Beyond the Retreat: Discover Bali’s Spiritual and Healing Wonders
Bali, often called the "Island of the Gods," is a tropical paradise known as the perfect destination to go inward with your spirituality. The path to wellness and healing doesn't have to end at the retreat. The island, filled with natural wonders, spiritual traditions and a rich cultural history, is the perfect place to continue your spiritual quest. If you're looking for a way to dig deeper after your retreat, Bali offers many opportunities to explore.
Maybe you're seeking serene temples for meditation, yoga studios to deepen your practice or curious to learn about traditional Balinese ceremonies. Perhaps you simply want to pamper yourself with endless spa treatments, meditate at sunrise and bliss out on sunsets. Whatever it is, Bali has endless surprises throughout the island. Whether this is your first time in Bali or you're a repeat visitor who can't resist the allure of Bali's treasures, there's plenty to discover on your spiritual Balinese journey.
Balinese Spirituality
Spirituality in Bali is incredibly unique. It's the only Indonesian island that is predominantly Balinese Hindu—a mix of Hinduism with elements of Buddhism and Indigenous animist customs that pre-date the arrival of Hinduism. This unique blend integrates the primary belief of Hinduism with the exquisite arts and rituals of Bali. You won't find anything like it anywhere else.
While Islamic and Buddhist influences are also present in religious practices, Hinduism takes center stage in Bali. In Balinese Hinduism, God takes unlimited forms, which is why you'll see many temples and shrines dedicated to various Hindu deities. In daily life, these beliefs are reflected in the elements of nature. Balinese consider nature holy, and mountains, rivers, and forests are home to ancestral worship.
As you make your way through Bali, note how daily rituals, festivals, and traditional dances incorporate elements of the natural world. The Balinese integration of spiritual practices like prayer and meditation is present in everyday routines. For example, you'll frequently find tiny baskets of flowers, called "canang sari," placed in front of doorways, inside temples and on stone statues. These intricate offerings are handmade every morning as a form of worship to the Hindu gods.
If you'd like to continue to grow and heal after your retreat at The Place, read on to explore some of the best wellness and spiritual activities in Bali.
Our Top Spiritual and Wellness Experiences in Bali
Meditate at a Sacred Temple
Bali has countless stunning temples; it will be impossible to pick just one! But to really understand why this island is called the "Island of the Gods," you should make your way to Lempuyang Temple for an exquisite example of a sacred Balinese temple. The temple complex is steeped in history, ancient artifacts, lush gardens and koi ponds.
Sitting in stillness at these ancient sites often evokes a deep connection—to yourself, the culture, and something greater. Take your time in the temples as you meditate and observe traditional ceremonies from the surrounding community.
It's recommended to arrive as early as possible, as you might find the most famous temples incredibly busy with other tourists who are also seeking the perfect Balinese temple, just like you! If you'd like to experience less touristy temples, try to visit the 9th-century "elephant cave" temple of Goa Gajah.
For a truly memorable experience, schedule a private photo shoot at the 11th-century temple of Gunung Kawi Sebatu, where a local priest can guide you through the sacred water ceremony.
Drift Away at Floating Therapy
Zero-gravity sensory deprivation is the closest thing to what it must feel like to float in space. The warm salt water at Solace Float, keeps you effortlessly floating in a private, soundproof, enclosed pod. This immersive experience is the perfect space to empty your mind, destress, and enter a blissful, enhanced state of meditation.
Canggu
Deepen Your Downward Dog
Before "Eat, Pray, Love" put Bali on the map of bucket-list destinations, there was the Yoga Barn. If you've heard about yoga in Bali, there's a good chance it's because of this famous movie, which changed Bali forever. Since 2007, this space has welcomed the health-conscious of Ubud and the surrounding areas with healing sessions, yoga classes, and kirtan singing ceremonies.
If you're a yoga enthusiast—or even if you're just yoga-curious—Bali is a haven for deepening your practice or simply exploring new styles. The Ubud area alone has more than 50 different studios to choose from! The island has become one of the world's most iconic yoga destinations, attracting teachers and practitioners from around the globe.
Ubud
Spoil Yourself with a Royal Massage
Bali is known for the Balinese spa experience but with so many to choose from, it can be difficult to choose one. An excellent spa experience is a combination of masseuse and ambience. The lovely Taksu Spa and Wellness Center is like discovering a hidden jungle complete with bridges and waterfalls. Spend the day indulging in a sound healing and breathwork session followed by a tantric hatha yoga class, and pamper yourself with the Balinese royalty spa package–you won't regret it.
Ubud
Witness Kecak Fire Dancing
Bali temples can transform into stages for traditional dance performances in the evenings. The most famous—for good reason—is the Kecak Fire Dance, which starts at sunset in Uluwatu Temple. Yes, it's touristy, but witnessing this centuries-old storytelling of the life of Ramayana while the chorus of men chanting "cak" lures the crowd into a dramatic rhythm is something you don't want to miss.
Uluwatu
Experience a Uluwatu Sunset with a Twist
Uluwatu, a Balinese holy site, is also home to the stunning Istana, a smoke, alcohol and drug-free zone. It's perfect for those in recovery and anyone wanting to extend their retreat experience. Jutting out on the cliffs as the waves pound below, you can access hot tubs, ice baths, spa, sauna, steam room and swimming pool as you witness an unrivaled sunset (or a sunrise if you desire!). Be sure to check out their weekly events featuring ecstatic dance + cacao ceremonies every Thursday and the very popular Longevity Sundays.
Uluwatu
Reset and Refocus in Sideman Valley
If you need a retreat from the busy Bali towns, take a few days and head east to the picturesque Sideman (pronounced see-da-men) Valley. Rent a traditional bamboo house and quiet your mind amongst peaceful rice terraces, gently flowing rivers and lush greenery of the surrounding rainforest. Famous for craftsmanship, Sideman has many traditional bookstores, silversmithing workshops and a local community of expert weaving centers. It takes a month for a Balinese weaver to hand-create a single high-quality sarong, making it an excellent souvenir or gift for you to take back home with you.
Sideman Valley is the best place to purify yourself at a water temple ceremony at the nearby famous water temple, Pura Tirta Empul, which is a tribute to Lord Vishnu, the Hindu god of Preservation. This is also the perfect location to take a trek to hidden waterfalls and Mount Agung, which dominates the view in the distance.
Sideman Valley
Bringing the Beauty of Bali with You
Completing a retreat at The Place Retreats Bali is just the beginning of your journey. We encourage all of our guests to explore this magical island as part of their healing experience. Bali offers countless ways to continue exploring your spirituality and personal growth, from sacred temples to wellness therapies and the vibrant yoga community.
Whether it's a renewed commitment to daily meditation, a yoga practice, or simply pausing to appreciate life's small moments, the practices you cultivate here can sustain your well-being long after you leave. We think you'll find the Balinese wisdom and serenity transformational, and you'll be booking a return trip to The Place Retreats time and again.
If you’d like to learn more about Balinese healing with one of our tailor-made retreat journeys, contact one of our expert team members to learn more.