How to Choose the Right Wellness Retreat in Bali (and What to Expect)
Bali has become one of the world’s most loved destinations for wellness retreats. People come here looking for space, nature, warmth, and a chance to slow down away from the noise of daily life.
But if you’ve ever searched for a retreat in Bali, you’ll know there are hundreds of options. Yoga retreats, detox retreats, surf retreats, meditation retreats, luxury escapes, and everything in between.
So how do you know which one is right for you?
Here’s a simple guide to help you understand what to look for, what to expect, and how to choose a retreat that actually leaves you feeling rested rather than exhausted.
Our very own, The Art of Rest - A rest residency in Bali
Why Bali is ideal for a wellness retreat
There’s something about Bali that naturally encourages you to soften. Lush rice fields, warm air, slower rhythms of life, and deep cultural rituals all invite you to move differently.
Most retreats are based around Ubud or quieter surrounding areas where nature feels close and mornings begin with jungle sounds instead of traffic.
Add nourishing food, beautiful villas, and healing traditions, and it becomes easier to step away from stress and reconnect with yourself.
Not all retreats offer the same experience
When people imagine a wellness retreat, they often picture yoga classes and smoothies. And while many retreats do focus on yoga or fitness, there are actually several different styles of retreats in Bali.
Some retreats are active, with multiple classes or workshops each day.
Others focus on detox programs or fitness transformations.
And some retreats, like ours, centre around rest, nervous system calm, sensory experiences, and slowing down.
If your life already feels busy or demanding, choosing a retreat that gives you space rather than adding more to your schedule can be deeply restorative.
What usually happens on a Bali wellness retreat
Most retreats include accommodation, meals, and daily activities. But the feeling and pace can vary a lot.
A slower style retreat may include things like:
Gentle movement or somatic practices
Breathwork or meditation sessions
Sound baths or relaxation experiences
Massage or body treatments
Time in nature or quiet reflection
Shared meals and connection with like-minded people
The key difference is whether the retreat allows your body to truly rest, rather than filling every hour.
Questions to ask before booking a retreat
If you’re considering a retreat in Bali, here are some helpful questions to ask:
How full are the days? Do I get time to rest?
Is massage or spa care included?
How many guests will attend?
Is transport and food organised?
Will I feel pressured to participate in everything?
Does the retreat support relaxation or transformation through effort?
Choosing a retreat aligned with what your body actually needs makes all the difference.
A different kind of luxury
At Mellow Habits, we approach retreats a little differently.
Luxury for us isn’t about doing more. It’s about having space, beauty, care, and time. It’s waking slowly, moving gently, being nourished, and allowing sound, breath and nature to do their work.
Our Bali retreats are designed as sensory, slow experiences. Floating sound baths, gentle breathwork, massage, nourishing meals, connection, and long unhurried moments where nothing is required of you.
Not to become someone new, but to return to yourself.
Thinking about joining a retreat in Bali?
If you’re feeling the call to rest, Bali can be a beautiful place to begin.
And if a slower, more sensory approach to retreat feels aligned, you can explore our upcoming Bali residency and see if it feels right for you.
More retreats and residencies will also be opening across Australia, Asia and the Europe throughout the year.