Wellness Retreat in Ubud, Bali

Instead of our usual faraway adventures, we decided to slow down and recharge with a Bali wellness retreat. A week of yoga, healing rituals, and plant-based cuisine sounded like the perfect reset. We booked a 5-day detox retreat at Fivelements Retreat Ubud, with two extra days to explore Bali’s culture and nature.

Located just outside Ubud, Fivelements Retreat is an award-winning eco-sanctuary that blends Balinese healing traditions with holistic wellness. Here’s what we experienced during our stay.

Arrival at Fivelements Retreat Ubud

We flew from Brussels to Denpasar with Brussels Airlines as it part of Miles & More and we decided to add an overnight layover in Hong Kong.

At the airport, our driver welcomed us with a smile and off we drove to the resort in Ubud , which took us about an hour, depending on traffic.

Upon arrival, we were greeted with a refreshing herbal elixir and a tour of the lush riverside grounds. Our home for the week was a Hillside Pool Suite, a luxurious blend of comfort and Balinese design in the beautiful secluded Fivelements Retreat near Ubud in Bali, Indonesia.

We chose a 5 day retreat and 2 extra days to visit Nusa Penida with Forever Vacation and the outskirts of Ubud organized by the resort.

5-Day Detox & Healing Retreat

The core of the experience was the Fivelements Detox & Wellness Retreat, designed for deep renewal and realignment of body, mind, and spirit. Each guest receives a personalized schedule of therapies and rituals, with leisure time.

Daily Yoga in the Bamboo Shala

Every morning before breakfast, we joined yoga sessions in a stunning open-air bamboo pavilion called a Shala, led by different teachers with diverse practices.

All our Healing Treatments

• Balinese Boreh Body Care Ritual (120 min)
• Two Healing Massages (90 min each)
• Additional Healing Massage (45 min)
• Healing Energy Session (90 min)
• Water Healing Therapy (90 min)
• Aroma Massage or Body Ritual (90 min)
• Meditation & Sound Healing (90 min)
• Agni Hotra Fire Blessing Ritual (45 min)

Each treatment began with a gentle foot cleansing ritual by the river and ended with a warm herbal drink. All oils and products were natural, many sourced directly from the retreat’s garden.

The Healing Energy session is to align and cleanse your chakras, and can feel weird and maybe even violent if you have not done it before but it is also very powerful and spiritual.

The Water Healing session takes place in a body temperature small pool and you are basically cradled and dipped under water from time to time.

The Meditation and sound healing session was amazing. You first practice mindfulness and meditation before lying down for a sound healing session. Then you use the meditation techniques to help you fully embrace the healing, preferably without falling asleep, which I thought I had managed but according to my daughter my snoring suggested otherwise.

All the massages and facial take place along the river and start with a feet cleansing on the balcony whilst enjoying a warm home made drink. All the beauty products are natural ingredients and are mostly sourced from their garden.

The Fire Blessing Ritual takes place on the last day of the retreat and is a beautiful shared experience which concluded our journey and gave us the final support for our deep regeneration on a physical, emotional and spiritual level.

Dinner at Sakti Dining Room

Meals were a highlight. Sakti Dining Room serves award-winning, plant-based cuisine inspired by Bali’s local ingredients and holistic nutrition.

• Breakfast included fresh fruit, coconut yogurt, toast with almond butter, plus daily specials.
• Lunch and dinner featured soups, raw starters, nourishing mains, and creative desserts.
• Fresh juices, smoothies, and elixirs accompanied every meal.

Each dish was not only beautiful but also felt like a part of the detox journey.

Extra Activities with Forever Vacation

Before our retreat officially began, we had one whole day to explore. The hotel recommended Forever Vacation, and we opted for the Nusa Penida Underground Temple tour, a perfect mix between culture, adventure and stunning beaches.

I can honestly say that this was first class organization. We were accompanied in all the activities, our guides were kind, knowledgeable and professional photographers. We look forward to using their services again for other destinations.

Extra Activities at Fivelements

Culinary Training Class

We joined a two-hour raw plant-based cooking class with Chef Dee. It began with a tour of the 3,700m² Garden of Peace, a permaculture-based farm that supplies the restaurant and spa.

In the kitchen, we learned to make teriyaki sauce, carrot hummus, avocado nori rolls, cashew chili sauce, and a Balinese superfood smoothie. At the end, we enjoyed the meal we prepared and received recipes, an apron, and a “Cuisine for Life” certificate.

Cost: IDR 1,240,250 per person (65 EUR)

Garden of Peace

Garden & Village Tour

This is a free activity you can do during your stay. There are specific days and time but the staff will make sure it fits into your schedule. We just went on the village tour as we had walked the garden with Chef Dee before our cooking lesson.

The village Mambal has a beautiful hindu temple ‘Pura Penataran Agung Baturrening’, the guide talks about the culture, their religion and beliefs and you get to meet other guests, which is nice if you are travelling alone.

Half-day Wonderful Ubud’s Outskirt Tour

We also explored nearby attractions:

• Tegalalang Rice Terraces (Abian Desa) – less crowded and more authentic than the main site
• Ulu Petanu Waterfall – a hidden gem with koi ponds and secret cascades
• Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave) – an ancient temple and archeological site

Cost: IDR 850,000 (entrances not included) (44 EUR)

We left Fivelements just after lunch and headed towards the Tegalalang rice terrace. The driver took us to Abian Desa Rice Terrace which is part of Tegalalang but is less crowded and cheaper.

Next the driver dropped us off at the Ulu Petanu Waterfall. This was really worth it, you pay a small fee and then it’s a short walk down to the waterfall. Apart from bathing in the waterfall, you can enjoy the koi fish along the way, and a secret waterfall further along a small slippery path.

The last stop was the Elephant Cave (Goa Gajah) We arrived at the end of the day, so there was not too many people. It is considered one of the best temples with ancient ruins and a cave with intricate stone carvings.

A sarong and sash are usually required and often provided at the temple entrance.

Final Day in Ubud

After the retreat, we spent a day in Ubud town for shopping, culture, and a tattoo appointment. Unfortunately, I came down with a case of the “Bali belly” and had to cut the visit short. Thankfully, the caring staff at Fivelements arranged an IV saline treatment with a doctor—proof of their incredible hospitality.

We did however manage to visit the Ubud Water Palace, in Ubud centre and a nice walk in the Kajeng Rice Field.

Final thoughts on our stay in Fivelements Retreat Ubud

Our stay at Fivelements Retreat Ubud was unlike any other holiday. From yoga and healing rituals to plant-based cuisine and cultural excursions, every detail was designed and curated for balance and renewal.

If you’re looking for a luxury wellness retreat in Bali—whether for detox, yoga, or spiritual healing—Fivelements is an unforgettable choice.