In my role as The Wellness Travel Expert, I've been fortunate to stay at wellness retreats, luxury wellness resorts and destination spas around the world over the years, but there are only a handful that I'm genuinely excited to return to. COMO Shambhala Estate is one of them.

I've now stayed at the Estate multiple times over the past decade and have also visited several other COMO properties across Bali, Thailand, the Maldives and London. Returning recently gave me a very different perspective. Rather than arriving to discover somewhere new, I arrived wondering whether one of the wellness retreats that had shaped my own expectations of luxury wellness would still feel the same.

A lot has changed since my first visit. The Estate has undergone a significant refurbishment, the wellness offering has evolved and destination wellness itself has become far more mainstream. Properties now compete with medical wellness centres, longevity clinics and increasingly sophisticated retreat programs, making the wellness landscape very different to when COMO first opened its doors almost twenty years ago.

What I was most interested to discover wasn't what had changed, but what had stayed the same.

Set across nine hectares of tropical rainforest overlooking the Ayung River just outside Ubud, COMO Shambhala Estate still feels wonderfully removed from the busy streets of central Bali. Wellness is woven into almost every part of the guest experience. Whether you're joining a structured program or simply enjoying the stunning location for a relaxing holiday, the Estate has an easy way of encouraging you to slow down without ever making it feel like work.

Returning to COMO Shambhala Estate

I travelled with my younger sister, who had also visited with me many years earlier while pregnant with her second child. That little boy, my nephew, is now in primary school, which gave us both a moment to reflect on just how much time had passed since we'd last visited Bali together.

After checking in with our flower leis and welcome drinks, our Personal Assistant, Fuji, escorted us to Bayugita Residence, where we'd be staying in one of the newly refurbished Estate Suites.

While my sister settled in, I met with Dr. Prasanth V.S., one of the Estate's wellness doctors, for a consultation. With more than 20 years of experience in Ayurvedic and Integrative Medicine, he provided an insightful introduction to the Estate's wellness philosophy and took the time to answer the many questions I knew prospective clients would have.

s this was only a short visit, the consultation was intentionally light, but it gave me the opportunity to better understand the current wellness programs, ask many of the questions my clients often have, and still receive personalised recommendations based on my Ayurvedic dosha.

One of the biggest changes since my previous visit is the introduction of shorter one- and two-day wellness experiences, making COMO more accessible for travellers who may not have the time to commit to a week-long retreat. I was also interested to learn that many of the wellness services are now available to day guests, allowing visitors staying elsewhere in Ubud to access consultations and treatments without spending the night.

The consultation also reinforced something I've always appreciated about COMO. Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, the focus remains on understanding each guest's individual goals before recommending the most appropriate path forward. Stress management, weight management and detoxification continue to be among the most popular reasons guests visit, but there is no pressure to follow a rigid schedule if that's not what you're looking for.

The remainder of our stay was exactly what I'd hoped it would be. We shared a Pilates class overlooking the rainforest, laughed our way through stretches neither of us were convinced we could manage and were interrupted by a troop of monkeys who appeared outside the studio windows and seemed just as curious about us as we were about them. We enjoyed lunch at Glow, breakfast at Kudus House, relaxed by the pool and rounded out our stay with one of COMO's signature massages after spending time in the beautifully refurbished facilities in the Ojas wellness centre.

Looking back, it reminded me that while treatments and facilities naturally evolve over time, it's often the smaller moments that stay with you long after you've returned home.

Accommodation & Estate Residences

Accommodation at COMO Shambhala Estate now ranges from Terrace Suites through to private pool villas and multi-bedroom residences. Returning guests may remember the former Garden Rooms, which have since been removed and incorporated into larger, upgraded accommodation categories. All are thoughtfully positioned throughout the rainforest to maximise privacy while embracing the surrounding landscape.

During this visit we stayed in an Estate Suite within Bayugita Residence, one of the residences to recently undergo a complete refurbishment. Returning guests will immediately notice the difference. The refreshed interiors feel lighter, brighter and more contemporary than before, with a softer colour palette and updated furnishings throughout.

While I can certainly appreciate the quality of the refurbishment, including the seamless integration of modern in-room technology, I have to admit I felt a little nostalgic for some of the original design elements. The previous interiors had a warmth and distinctly Balinese character that I personally loved, and I suspect other returning guests may feel the same. New visitors, however, won't have that comparison and will simply experience beautifully appointed accommodation in an extraordinary setting.

What hasn't changed is the sense of privacy the Estate provides. Even though guests share the wider property, the clever positioning of the accommodation means it rarely feels busy. Large bathrooms, outdoor showers, generous living spaces and balconies overlooking the rainforest all contribute to an atmosphere that makes it easy to switch off.

The Estate Residences remain one of COMO's most unique accommodation options. Each residence offers a collection of beautifully appointed suites centred around a shared lounge, dining pavilion and swimming pool, making them ideal for families or groups travelling together while still allowing everyone to enjoy their own private space.

One of my favourite residences has always been Wanakasa, whose name translates to "Forest in the Mist". Built around a magnificent banyan tree, it is one of the most distinctive accommodation options on the property and has also recently been refreshed. It will be interesting to see how returning guests respond to these updates over the coming years.

How the Wellness Programs Work

Wellness has always been the reason most guests choose COMO Shambhala Estate, and while the programs have evolved over the years, the philosophy remains largely unchanged.

Rather than prescribing the same itinerary for every guest, each wellness journey begins with understanding the individual. Guests joining one of the signature programs meet with a wellness expert who takes the time to discuss their health history, lifestyle and goals before recommending an appropriate combination of treatments, movement sessions and specialist consultations.

For those seeking more meaningful change, the Wellness Paths and Signature Retreats provide a structured framework supported by consultations, treatments and expert guidance throughout the week. Alongside the established multi-night wellness programs are shorter one- and two-day experiences that allow guests to sample the COMO approach without committing to a longer stay.

I think this broader range of options reflects how wellness travel has changed. Not everyone can disappear for seven or ten nights, and the shorter experiences make COMO accessible to a much wider audience.

One thing that continues to impress me is the flexibility built into the programs. Guests who simply want a luxury holiday with exceptional spa treatments are just as welcome as those arriving with specific health goals. There is no sense that you need to "do wellness properly", and I think that approach makes the Estate feel welcoming rather than intimidating.

Inside the New Ojas Wellness Centre

The recent reopening of the Ojas Wellness Centre represents one of the most significant developments at the Estate since my previous visit.

While the COMO Shambhala Retreat has always been one of my favourite spas anywhere in the world, the expanded wellness offering acknowledges that guest expectations have evolved. Alongside COMO's traditional therapies and experienced practitioners, the Estate now incorporates carefully selected health technologies that complement, rather than replace, its holistic philosophy.

The familiar COMO aroma of eucalyptus, peppermint, lavender and geranium still welcomes guests as they arrive, immediately transporting me back to my very first visit. It's funny how something as simple as a scent can instantly trigger memories.

Our evening began with a guided breathing session before moving into the wet area, where we spent time in the beautifully refurbished steam facilities before our massages. It was a simple sequence, but one that immediately encouraged us to slow down and leave the outside world behind.

The therapists remain among the best I've experienced anywhere. Having enjoyed the Taksu Massage on previous visits, I chose it again this time and wasn't disappointed. The treatment was every bit as professional and intuitive as I remembered, reinforcing why COMO has maintained such a strong reputation for spa therapies over the years.

Daily Activities & Experiences

One of the reasons I continue recommending COMO Shambhala Estate is the variety of experiences available throughout the day. Whether you're following a structured wellness program or simply staying as a hotel guest, there is always something to join without feeling like your day has been planned for you.

The daily schedule includes yoga, Pilates, meditation, Qi Gong, guided walks, hydrotherapy classes and fitness sessions, while guests looking for something more active can also enjoy mountain biking, rock climbing and white-water rafting nearby.

One activity I always recommend is the Estate Walk. Winding through rainforest pathways before reaching the Estate's sacred spring pools along the Ayung River, it offers a completely different perspective of the property and is one of the best ways to appreciate just how remarkable the setting really is. It's also a reminder that one of COMO's greatest assets isn't a treatment room or wellness consultation. It's the environment itself.

This visit, my sister and I took part in a private Pilates Deep Myofascial Stretch and Release with Mins Teo, who is a movement therapist and instructor specialising in clinical Pilates, Gyrotonic, and hormonal health. Like many siblings, we spent as much time laughing as we did concentrating, but Mins was very patient with us and we thoroughly enjoyed this session.

Unlike some destination wellness retreats where every hour is carefully planned, COMO allows guests to decide how much or how little they want to participate. Some visitors happily move from one class to the next, while others might simply enjoy a morning walk before spending the afternoon by the pool. Neither approach feels more "correct" than the other, and I think that's one of the Estate's strengths.

Healthy Dining at COMO

Healthy dining has always been one of COMO Shambhala Estate's strengths, and I'm pleased to say that hasn't changed.

Rather than focusing on restriction, the menus celebrate fresh, seasonal ingredients that leave you feeling nourished without ever feeling like you're following a diet. The food is beautifully presented, portions are satisfying and there is enough variety that meals remain interesting even during a longer stay.

Glow continues to showcase COMO Shambhala Cuisine, while Kudus House celebrates traditional Indonesian flavours in one of the Estate's most beautiful dining settings. We enjoyed lunch at Glow and breakfast at Kudus during this visit, and both reminded me why dining has always been an important part of the COMO experience.

One thing I've appreciated since my very first visit is the kitchen's willingness to accommodate dietary requirements. Years ago, almost the entire menu was adapted to suit my request for a gluten free diet without making me feel as though I was missing out, and that same flexibility continues today. For guests following specific dietary requirements or wellness goals, it's reassuring to know that meals can be tailored without compromising on quality or flavour.

Like the rest of the Estate, the approach to food feels balanced. You're encouraged to eat well because the food is genuinely delicious, not because someone is telling you what you should or shouldn't order.

Service & Hospitality

Many of the staff have been with COMO for years, and there is a quiet confidence to the service that makes guests feel genuinely cared for without ever feeling over-serviced. Wellness retreats can sometimes feel intimidating, particularly if it's your first experience, but the team have a wonderful way of making everything feel approachable and relaxed.

That said, this was probably the only area where I noticed a subtle change. The service was still professional, friendly and attentive, but it didn't feel quite as seamless as I remembered from my earlier visits. Whether that's because my own expectations have evolved after visiting so many other luxury wellness properties over the years, or simply reflects the challenges of maintaining exceptionally high standards over two decades, I'm not entirely sure. It's worth mentioning because one of the reasons I've always recommended COMO so highly has been the consistency of the guest experience. Even so, I left feeling very well looked after, and I have no doubt that first-time guests would be thoroughly impressed by the standard of hospitality.

Where COMO Excels

If I had to summarise what COMO Shambhala Estate does better than almost anywhere else, it would be creating an environment where wellbeing feels completely natural.

Nothing about the experience feels forced. You're not constantly reminded to meditate, count your steps or follow a strict schedule.

Instead, the environment quietly encourages healthier choices. You walk more because the grounds are beautiful to explore. You sleep well because the environment is incredibly peaceful. You eat nourishing food because it's genuinely enjoyable, and you naturally spend less time looking at your phone because there are so many better ways to spend your day.

The Estate has also managed to remain true to its philosophy while the wellness industry around it has changed dramatically. Today there are longevity clinics, advanced diagnostics, medical wellness centres and countless retreats promising life-changing transformations. COMO has never tried to compete on those terms. It continues to focus on movement, nutrition, rest, nature and experienced practitioners, trusting that those foundations remain just as relevant today as they were when the Estate first opened.

Getting There & How Long to Stay

COMO Shambhala Estate is located approximately 90 minutes from Ngurah Rai International Airport and around 20 minutes from central Ubud, depending on traffic which can get very busy in high season.

While it's certainly possible to begin to experience the Estate over one or two nights, I think that would only provide a glimpse of what it has to offer. My recent short stay was ideal for revisiting the property and experiencing the new facilities, but if I were recommending it to a client for the first time, I'd generally suggest a minimum of four or five nights and longer if your schedule allows.

That allows enough time to settle into the slower pace, enjoy several treatments, participate in a variety of wellness activities and spend time simply enjoying the grounds without feeling rushed.

Guests booking one of the signature Wellness Paths will gain the greatest benefit from staying at least seven nights. The longer programs allow time for consultations, treatments and lifestyle changes to build on one another, creating a much more meaningful experience than trying to fit everything into a short break.

Before You Book

No wellness retreat is the right fit for every traveller, and COMO Shambhala Estate is no exception.

While the wellness offering is excellent, the programs are generally less inclusive than some of the destination wellness retreats I recommend, such as Kamalaya or Chiva-Som. Guests considering these properties shouldn't assume they're directly comparable. COMO offers greater flexibility, allowing guests to tailor their stay to suit their interests and budget, whereas other retreats include a broader range of consultations, treatments and diagnostics within the package price.

The Estate itself is built into a rainforest valley, which means there are plenty of steps and steep pathways throughout the property. Guests with mobility concerns should discuss accommodation options carefully before booking.

Being surrounded by nature also means sharing the Estate with the local wildlife. Monkeys are regular visitors, tropical birds provide the soundtrack each morning and insects are simply part of being immersed in the Balinese rainforest. For most guests, that's part of the charm, but it's worth knowing if you're expecting a perfectly manicured city hotel environment.

Finally, it's worth remembering that while Ubud is only around 20 minutes away, traveling further is not really advised as traffic in Bali continues to increase each year, so I’d recommend thinking of the Estate as a destination in its own right rather than a base for sightseeing.

The Wellness Travel Expert Assessment

There are certainly newer wellness resorts with larger spas, more advanced medical facilities or more extensive diagnostics, but very few combine genuine hospitality, experienced practitioners and such a remarkable natural setting in quite the same way as COMO Shambhala Estate.

It's also one of the few properties I've continued recommending consistently over the years. That says a great deal in an industry that changes as quickly as wellness travel. The quality of the wellness practitioners remains exceptional, the setting is every bit as peaceful as I remembered and the overall experience still leaves guests feeling healthier, calmer and more rested than when they arrived.

Is COMO Shambhala Estate Worth It?

Returning to COMO Shambhala Estate reminded me that the best wellness retreats aren't necessarily those with the newest facilities or the longest list of inclusions. They're the ones you genuinely want to return to.

The reasons I've continued recommending COMO over the past decade remain unchanged. It continues to offer one of the most authentic destination wellness experiences in Asia, combining experienced practitioners, thoughtful programming and a setting that naturally encourages you to relax.

As I drove away from the Estate, I found myself thinking about all the reasons I'd continued recommending COMO over the years. The quiet mornings, the rainforest walks, the familiar scent of the spa oils, the conversations with the wellness team and the feeling of slowing down almost without noticing.

The wellness industry has changed enormously since my first visit, and there are now properties offering more advanced diagnostics, larger spas and more comprehensive inclusions. Even so, COMO Shambhala Estate still occupies a special place in my recommendations.

Need Help Deciding?

If you're considering COMO Shambhala Estate and would like advice on whether it's the right fit for your wellness goals, I'd be happy to help.

Every traveller is different, and one of the most common questions I'm asked is whether COMO Shambhala Estate, Kamalaya, Chiva-Som, RAKxa or another wellness retreat would be the better fit. The answer depends entirely on what you're hoping to achieve.

If you'd like personalised advice or a quote, get in touch and I'd be happy to guide you through the options.