Bali has drawn seekers and creatives for over a century, from Walter Spies to today’s global wellness community. Art-rich Ubud nurtures gentle rice-terrace walks, water temples, and a dense network of yoga studios and healers—ideal for planning a retreat. Down south, Uluwatu’s cliffs and beaches add the element of ocean energy and iconic sunsets.

For a mid-range budget, Bali is kind: private drivers are affordable, meals vary from $2 warungs to special-occasion tasting menus, and villas can be astonishing value—especially for small groups. You’ll scout neighborhoods known for retreat-worthy villas and yoga shalas, test classes and sound healing, and note logistics such as catering, transport, and permits.

Practical notes: most travelers fly into Denpasar (DPS). The dry season runs roughly April–October; November–March is greener, with tropical showers. Cash (IDR) is king at small venues; ATMs are common. Respect local customs at temples (cover shoulders/knees), and be mindful of road safety and ocean currents.

Ubud

Ubud is Bali’s cultural heart—dense with yoga studios, vegetarian-forward cafes, galleries, woodcarvers, and serene riverside properties. It’s also the best base for retreat venue scouting thanks to neighborhoods like Penestanan, Sayan, Tegallalang, and Pejeng, where villas often include open-air pavilions perfect for sunrise practice.

• Top sights and vibes: Campuhan Ridge Walk at golden hour, Tirta Empul water temple for a traditional blessing, Tegallalang rice terraces, and craft villages (Mas for woodcarving, Celuk for silver).
• Yoga & wellness: The Yoga Barn (diverse daily schedule), Alchemy Yoga & Meditation Center (forest feel), Morning flows at Intuitive Flow in Penestanan, sound healing at Pyramids of Chi, and modern treatments at Fivelements Retreat (nearby).
• Dining highlights: Plant-forward standouts like Sayuri Healing Food and Alchemy; Indonesian flavors at Warung Gauri and Hujan’s legacy sister concepts have shifted—today look to Hujan-inspired kitchens such as Cerita Manisan or Nusantara’s heirs; dessert at Room4Dessert; coffee at Seniman.
• Where to stay (villas and hotels): Scout private villas in Sayan, Penestanan, and Keliki via VRBO Ubud or browse hotels on Hotels.com Ubud. For reference-quality venues: Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan (iconic riverside setting), or value social stays at Puri Garden Hotel & Hostel.
• Getting there: Fly into DPS via Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. Private car to Ubud takes ~1–1.5 hours depending on traffic; expect ~IDR 350,000–500,000 (USD $22–$32).

Day 1: Arrive in Bali → Ubud Ease-In

Afternoon: Land at DPS and transfer to Ubud. Check in, hydrate, and stroll the Campuhan Ridge Walk for 45–60 minutes—soft hills, alang-alang grass, and expansive views set the tone for a mindful week.

Evening: Welcome dinner at IBU SUSU (modern small plates, Balinese cocktails) or Huma (Indonesian comfort dishes with garden produce). Early night to help your body clock recalibrate.

Day 2: Ubud Studio Taster + Villa Scouting North of Town

Morning: Join a vinyasa or slow flow at The Yoga Barn or Alchemy Yoga & Meditation Center. Coffee after at Seniman Coffee Studio (house-roasted beans, precise pours) with a light breakfast from KAFE (smoothie bowls, eggs, gluten-free bakes).

Afternoon: Villa scouting in Tegallalang and Keliki. Look for: a flat shaded lawn or dedicated shala (60–100 sqm for 12–20 mats), open-air ventilation plus rain backup, 8–12 sleeping rooms, on-site staff kitchen, and parking for group transfers. Quick lunch at Warung Pulau Kelapa (home-style Indonesian) or plant-based Sayuri Healing Food.

Evening: Spa foot reflexology at Ubud Traditional Spa or Karsa Spa near the ridge (book ahead). Dinner at Room4Dessert for a playful tasting menu and garden cocktails, or Mozaic for fine Balinese-French technique.

Day 3: Water Blessing, Rice Terraces, and Sound Healing

Morning: Early visit to Tirta Empul for a purification ritual. Wear a sarong and follow staff guidance at the pools. Post-ritual breakfast at Yellow Flower Café (Penestanan; nasi campur, coconut pancakes).

Afternoon: Explore the Tegallalang terraces from lesser-known entrances to avoid crowds; short ridge trails and village lanes are ideal for walking meditations. Lunch at Warung Gauri (clear soups, tempeh, and veg sides) or Alchemy Café (raw desserts, salad bar).

Evening: Book sound healing at Pyramids of Chi—gong, didgeridoo, and breath lead to deep rest. For dinner, try Indus Restaurant (river views; Indonesian classics) or Sage (plant-rich comfort plates).

Day 4: Retreat Logistics + Gentle Nature

Morning: Sunrise Campuhan to Tjampuhan loop or a short countryside cycle. Breakfast at Watercress Ubud (sourdough, free-range eggs) or Flock (creative brunch).

Afternoon: Retreat planning session: confirm sleeping capacity, yoga prop inventory (mats/blocks/bolsters), noise curfew (often 10pm), banjar notification for events, and catering (sample menus for vegan/vegetarian plus a Balinese feast night). Light lunch at Clear Café (colorful bowls, juices).

Evening: Optional restorative or yin class at Intuitive Flow in Penestanan (sunset light through the palms). Dinner at Apéritif (grand tasting room at Viceroy Bali) for a celebratory evening, or keep it low-key at Melting Wok (Laotian-Balinese stir-fries; book ahead).

Uluwatu

Uluwatu brings a luminous ocean horizon and cliff-top energy. Between quiet morning yoga, white-sand coves, and dramatic sunset rituals at Uluwatu Temple, it’s a superb counterpart to Ubud—and a compelling place for a coastal retreat or closing ceremony.

• Beaches and temples: Bingin for mellow coves, Padang Padang for beginner surf, Nyang Nyang for expansive sands. Sunset Uluwatu Temple with the Kecak dance is an unforgettable cultural anchor.
• Wellness and movement: Morning Light Yoga at Uluwatu Surf Villas, breathwork/ice baths at The Istana (stunning cliff views), and easy mobility by scooter or driver.
• Dining favorites: Suka Espresso (brunch), The Cashew Tree (salads and live-music nights), Ours (Mediterranean-leaning), La Baracca (Italian), Single Fin (Sunday sunset), and BGS for surf-and-coffee culture.
• Where to stay (villas and hotels): Scout cliff and hill villas in Bingin, Pecatu, and Balangan via VRBO Uluwatu or browse Hotels.com Uluwatu. For five-star oceanfront alternatives: The St. Regis Bali Resort (Nusa Dua). Good-value family base up the coast: Bali Dynasty Resort (Kuta); budget social stays: M Boutique Hostel (Seminyak).
• Getting from Ubud to Uluwatu: 1.5–2 hours by private car depending on traffic; ~IDR 500,000–700,000 (USD $32–$45) for a full transfer. No trains on Bali.

Day 5: Transfer to Uluwatu + Clifftop Sunset

Morning: Easy start in Ubud, last-minute shopping at Ubud Market for sarongs or handmade journals. Light brunch at Atman Kafe (smoothies, dosas).

Afternoon: Private transfer to Uluwatu; check in and walk down to Bingin Beach for a swim at mid-to-low tide. Coffee at BGS or cold coconuts on the sand.

Evening: Head to Uluwatu Temple for the Kecak fire dance at sunset (arrive ~45 minutes early). Dinner after at Ours Uluwatu (Mediterranean plates) or La Baracca (handmade pasta, wood-fired pizza).

Day 6: Beach Yoga, Villa Scouting by the Sea, and Spa

Morning: Class at Morning Light Yoga (ocean views) or gentle self-practice on your villa terrace. Breakfast at Suka Espresso (corn fritters, eggs benedict, great coffee).

Afternoon: Villa scouting in Bingin, Pecatu, and Balangan. Seek sea-breeze cross-ventilation, a shaded shala, and short, safe stair access if beachfront. Lunch at The Cashew Tree (post-yoga salads, smoothie bowls). Quick beach check: Padang Padang for beginner-friendly surf or Nyang Nyang for a long, quiet walk.

Evening: Spa time—consider Spa Alila (Alila Villas Uluwatu) for refined treatments or a sunset soak/sauna session at The Istana (book ahead). Dinner at Mana Uluwatu (wood-fired fish, greens) or catch live music back at The Cashew Tree.

Day 7: Ocean Morning → Departure

Morning: Final practice—slow flow and meditation facing the Indian Ocean. Brunch at Drifter Café (smoothie bowls, sourdough toasts) or a simple beach warung for mie goreng and coconuts.

Afternoon: Transfer to DPS for your flight. If time allows, a last dip at Melasti Beach on the way to the airport (showers on-site), then head out. Search flights via Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com.

Evening: In-flight or onward travel.

Retreat Planning Essentials (Quick Checklist)

• Venue: Shala size for 12–20 mats (60–100 sqm), wet-weather backup, storage for props, non-slip floor, fans, good acoustics.
• Rooms: 8–12 rooms (mix of twins/doubles), blackout curtains, quiet AC, ensuite bathrooms, and mosquito control.
• Operations: Banjar/community notification for group events, noise curfew (often 10pm), trash/recycling plan, drinking-water stations.
• Staffing: Chef able to deliver veg-forward menus (gluten-free/vegan options), barista corner at breakfast, discreet housekeeping schedule.
• Transport: Budget ~IDR 700,000–900,000 (USD $45–$58) per 8-hour car/driver. Group airport pickups are smoother than piecemeal rides.
• Budgeting (mid-range): Villas that fit small retreats often run USD $600–$2,000+/night depending on size/season; cater ~USD $20–$40 pp/day for simple wholesome menus; add yoga teacher fee, excursions, and contingency.

Accommodation searches for your short-list: VRBO Ubud, VRBO Uluwatu, Hotels.com Ubud, Hotels.com Uluwatu. For top-tier references: Four Seasons Sayan (Ubud) and The St. Regis Bali Resort (Nusa Dua).

Transport note: there are no trains in Bali; rely on private drivers, reputable taxis, or ride-hailing apps. For international flights to DPS, search via Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

With Ubud’s tranquil rivers and Uluwatu’s luminous cliffs, this itinerary balances venue scouting, wellness, and the everyday magic of Bali. You’ll head home with a realistic plan, a short-list of villas, and the confidence that your yoga retreat will be grounded, nourishing, and memorable.