Jungle Wellness Escape: Yoga & Rainforest Retreat in Bali's Tabanan Highlands

Bali Palms sits on over five acres of land in Tabanan Regency, the part of Bali locals call the 'rice bowl' for its terraced fields and traditional villages. The retreat centre itself is hidden in the jungle near Laleng village, surrounded by rivers, waterfalls, and the slopes of Mount Batukaru. It's a proper escape — no traffic noise, no beach-club crowds, just the sounds of the forest and the occasional rooster.

The yoga here is vinyasa flow, taught twice daily by Eli, a Balinese instructor who's been practising for over a decade. She trained in both Hatha and vinyasa styles with Balinese and Indian teachers, and her classes blend asana with breathwork and what she calls 'inner yoga' — a focus on mind-body awareness rather than just holding poses. Sessions happen on an open-air deck with views over the valley, and they're designed for all levels, so you won't feel lost if you're new to yoga or bored if you've been practising for years.

Outside of class, the programme includes guided hikes through the rainforest, a half-day excursion to Tabanan village and a nearby waterfall, and two Balinese massages (one 30-minute, one 60-minute aromatherapy session). The rest of the time is yours — swim in the pool, rent a bicycle, or just sit on your terrace and watch the jungle.

Meals are a highlight. Breakfast is a buffet of tropical fruits, salads, smoothies, and traditional Indonesian drinks like jamu. Lunch and dinner rotate through soups, red rice, noodles, and fresh vegetables, with vegan and non-vegetarian options at every meal. The kitchen can accommodate most dietary restrictions if you mention them when booking.

The property itself feels like a boutique hotel crossed with a village homestay. Cabins are built from bamboo, wood, and brick in traditional Balinese style, but inside you get a king-size bed with cotton linens, air conditioning, wifi, and a semi-outdoor bathroom tiled in natural stone. There are only ten cabins, so the retreat never feels crowded — most guests say it feels like staying at a friend's house, just one with a pool and a spa.

What's included

- 4 nights accommodation in a private cabin - Airport pickup and drop-off transfers - 3 daily meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner buffet) - Water, tea, and coffee throughout the day - Welcome drink on arrival - Daily morning yoga and meditation class - Daily afternoon yoga and meditation class - 30-minute Balinese massage - 60-minute Balinese aromatherapy massage - Guided rainforest hike - Excursion to Tabanan village and waterfall - Free wifi - Free parking - Luggage storage

What's not included

- International or domestic flights - Travel insurance - Indonesian visa fees - Additional spa treatments beyond those included - Optional activities not listed in the itinerary - Personal expenses - Alcoholic beverages