Ocean Meditation & Yoga Escape: Cliffside Reset in Sumbawa, Indonesia

The retreat runs for four days and is based at Ocean Mantra Village in Sape, West Nusa Tenggara. Sape is a small port town on the east coast of Sumbawa, and the retreat sits on a cliff just above the water. The property is surrounded by open ocean, rugged cliffs, and long stretches of empty white sand. You won't see crowds here — this part of Indonesia is largely undeveloped and the retreat leans into that quiet.

A typical day: you wake up and do yoga or seated meditation before breakfast. After that, there's usually a water session — either underwater meditation (a guided breath-hold practice that happens in the pool or in the sea, depending on conditions) or snorkelling. Lunch is served at the retreat, and the afternoon is free for resting, swimming in the pool, or walking down to the beach. In the late afternoon there's another yoga or meditation session, then dinner. Evenings are quiet; some people read, some sit by the pool, some go to bed early.

The underwater meditation is the standout activity. It's not a freediving course — it's a mindfulness practice done in water, where you learn to stay calm and present while holding your breath. The instructors guide you through it step by step, and no prior experience is needed. The pool has an underwater sound system, so you can hear music or guided cues while submerged, which makes the whole thing feel less like a sport and more like a meditation session.

The retreat is led by Ocean Mantra Village, a small team based in Indonesia. They run a few other retreats in the region, including a 7-day nervous system reset and an 8-day oceanfront deep reset. The team is on-site throughout your stay and handles everything from meals to water safety.

The food is all-inclusive and tailored to the group. Meals are mostly Indonesian and fresh — think rice, grilled fish, vegetables, fruit, and vegetarian options. If you have dietary needs, you let them know in advance and they'll accommodate. There's no set menu published, but guests consistently mention that the food is simple, healthy, and plentiful.

Accommodation options are either cliffside glamping tents or air-conditioned bungalows, all with sea views. Glamping is more rustic — you're in a sturdy tent with real beds, but you'll hear the waves and feel the breeze. Bungalows have A/C, private bathrooms, and more space. Both are a short walk from the pool and the main dining area. The property is small, so it never feels crowded.

This retreat is best for people who want a genuine break from noise and screens. It's not a party scene, and there's no nightlife or shopping nearby. If you're looking for a packed schedule of tours, this isn't it. If you want to swim, meditate, do yoga, and sleep well for four days, it's a good fit.

What's included

- 4 days / 3 nights accommodation - All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) - Daily yoga and meditation sessions - Underwater meditation sessions - Snorkelling activities - Use of swimming pool with underwater sound system - All retreat programme activities

What's not included

- International flights - Domestic flight to Sumbawa - Airport transfers (can be arranged) - Travel insurance - Personal expenses - Optional spa treatments or extra activities - Tips and gratuities