Balinese Spa & Yoga Wellness Escape in Ubud

Blue Karma Dijiwa Ubud is a boutique property perched on a hillside outside Ubud's centre, surrounded by rice terraces and jungle. The retreat programme here is focused on Balinese spa traditions and gentle daily yoga — this isn't a fitness-heavy week, but a proper rest with good food and skilled massage therapists.

The three spa treatments included are the core of the programme: a traditional Balinese massage on your first afternoon, a body scrub and mask on day two, and a Kobido face massage (a Japanese technique focused on the face, neck and shoulders) on day three. Each session is 60 minutes and ends with wedang jahe, a warming ginger drink. The property's spa is elevated among the trees, and the therapists have names guests remember — Santi is mentioned often in reviews.

Yoga classes run daily, either morning or afternoon depending on the schedule. The instructor, Gusti Ayu Made Sukariani, trained in Hatha yoga under Sri Paramahamsa Isatwananda Swami in Bali and has been teaching since 2015. Her classes are gentle and adaptable to different experience levels, with an emphasis on breath and movement rather than advanced postures.

The cultural workshops are optional but included: a Boreh class (making traditional Balinese warming balm from spices) runs Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons, and a Jamu class (preparing the turmeric-based healing drink) runs Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. You'll also get one picnic lunch served somewhere on the property grounds, which is a nice change from the restaurant.

Meals are substantial — lunch is two courses plus dessert, dinner is four courses including soup and appetiser. The kitchen caters to vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and organic diets. Dishes mentioned include grilled cilantro chicken, moringa chicken wonton, John Dory fillet, sirloin steak, and BBQ pork ribs alongside vegetarian options like tofu soup.

The location is about 20 minutes from central Ubud by car. The property is quiet and relatively isolated — that's the point — but you can arrange transport into town if you want to see the market or galleries. Airport pickup from Ngurah Rai (about 90 minutes away) is included.

What's included

- 3 nights accommodation in a private suite - One-way airport transfer from Ngurah Rai International Airport - 3 dinners (four courses each) - 2 lunches including one picnic lunch experience - Daily breakfast - Afternoon tea on arrival day - Water, tea and coffee throughout the day - Welcome drink - Daily yoga classes - 60-minute traditional Balinese massage - 60-minute body scrub and mask treatment - 60-minute Kobido face massage - Complimentary Boreh class (Balinese warming balm workshop) - Complimentary Jamu class (traditional turmeric drink workshop) - Free wifi

What's not included

- International flights - Visa fees - Travel insurance - Return airport transfer - Additional spa treatments beyond the three included - Optional activities (cooking class, temple purification ceremony, meditation sessions) - Personal expenses - Gratuities