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As you may know, I recently returned home after spending 3 weeks on a yoga retreat in Bali. Bali has a reputation for being an excellent location for this and not too long ago, The Guardian named Ubud, Bali one of the top 10 yoga retreats in the world. The mountain town of Ubud has an incredible spiritual atmosphere and abundance of healthy cafes, vegetarian restaurants, yoga centres in the midst of lush rice paddies. For me, it was the perfect place for a yoga or meditation retreat.
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BUDGET FOR 1 WEEK YOGA RETREAT IN BALI
I lived on a midrange budget which means that I could easily have saved and stayed on a much tighter budget, but I chose not to. For me, being on a yoga retreat in Bali was also about wellness and getting to eat and do what I wanted without having to think about saving.
* This budget does not include plane tickets.
Lodging
- Negotiate the price
Food
- Breakfast incl. in room
Taxes
- Visa on arrival: $25
Card
- 10 day class card: $62
Wellness
- 1 massage: $7
YOGA PLACES IN BALI
The best and most economical way to do yoga is to buy a class card. Most of the studios offer a class pack (e.g. 10 classes valid for 6 months) or days pass (e.g. 30 day unlimited class card).
At the yoga centres, you get access to traditional yoga styles of Classical Hatha, Vinyasa Flow, Power, Pranayama, Restorative, Iyengar, Yin & Anusara. Other modalities include Meditation, Sound Medicine, Kirtan and Ecstatic Dance. I only did yoga at the Yoga Barn, but I also heard good things about these places:
HOW TO CHOOSE A YOGA OR MEDITATION STYLE
Anyone can join a yoga retreat in Bali and there are classes for both beginners and advanced. The types of yoga and meditation vary from class to class and it’s an excellent idea to try something new while you’re here. Personally, I’ve practiced meditation for many years, but was surprised to find out how many different kinds of meditations there actually are. I tried out several classes and it took my meditation practice to a whole new level.
When you are choosing what type you want to do, have this in mind:
- Choose a teacher and style you love
- Pick a focus that speaks to you
- Choose a yoga style that matches your current fitness level, your personality and goals for practicing yoga
- Do you prefer challenging or gentle yoga? E.g. Ashtanga (challenging), Bikram (challenging), Hatha (gentle), Viniyoga (gentle) and so on. You can ask and read about the classes at the centers
Try different classes and see what works for you.

The Yoga Barn
ORGANIC AND VEGETARIAN RESTAURANTS
Ubud is a Mekka for healthy food lovers, and raw food, vegan, macro and vegetarian food can be found everywhere. Here are some of the best restaurants:
CLEAR
With its temple-like interior and menu full of enticing elixirs, Clear is the perfect place to indulge in raw food, vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dishes.
Price range: $6-20
Address: Jalan Hanoman No. 8
Website: Clear cafe
DOWN TO EARTH
Everything about this vegetarian restaurant is so thought through from the macrobiotic chef and all organic foods to only using local supplies and supporting the community. The meals are exceptionally tasty and beautifully presented.
Price range: $4-8
Address: Jalan Guatama Selatan
Website: Down to Earth Ubud
ALCHEMY
A raw food vegan cafe offering delicious organic meals, raw chocolate and amazing garden surroundings.
Price range: $7-15
Address: Jalan Penestanan, Ubud
Website: Alchemy
WARUNG SOPA
All organic, tasty meals! This vegetarian restaurant with an emphasis on wholesome and organic food offers a mix of Japanese and Balinese dishes.
Price range: $3-8
Address: Jalan Sugriwa 36
Website: Warung Sopa
YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE RELIGIOUS
If you’re going to the Yoga Barn, you have to be prepared to hear the name Ganesha a lot during classes. If you aren’t okay with this and you don’t want to bow to Ganesha, then don’t. You shouldn’t succumb to peer pressure and it’s not written anywhere that you have to be spiritual to practice yoga or meditation.
You will see that a lot of the classes are opened with a thank to Ganesha or that he or some other hindu god is mentioned in the mantras. I’m no hindu so I simply refrained from saying the mantra or I replaced the word Ganesha with something else; like God, myself or whatever makes me happy. Do what you are comfortable with.
HOLISTIC TREATMENTS
You’ll find plenty of alternative and holistic treatments in Ubud. The most common kinds are reflexology and healing, but you can also find acupuncture, palm reading and many other things.
Healing
Legend has it that as far back as the 8th Century, royal families from across the island sent their ill to Ubud to be healed, and the tradition continues today – with people from all over the world arriving in hope of curing what ails them. Whether it’s sound healing or heart problems, depression or a chronic disease – Ubud has a cure for it.
Reflexology
This natural healing art is based on the principles of using acupressure points in the hands and feet to combat stress, tension and to promote general well-being in the form of better circulation and function of the organs. For trained and excellent practitioners, head to Taksu, Reflexology Bali or Kenco.
HAVE A HEALTHY SKEPTICISM
When it comes to spirituality and self-development, we expose ourselves and become vulnerable in order to grow and learn. Whether you believe in spirituality, alternative treatment or not, you need to take good care of yourself and make sure you’re doing this in a safe environment with a trained teacher or practitioner.
In the spiritual field, there are people taking advantage of this vulnerability. I’m not saying that you should second guess everyone’s motives, but you should develop a healthy skepticism towards spirituality and everything it entails. Make room for asking questions. You should take care of yourself first and foremost; that’s what you’re here for, remember.
SPA AND MASSAGE
Speaking of taking good care of yourself… A yoga retreat in Bali is more than the exercise. It’s also about relaxing and unwinding. Everywhere you look, you’ll see massages and spas, but if you want excellent treatment (as in the-best-you’ll-ever-had), I’d recommend you to splurge a little and go to one of these places – Taksu is my personal favorite (ask for Jero).
- Taksu (try the lomi lomi massage)
- Putri Bali Spa
- Kayma Spa

I had a massage here every day. It was divine!
WHERE TO STAY
If you’re doing a yoga retreat in Bali, your cheapest option is a home-stay, which is a very common type of accommodation in Ubud. Home-stay accommodation is where a Balinese family rent out a room in their home starting from as little as $9 per night – if you remember to negotiate the price, that is. Try to find accommodation close to your yoga center as this will motivate you to go more often.
Great accommodation in Ubud:
High-end
Alaya Ubud ($155 per night)
Mid-range
Aya’s Room ($39 per night)
Budget
Dudek Home stay ($19 per night)
PRACTICAL INFO AND TIPS
- Yoga mattresses are free to use at the centers, but you can buy your own anywhere in town.
- Buy a class card. Not only is it cheaper, but it will work as a motivation for you.
- There’s no need to buy a yoga retreat package or stay at the center. It’s cheaper to plan it yourself.
- Bring a good book and preferably something you don’t normally read. Focus on learning something new.
- Write a journal and describe what you experience and learn.
WHAT TO BRING
- Comfortable clothes
That ranges from yoga or workout clothing, to slacks and skirts, and everything in-between. - Layers, layers, layers
Everyone who’s been to Ubud knows that it’s warm in the day and chilly in the morning and evening. Packing layers ensures that you are comfortable no matter the weather. - Comfortable shoes
- Water bottle
- Sunscreen
- A book
- A journal
- An open mind
Ubud was my favourite place in Indonesia, partly because of the amazing vegetarian food and the massages, which were some of the cheapest and best I’ve had in Asia. This is a great guide; I love the way you’ve laid-out your budget information too.
Thanks, Amy 🙂 Ubud was my favorite place too for both the reasons you mention. I don’t think I’ve been to a place with such an atmosphere before. It is truly unique.
I would love to do this in Bali one day! Loving all the photos 🙂
In that case you should do it in Ubud. There are other places for yoga retreata in Bali too (Uluwatu and Nusa Lembongan), but living in a town surrounded by rice paddies and mountain tops is just something special.
I did some yoga in China and in Bali as well! I absolutely loved it. Felt so chilled out and relaxed!
My words exactly 🙂
I didn’t enjoy Bali for the most part, but absolutely loved Ubud! It would be so much fun to go back there for a yoga retreat. It also sounds like a good decision to not stress too much about budget while doing a retreat aimed at wellness!
It’s easy to feel that Ubud is the heart of Bali – there’s just so much postive energy going around! I hope your trip to Bali wasn’t too bad.
I have to admit that this appeals a lot more now than it might have done before travelling altogether. In Asia I came across more often to this kind of mentality, lifestyle and way of approaching life then I suddenly became more and more interesting in trying yoga. I’m still skeptical about it but I’d love to try it and then make my own mind up about its benefits, at the end of the day if everyone says that is incredibly good for you there must be a reason, correct? 😉
I think you should try it. It might surprise you. People do it for various reasons – some for spiritual, some for exercise, others for mental health – it’s all about what you expect to gain from it. I think you will see that yoga is good for balance, flexibility and for mental strenght. Let me know if you decide to try it out – I’d love to hear about your experience.
Great post! I have never tried yoga, but have always wanted to, and this looks like the perfect place to give it a go. Sounds so peaceful and relaxing 🙂
Thanks, Catherine. If you’re ever in the area, I’d definitely recommend you to visit. Yoga in Europe is great, too 🙂
I recently went on a yoga retreat in Bali in Ubud. I like the city but it’s almost too touristy now a bit. But I certainly enjoyed the health consciousness of it all. I managed to only catch the Yoga Barn and classes at my hotel but they were nice too. This post makes me want to go back!
I was only at the Yoga Barn, too, but I didn’t feel the need to try other places. You’re right – Ubud is touristy, but I actually didn’t mind. It still had its charm and atmosphere which is the thing I love most about this city.
Hi Miriam, I love your blog. So informative and helpful. 🙂
after reading about your spa experience in Bali I want to do the same. I have been very close to Bali but never adventured thee yet. A spa retreat is the perfect dream for me.
I am new in the travel blogging sphere so please have a look at my blog and tell me your opinion
http://www.cinderellajourneys.wordpress.com
keep up the good work!
x Ily
Thanks so much, Ily. I’m glad you find it helpful! A retreat doesn’t have to be expensive and it’s totally possible to do it cheaper than me. I hope you get to experience it.
Just wondering: it’s a good idea to plan a yoga retreat having no previous yoga experience? I think Bali is a nice place and it’s on my travel wishlist, but I’d like to do something useful along the way. Thanks.
Sure, in Ubud you’ll find yoga for both beginners and advanced. You can start by taking a class or two to see if it’s something you like. Hatha yoga is a good place to start as it goes slow.
Thank you for the info! I went to India and wish I had taken a side trip to ubud but I’m ready to go there! Can you recommend some homestays? We stayed in India in them and loved it! Maybe near the yoga barn ?namaste
Hi Susie, I stayed at Aya’s Room, which isn’t a homestay but is close to the Yoga Barn. It’s very easy to find homestays when you get there so I wouldn’t worry too much about it.
Nice information i have read the blog and gain to many new things thanks for sharing
I’m glad to hear that. Yoga really is amazing!
Hi Miriam
I’ve read your blog and found it fascinating and inciteful. I have the opportunity to go and travel for a week in ubud and what I’m searching for is a truly spiritual and healing experience but I have no idea where to start! I go on the 5th November, not far off at all and I’m terrified I won’t get the most out of my experience because of my lack of knowledge. Can you point me in any direction? I’d appreciate any advice or suggestions.
Very warm regards
Helen
Namaste, dear Helen,
Ubud is the perfect place for a spiritual and healing experience. I recommend you go to Yoga Barn and buy a class card. Then choose different yoga and meditation classes – they are really great! For a vegetarian or vegan diet, I recommend dining at Down to Earth. It’s THE BEST restaurant/cafe in Ubud, and I ate there every day. You will have no problem finding what you’re looking for – just be aware that there are also scammers posing as holy people (especially around temples). Make sure you ask locals before seeing a healer – they will know the names of good and reliable healers in town.
I’m sure you will love Ubud. It’s such a spiritual place and it’s perfect for soul searching and relaxation. Let me know if you have any further questions. I’m happy to help.
Thank you so much for this. I had lots of questions about the spirituality of it all and you really nailed it with your answers. I’m going next week! Wish me luck! 🙂
Hi Claire, I’m glad you found what you were looking for! All the best, you’ll love Bali 🙂
I am planning to visit in bali for short family vacation around mid august though I am very intrest in yoga ,so please suggest me how to explore it and which will be the best place to start,I am just beginner.
Hi Ujwol,
Thanks for commenting. I recommend Yoga Barn for yoga and meditation classes. You can buy a class card if you plan on coming many times or just pay for single classes (the class card is cheaper if you’re taking more classes). They have all sorts of yoga classes, from beginners to advanced. I was very happy with them!
This article is very good and informative. Thank you for sharing this. Keep it up.
Thanks, Tracey! I’m glad you found it helpful 🙂
Hi Miriam,
Thanks for the article, I found a lot of useful information. I was wondering if there is any vegan resorts you’d recommend? I’m having some major lower back issues, most likely caused by stress. I was wondering if there is a resort (basically one stop shop) that can accommodate to stretching, healing (physically, mentally, spiritually) and a vegan diet.
Hi Gary,
I’m sorry to hear about your back problem. I’m not aware of any vegan resorts, but there are many healers in Bali (especially in Ubud). I recommend taking classes at the Yoga Barn. They have gentle yoga and restorative classes, which are good for body and mind. They also have healing, but I haven’t personally tried it. The best vegan food I had was at Down to Earth cafe – it’s amazing! It’s not too far from Yoga Barn (7 minutes walk), but the food at Yoga Barn is not particularly good.
I love this article. This is very well written. You have truly enriched me with some excellent knowledge.
I’m so glad to hear that! Thanks for stopping by 🙂
You forgot to mention that Ubud has the only vegetarian move theater. Paradiso Ubud! 🙂
Uh, I didn’t know that. Thanks for the info! 😀
I’m in Ubud now and LOVING it! I’m a yoga instructor taking some time to focus on my own practice before leading my own retreat. The energy in Ubud is unlike anything I’ve experienced anywhere else. Thanks for sharing. I really appreciate all of the restaurant suggestions.
You’re very welcome, Autumn! I love your name by the way x
Hi Miriam…I stumbled on your blog after visiting one of my favorite travel blogs. I’m impressed by the great content you have and super helpful info on traveling. I’m looking forward to reading more and getting to know you and your ventures better.
Have a great day!
KaSonndra
I’m glad to see you on my blog, KaSonndra. Welcome, and do let me know if you have any questions 🙂
All the best from Denmark
This blog is outstanding and the courses provided in this blog are very useful for me to learn yoga easily.
I’m so glad to hear that, Tracy! Thanks for stopping by.
Awesome Information….. thanks for share…………….
You’re welcome. Thanks for reading!
Great post! I like your article its really helpful for restaurant suggestions.
So glad to hear that, Eva!
Great listing of venues!!
Thanks so much!
I’ve heard a lot about Bali for yoga retreats. This article clears my all doubts. Budget part is super helpful. Soon, will plan my trip to Bali. Thanks for writing!
You’re very welcome, James. Thanks for reading 🙂
That Taksu Spa looks amazing! I’ve never had a massage in a place like that. It looks like you’re really in the jungle and the natural noise would be beautiful. I usually fall asleep at some point during my two hour massage and that place would be perfect for it.
Oh, If you like massages, you’ll LOVE Taksu. It’s absolutely wonderful.