Getting away from your same old day to day and running off for a meditation retreat sounds like a dream come true.
Add in Bali to the mix, and you are in for something REALLY magical.
Bali is a backpacker favorite, and has found itself as a must-go spot for all kinds of wellness travelers and retreaters. Its tropical jungles, gorgeous beaches and spiritual aura is the perfect setting to escape and have a once-in-a-lifetime retreat experience.
Though it may be a little busy in some areas, and have a pretty consistent stream of tourists, Bali has a WEALTH of different kinds of retreats to try out. Get ready for some serious inspo, here are all the best meditation retreats in Bali!
Photo: @amandaadraper
Why Should You Consider a Meditation Retreat in Bali?
Bali has become pretty famous for its wellness culture. Fitness, yoga, surfing, healing, coaching, meditation – the retreats hosted on the island cover everything you could imagine! Fitness retreats in Bali take place at beautiful tropical gyms, while the surfing retreats range from beginner to pro.
But let’s not get carried away, we are here to talk about the incredible practice of meditation. Joining a meditation retreat on the island will give you the chance to get out and explore Bali while also learning something that can change your life – mindfulness.
Photo: @amandaadraper
On a meditation retreat in Bali you will be taught the ins and outs of how to disconnect from the physical, and focus on what’s going on in your noggin’. With deep breaths, awareness and stillness, you can learn how to calm your inner monologue from propelling you into panic attacks and anxiety.
When you aren’t reconnecting with yourself on the retreat, you can head out and visit stunning cultural sights, spend days in the sun, meet new friends and enjoy the incredible food scene.
What Can You Expect From a Meditation Retreat in Bali?
There’s a lot to consider when choosing which meditation retreat in Bali to join. You may have some specific things you are looking for, or you may just go where the wind blows. For a first time meditator or total pro, the retreats can be beneficial to everyone!
Where you stay in Bali is super important to your meditation experience. You will want to be somewhere peaceful and away from the crowds, which many of the best meditation retreats are. In group villas and guesthouses, you may have your own private space or be sharing with another guest on the retreat.
While on the island you will want to take advantage of the STUNNING landscapes and nature. There is so much to see and do in Bali that involves the natural environment – waterfall treks, hot spring soaks, beach lounging, and volcano hiking. Many of the meditation retreats will include excursions to get you out and enjoy the island.
Finally, FOOD! Food in Bali is *chefs kiss*.
You can find all the usual Western options, but it’s the local food that’ll have you drooling. Your retreat will often be catered with a selection of Indonesian faves that’ll keep you fueled and excited about each meal time.
How to Choose the Right Meditation Retreat in Bali for You?
If you are this far through then you must be pretty certain that you want to join a meditation retreat in Bali. I mean, there aren’t many downsides – an island setting, learning something new, meeting new people and reconnecting with your inner power, sounds like all wins to me!
Choosing the right retreat for you will be impacted by a few personal factors – your budget, length of stay and experience. You don’t want to sign up for the wrong retreat and end up hating your experience. Yoga and fitness retreats in Bali sound similar, but are in fact, very different.
Wellness newbies should consider choosing a retreat that teaches foundational meditation and yoga. If you already have some experience, you can try a retreat that’s a little more intense and pushes your boundaries.
Location
Location is super important for having the most worthwhile and enjoyable experience. But it all depends on what you are after!
You will find meditation retreats in Bali’s jungles away from the crowds, and some retreats more towards the heart of town to make it easy to get around. Think about where you would like to be based and find a retreat to suit.
Practices
Yes, you guessed it, a lot of your time will be spent in meditation. This could be in guided meditation sessions, or in solitude.
As well as the meditative sessions, you can participate in wellness practices such as yoga, Balinese healing ceremonies, and reiki. Some retreats even incorporate nature into their practice with meditative walks in the woods, or water ceremonies at Bali’s best waterfalls.
Additional activities like traditional cooking and pottery classes, coconut oil making, and Barong dancing may also be included.
Photo: @amandaadraper
Price
Meditation retreats in Bali are fairly affordable. The two factors that will change the price are the type of place you will stay, and the duration of the retreat. Shorter retreats are far cheaper, however, they offer fewer practices and excursions.
Some retreats may be hosted in their center with simple places to stay, while more luxury retreats will be hosted in resorts with super lavish spots to stay. You will want to have some kind of budget in mind before you start searching around.
Perks
Bali meditation retreats include variety of different perks – occasionally at an extra cost. The perks are usually spa treatments, however, sometimes they will be exciting excursions.
Visiting hot Springs, seeing some of Bali’s most famous temples, surfing lessons, and even sunset horse riding sessions on the beach are all options that you can tick off your Bali itinerary.
Duration
Ranging from 3 to 10 days, there are meditation retreats in Bali to suit any schedule.
Make sure you can commit for the whole time to make the most of the opportunity. Though you may be able to negotiate turning up when you are able at certain retreats.
The Top 10 Meditation Retreats in Bali
Right, now you know what you’re in for, here are the best meditation retreats in Bali.
Best Overall Meditation Retreat in Bali – 7-Day Finding Balance Retreat
- $362
- Ubud
Set amongst rice fields, this seven-day meditation retreat in Bali encourages you to find balance within your body. Most of your days will be spent meditating and enjoying time in nature, with a delightful sprinkle of yoga in the schedule. So it’s one of my favourite yoga retreats in Ubud for this reason.
You will also get the chance to enjoy Balinese traditions such as Barong dancing, visiting temples, and touring the scenic rice paddies. Learn more about Balinese culture and life in-between learning meditation and calming practices. You will find that the Balinese culture also heavily relies on the same theories and practices.
Affordable Meditation Retreat in Bali – 4-Day Inner Awakening Retreat
- $239
- Tabanan
Situated in the scenic area of Tabanan, this retreat in Bali showcases all the best bits of living in Bali.
Hosted by local Balinese, and tucked away from all the tourist hotspots, it is the ideal location to destress and rejuvenate your body.
The experience shows profound beauty, wholesomeness, and human warmth. During the retreat, you will spend time in meditation to bring about your spiritual awakening. You will gain insight into Balinese wisdom, and get a glimpse at local life through ceremonies, cooking classes, and coconut oil making.
Best Silent Meditation Retreat in Bali – 7-Day Silent Zen Meditation Retreat
- $1234
- Payangan
This meditation retreat in Bali is all about the practice of Zazen (zen meditation). It is a silent retreat, but don’t let that scare you off!
If you’re up for the challenge of remaining silent for seven days, you will find the clarity you have been seeking.
During this retreat, you will be taken on meditative walks through the natural landscapes, taking the time to reconnect with Mother Earth. When you are reconnecting, you can take the time to reevaluate your life goals. Each afternoon you will be given questions to reflect on and answer.
Spending this much time in silence is challenging but with so many benefits! Try something you’ve never done before!
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View on Booking.comBest Mental Health Meditation Retreat in Bali – 10-Day Mental Relaxation Retreat
- $917
- Sesandan
Meditation is one of the best ways to help manage your mental health, and this meditation retreat in Bali focuses on that specifically through its 10 days.
When you aren’t meditating, you can melt away tension with traditional Balinese spa treatments and natural juices that replenish your body. You’ll be surprised at how much nutrition plays a role in your mental wellbeing!
At the retreat, you will have the chance to tune into what your body needs, and disconnect from your hectic schedule. You can choose to enjoy different excursions around the island like yoga on the beach, Balinese cooking, and music classes. You could also just spend the spare time journaling, painting, and meditating.
Best Spiritual Meditation Retreat in Bali – 8-Day Emotional Cleansing Retreat
- $997
- Lovina Beach
This retreat in stunning, rural Lovina is the perfect place to continue, or start, your deep spiritual journey.
A combination of deep yoga practices, meditative moments, and spa treatments, you can have moments. of total peace and serenity while building mental and emotional boundaries.
There is an intense emotional release that comes from this retreat. It will bring about a deeper level of self-awareness you will be able to carry through your life. You will also discover the magnificent healing power of nature, feeling spiritually revived as you leave.
Meditation Retreat for Solo Travelers in Bali – 4-Day Balinese Culture & Meditation Retreat
- $270
- Sesandan
Solo traveling can take a toll on your mind and body. When looking for meditation retreats in Bali, I had to find one that caters to solo travelers.
Four days of retreating is much more manageable for a solo traveler who loves to get up and go. This retreat isn’t on a rigid schedule, so you can still take the time to head out and explore when your aren’t in meditation.
Set in Sesandan, Tabanan, there is a stunning backdrop of nature and mountains as you meditate.
Best Meditation Retreat in Bali for Friends – 7-Day Recharge Your Mind & Body Retreat
- $540
- Tabanan
If you and your friends are in desperate need of a complete reset then this is the place to do it.
Nestled in the gorgeous rural town of Tabanan, this meditation retreat is perfect for a group of friends to do together. You will wake up in tropical nature, ease through meditation and yoga classes, and head into Bali with your best friends.
The great part of this retreat is that you and your friends can spend the afternoon joining excursions around the village. There is no strict schedule, and plenty of opportunities to spend time together.
Disconnect from all your responsibilities and have that friend’s getaway you’ve always dreamt of having.
Luxury Meditation Retreat in Bali – 6 Day Mental Wellness & Emotional Healing Retreat
- $1058
- Tabanan
Meditation and mental clarity doesn’t need to happen in a little wood shack. This little luxurious meditation retreat in Bali takes place in a stunning eco-resort in the scenic area of Tabanan.
During a 6 day stay at the retreat, you will be taught the art of letting go, how to transform your relationship with yourself and a healthy mind-body connection, with lots of luxe extras thrown in – like massages!
Book yourself in a private room within the outstanding bamboo resort, overlooking luscious verdant views with a group of wise and hands-on teachers to guide you.
Best Detox Meditation Retreat in Bali – 5-Day Soul Freeing Retreat
- $465
- Sesandan
Meditation, yoga, and organic juices are all part of the daily practice at this meditation retreat in Bali. For those that want to go all in on their healing journey, this retreat includes 5-days of detoxing, and you can even add a fasting program!
Spend mornings in deep meditation and joining yoga sessions to stretch it out. Then, you’ll have a jam-packed itinerary of deep tissue massages, Balinese pastry making classes, and traditional dance performances.
For an extra cost, you could even visit famous temples, hot springs, and go horse riding at sunset!
Most Beautiful Meditation Retreat in Bali – 3-Day Eco Luxury Yoga & Meditation Retreat
- $296
- Tabanan
Nestled in between rice fields and jungle, this eco-resort is one of the most beautiful backdrops you could have for a meditation retreat.
During your experience, you will be encouraged to find balance through yoga and meditation sessions. You will also be given the chance to explore the neighboring villages, or just relax around the resort.
For those who love a jam-packed itinerary, this is a great option. There are activities every day like taking part in pottery classes, visiting famous temples, or simply be pampered poolside. To further indulge in the beautiful scenery, relax in the river stone bathtub or visit the spa for luxury treatments.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Although it’s often as chill as it gets, there’s always a chance that stuff goes wrong. That’s why I ALWAYS go with solid travel insurance in Bali.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on Meditation Retreats in Bali
Were you impressed by the best meditation retreats in Bali? I was – the backdrop, the excursions, the price, the vibes, everything is well thought out.
With so many to choose from, it’s hard to pick a favorite. However, the 7-Day Finding Balance Retreat seemingly has it all. It’s affordable and provides plenty of opportunities for reflection. Plus, the excursions will get you in among the Bali way of life.
Photo: @amandaadraper
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
