For nutritionist, author and wellness coach Jessica Sepel, destination spa COMO Shambhala Estate is "a health retreat like no other". Read on for her complete review:
In my opinion, this is the most luxurious spot in Bali. You simply cannot find better. This is a health retreat nestled on top of the flowing river of UBUD. Surrounded by jungle, waterfalls, rock pools, rice paddies and miles of greenery – this place takes you far far away from the chaos of the world.
This is the place to come to reconnect with yourself and your body. This is the place to come for peace and quiet. This is the place to come for total rest and relaxation. … This is healthy luxury found!
COMO Shambhala Estate villas
The Retreat
The COMO Shambhala Estate is not about restriction and hardcore workouts. This retreat is about solitude, silence, rest, sleep, balanced eating and a lot of time and space to just be. Just how I like it. You leave the estate feeling cleansed and energized. The service is just beyond.
De-stress at COMO Shambhala Estate
The Food
The food has been carefully created by an expert nutritionist, Eve Persak – read our incredible interview here. The quality of the food from a taste and nutritional perspective is MIND BLOWING. The nutritionist can tailor a personal eating plan for your specific needs e.g.: to cleanse, for weigh balance or if you are raw vegan. The menu is designed so that each meal choice is incredibly nutritious and balanced but if you wanting personal guidance, the nutritionist can ensure you have your own menu to choose from so that throughout your stay you feel supported to achieve your goals.
COMO Shambhala Estate cuisine
Most of the food is dairy and gluten free – and you can double request this too. The breakfast is a highlight.
I have been fortunate enough to travel to a few health retreats and I have to say – Como Shambhala have gotten it RIGHT with the food! You just feel SO amazing eating the food there. Each meal is absolutely delicious and you can feel how good it is for you. You never leave a meal there feeling heavy and bloated.
Your skin and eyes start to clear after 1-2 days there – because of how well you are eating. Nutrient rich!
Ps: I loveeee the raw cookies to snack on in the afternoon. Ask for them!
The Accommodation
Balinese style luxury.
The rooms are pure comfort. Each villa has a large private pool you can enjoy all day long – you can even order lunch/dinner to your villa pool.
‘Fire’ is one of my favourite villas.
A Typical Day:
7:00am: Rice paddies walk or estate walk (walk around the property through waterfalls and rock pools)
9:00am: Yoga
10:00am: Most divine healthy breakfast of fresh fruit, homemade mueslis, eggs and greens, avo toast and green juice. The coconut almond muesli was a favourite.
Jessica Sepel at COMO Shambhala Estate
11:00am: Pool time and rest
1:00pm: Lunch. The nori rolls and quinoa salad with salmon/chicken were my favs! Love love their raw salads on the menu.
3:00pm: Yoga
4:00/5:00pm: Massage by the rock pools followed by a swim and rest in the rock pools.
3:00pm: Yoga
7:0opm: Healthy cleansing dinner. I loved the grilled chicken dish with sautéed greens. I also loved the fish curry with sautéed kale. You can eat in Glow which is the healthy restaurant or they also have a beautiful traditional Balinese restaurant on the property you can dine in at night.
9:00pm: Bed time for me!
Highlights for me
The healthy food
The rock pools – you simply have to go down to the rock pools for a massage and rest in the afternoons
The rice paddies walk
The luxury style accommodation
This place has to go on your travel wish list!
Talk to one of our Travel Specialists on or contact us here to discuss tailor-making your perfect wellness holiday.
