between authentic spirituality and the comfort of a modern resort. As one reviewer put it:
“The Renew & Revive Package at Dirasha Wellness in Abisena is an absolute must-try if you're in Bali! From making our own boreh to experiencing a deeply relaxing traditional massage and body exfoliation, everything felt both relaxing and rejuvenating. The ambiance, the care, and the authenticity make it one of the best wellness experiences on the island. Definitely worth it! ✨”
Besides Abisena, here are a few other popular retreats worth considering:
Retreat Name | Type | Duration | Price Range | Location |
The Yoga Barn | Guided Meditation and Yoga | Drop-in and Multi Day retreats | 300,00 - 1,000,000 IDR | Central Ubud |
Blooming Lotus Yoga | Yoga Meditation and Retreat | 4-7 days | 7,000,000 - 12,000,000 IDR | Near Goa Gajah |
Bali SIlent Retreat | Silent Vipassana-style | 3-10 days | 4,000,000 - 9,000,000 IDR | Tabanan (Near Ubud) |
Pyramids of Chi | Sound Meditation | Daily Sessions | 400,000 - 700,000 IDR | North Ubud |
Each of these places has its own unique charm, but if you’re looking for an all-in-one experience; meditation, a luxury stay, and authentic Ubud vibes, Abisena Wellness and Resort is definitely the top pick.
If you’re only in Ubud for a short stay, drop-in classes are a great way to start:
Abisena Wellness and Resort – Even if you’re not staying overnight, you can still join our morning yoga and meditation sessions.
The Yoga Barn – Probably the most iconic wellness center in Ubud, with one of the most complete daily schedules.
Pyramids of Chi – Famous for its sound healing sessions inside pyramid structures, offered daily.
Imagine sitting comfortably in a room filled with energy, as the sound of a large gong begins to resonate, vibrating gently and seeping through your entire body. The Gong Bath Ceremony in Ubud is believed to balance your energy, release stress, and guide the mind into a deeper meditative state. The vibrations are not only heard but also felt like a subtle massage from within.
One of the most unique experiences in Ubud is the Floating Sound Bath Ceremony, where you lie back effortlessly on water while being surrounded by the vibrations of singing bowls, gongs, and traditional Balinese instruments. The combination of sound and floating creates a sensation of lightness while calming the mind. Perfect for travelers seeking healing in a truly unconventional way.
Meditation in Ubud isn’t always about sitting cross-legged. Some spas offer mindful relaxation sessions, where traditional massage, aromatherapy, and breathing practices come together in a meditative experience. Imagine a signature Balinese massage enhanced with guided breathing techniques, it is how you recharge both body and mind.
Breathwork is a meditation technique centered on breathing that has become increasingly popular in Ubud. Guided by an instructor, you’ll learn to control your breathing rhythm to release suppressed emotions, boost energy, and sharpen focus. Many travelers describe it as a complete “reset” for both the mind and body.
It’s almost impossible to talk about meditation in Ubud without mentioning yoga. Nearly every yoga class here incorporates meditation, either at the beginning or end of the session. From gentle Hatha and dynamic Vinyasa to deeply spiritual Kundalini, yoga in Ubud always unites the body, breath, and mind in harmony.
Ubud is also well-known for Chakra Healing Meditation, where practitioners help balance the body’s seven main chakras using mantras, crystals, and energy-touch techniques. Many participants leave feeling lighter, as if the negative energy stored within has finally been released.
At sacred temples such as Tirta Empul, travelers can take part in the Sacred Water Purification ritual, locally known as melukat. This involves bathing and praying under holy spring water to cleanse negative energy. It’s more than just meditation, it’s a meaningful cultural and spiritual experience unique to Bali.
For those seeking a true “digital detox,” Ubud also offers Silent Retreats, several days of complete silence without gadgets, conversations, or distractions. The focus is solely on yourself, meditation, and nature. While it may sound challenging, many people describe it as a life-changing journey of inner peace.
Yes, especially Ubud, it’s one of the best places in the world for a meditation journey.
Ubud is safe and welcoming, but it’s good to stay mindful. Some retreats can be more “touristy” than authentic, so choose reputable centers.
Yes, Ubud is very safe and attracts many solo travelers, especially women. Retreats and wellness resorts are designed with safety and community in mind, though it’s still smart to follow basic travel precautions.
Absolutely. Many retreats in Ubud are beginner-friendly, offering guided breathwork, yoga, or sound healing sessions.