Drawing inspiration from their annual retreats to this idyllic destination for relaxation and rejuvenation, Body Holiday founders Bel and Holly give you their personal guide to the Island of Bali. From the chicest additions to Bali’s vibrant cafe and restaurant scene, hot new places to stay that balance modern luxury with traditional Bali charm and Bali wellness recommendations for top-tier Pilates studios, transformative sound healings, and indulgent saunas and ice baths offering breathtaking views. Whether you seek the latest in the scene or a hidden gem off the beaten path, let this guide be your passport to the best of Bali, carefully curated by those who know how to balance luxury, wellness, and the art of reset.
Stay
Further Hotel, Pererenan
Featured in Vogue, Elle and more this newly opened boutique hotel is nestled just north of Canggu in the up-and-coming suburb of Pererenan. Nominated for best hotel interior in 2023, a stay at Further is a considered and unique visual experience using sustainable materials and patterns of natural light by the team at MORQ Architecture. Artists in residence ensure an ever-evolving interior that is at the forefront of boutique hotels in Bali. In house restaurant, Bar Vera is worth a visit even if you aren’t staying here.
Mixing the traditional Balinese with the modern, these bamboo villas in Uluwatu have been inspired by bali’s rich and joyful culture, creating a fun, familiar and comfy destination in the beloved Island of Gods. The team at Bandido believes true Balinese hospitality is about treating guests as if they were part of the family, just read the long list of glowing reviews and you will see they are experts and making you feel just like part of the family. Nominated for building of the year in Bali 2024, choose from any of the 1 to 3 bedroom villas with your own private pool but make sure you book in early as Bandido villas get snapped up quick!
Adults-only jungle hideaway, RONJA is a newcomer on the boutique hotel scene which aims to give you a taste of the slow life. Situated in a Body Holiday favourite suburb of Bingin, Uluwatu, this stay manages to feel off the beaten path while being walking distance from the beach and close to some of the best restaurants and wellness in Bali, with a whole lot less traffic than Canggu.
Hear us out, although Seminyak is no longer the bustling hub of Bali like it once was, it doesn’t matter when you stay at Potato Head. Picked in 2023 top 50 hotels of the world, impeccable hospitality combined with intentionally designed rooms looking out over the ocean plus incredible amenities and wellness activities means this stay will be a highlight of your trip. Fill your day with sound healing and the incredible light/sound/vibration experience Sistrum, created in collaboration with Pyramids of Chi (featured below in Wellness). Then lounge by the private pool with great onsite food with an afternoon massage, sunset on the rooftop bar then dinner at Dome with natural food and wine. A special shout out to the zero plastic initiative on-site, with complimentary potato head water bottles to take home and recycled plastic being put to use to house all of the in-room products.
An open flame kitchen on the waves, this is a stand out for both the food and the views. Stripped back dishes that hero the produce and skill on the flame leave a lasting impression. Book in advance to secure a table, we recommend asking for seats on the deck in time for sunset.
This open-air, beachside, modern Japanese is a Body Holiday favourite. The cuisine is reflected in the interior with traditional Japanese decor and modern design elements. From freshly prepared sushi and sashimi to innovative interpretations of classic dishes Yuki is always a guaranteed fresh, high-quality, healthy and delicious meal. With a relaxing atmosphere for lunch or a vibey dinner, this is a must-do when staying in Canggu or Uluwatu.
Attached to the Uluwatu surf villas, this is a favourite of many famous surfers, due to its low-key atmosphere, delicious food and great view of the surf.
Start the day with breakfast and your coffee on the beach in this relaxed spot on the sand. Choose from seating under cover or beach bags on the sand where you can watch the surfers glide on by. An essential Bali beachside experience.
When you want to get an in-studio Pilates session, Studio Fondue has great teachers for a slow burn mat class. expect to rub shoulders with Pilates teachers from around the world and this is the spot for Pilates teachers when they are in Bali. The only stockist of Nagnata in Bali, this is also a good spot to stock up on activewear or enhance your recovery with an onsite sports massage or Normatec recovery boots.
Uluwatu’s first meditation centre, The Istana offers accommodation aswell as a host of wellness experiences including yoga classes and teacher training, cryotherapy and float tanks, but our favourite is the communal spa. With set 1.5 hour sessions, we recommend booking the last session to enjoy the sunset as you move around the infinity pool, infared and sound dome sauna and hot and cold plunge pools at your own leisure.
Specialising in “the art of movement” La Tribu offers yoga, mobility & art classes at a studio in the heart of Bingin, Uluwatu. A playground for adults, the lovely service and approach creates a space which is an ode to your inner child. We love yoga here but the clay classes are something we want to try too!
The Pyramids of Chi introduce themselves as “an innovation to the world through the combination of Pyramid Power, Sacred Geometry, Polar Alignment, Ancient Sounds & the magical energy of Bali.” This unique and magical space is a truly unique experience with a range of options from 1:1 sessions to group sound healing sessions, 1 day retreats, yoga, emotional healing techniques, astrology and more.
Reformer Pilates at The Pilates Project, Pererenan
This new space with both a mat and reformer studio has popped up and is popping off in the up-and-coming Pererenan. With great teachers and a range of different class styles and times, it’s a great spot to hit if you are craving an in-studio refomer workout.
A massage at Spring Spa, Uluwatu, Canggu and Nusa Lembongan
Spring Spa is known as the spa to visit around Bali, this tranquil sanctuary invites guests to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life in Bali and indulge in a world of relaxation and renewal. Whether you want a soothing massage, a revitalizing facial, or a luxurious body treatment, or perhaps all three, the spa’s thoughtfully curated menu of services draws inspiration from ancient healing traditions and modern techniques to ensure you are well looked after.
Image Credit: Tribu Bali
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