COMO Shambhala Estate – Hotel Review

Meaning “sacred place of bliss”, COMO Shambhala Estate pays homage to the mythical Shambhala: the enlightened kingdom of ancient Tibetan legends. This is where the rich and famous come to rejuvenate and this peaceful resort has well and truly perfected the art of reclusive luxury. Read on for the full review.

The seclusion of this hotel is legendary, partly because of its location in the mystical surrounds of Ubud, an hour north of the capital. This property’s version of 'choose your own adventure' looks serene, no matter the outcome you choose: hide away in a villa and soak up the tranquillity or tap into the extensive retreat programs, with a dietitian/nutritionist and Ayurvedic doctor on hand to tailor your experience. In addition to healthy and organic cuisine, there's a fully-equipped gym, as well as daily activities from yoga and rock climbing to Pilates and handicrafts.  

Where is COMO Shambhala Estate?

Set in the foothills of Bali, 35 kilometres from Seminyak, Ubud is an arts village surrounded by rice fields, palm groves and dramatic forested ravines. Known as the cultural heart of Bali, it is also a haven for gourmands and those looking to tap into the more spiritual side of the island.

What’s near COMO Shambhala Estate?

Ubud and its quaint town of boutiques, smoothie-bowl-bars and busy streets is just 20 minutes away by taxi. Make sure to book ahead with more of the popular restaurants (it's a food-lover’s town, for sure) but exploring the surrounding rice terraces can be completely on your schedule. 

Room types

There are both rooms and suites, each with their own sense of treehouse-esque luxury, with four-poster beds draped in fabric, a personal assistant to attend to any pressing needs and views over the lush surrounding jungle. The hotel’s residences are truly something else (and so is their accompanying price tag). The Wanakasa Residence, which nudges out over the Agung Valley with a curved infinity pool at its edge, comes complete with a private Jacuzzi, ample space for a family and a private viewing deck which peers out into the rainforest. 

Restaurants and bars

There are two eateries on-site. Glow, the more relaxed of the two is an all-day affair, with flavourful casual meals of palm heart salads and wok-fried prawns with pineapple and torch ginger. Special occasions demand a table at the atmospheric Kudus House (which also serves breakfast), where the intericately-carved interiors are enough to distract you from ordering. The menu is alive with fiery curries and proteins flavoured with flames. 

Travel for work

Take our advice: don’t do it (unless from the edges of the resort's infinity pool. There’s a wi-fi wherever you go).

Pool, gym and spa

Overlooking the canopy of the valley, the property's pool is the perfect place for laps or lazing (no judgement here). There’s an on-site gym and yoga pavilion for whatever your wellness needs; if you take more of a relaxed approach to health, a spa treatment — either at the spa or in the comfort of your own room — is highly recommended. The treatments are based on healing Ayurvedic principles, with water from a nearby sacred spring harnessed for all treatments.

What you need to know

If you really want to up the wellness factor, opt to pay an additional fee for a fully-curated wellness programme — which, if you're game, could include everything from colonics to hydrotherapy. 

SEE ALSO: 18 of the Best Luxury Villas in Bali to Bookmark