5-Day Cultural Wellness Retreat in the Balinese Highlands

The retreat is based in Baturiti, a traditional farming village in the Tabanan regency, roughly an hour and a half from Denpasar airport. The air is noticeably cooler here than on the coast, and the landscape is a patchwork of rice paddies, rainforest, and misty mountains. Your home for five days is either the Sugita Wooden House or the Mina Hotel, both small, family-run properties with gardens and mountain views.

Days begin early with a 60-minute yoga and meditation session, suitable for all levels. After breakfast, the real exploring starts. You'll visit the Pura Taman Ayun water temple for a traditional purification ritual led by local priests, wander through the monkey forest at Sangeh, and hike to the Goa Gong waterfall. One afternoon is spent on a vintage open-top Volkswagen tour through the highland roads, past rice fields and into the forest. Another day includes a Balinese cooking class at a local home.

Karin, your host, is an orthomolecular therapist and yoga teacher as well as a retreat leader. She and her Indonesian team—including Wayan and Komang, who handle the cultural and culinary side—keep groups to a maximum of six people, so there's plenty of space for personal attention. Guests consistently mention feeling like part of the family rather than tourists.

The retreat is priced from €733 for the full five days, including airport pickup, all meals, and every activity mentioned in the itinerary. Optional extras like extra nights, massages, or a private driver for the day can be arranged on request.

What's included

- Airport pickup & drop-off - 4 nights accommodation - 3 daily meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) - Daily yoga and meditation classes - Traditional purification ceremony at water temple - Monkey forest visit at Sangeh - Hike to Goa Gong Waterfall - Vintage open VW tour - Balinese cooking class - Volcano hot springs visit - Visit to Jatiluwih rice terraces (UNESCO) - Water, tea, and coffee throughout the day - Transportation during the retreat - Wi-Fi connection

What's not included

- Travel insurance - Flights - Visa fee - Additional activities not in the itinerary - Additional spa treatments - Alcoholic beverages