In the know

Our favourite rooms: Truth be told, they’re all pretty spectacular, with stripped decking, pared-back decor, net-canopied colonial beds and exposed teak galore. That said, for complete seclusion, go for one of the one-bedroom Retreat Villas. These self-contained bungalows have private swimming pools and alfresco showers on the decking: Sukma Taru (Spirit Tree) has views of the river valley and its own outdoor bale; Gesing Kanila (Bamboo Whispering) is quieter still, surrounded by bamboo and has a Jacuzzi. Suites in the Residences are large and lavish. We like the Principal Suite in Zen-inspired Tirta-Ening (Clear Water), which has a private entrance, terrace, waterfall pool, bale and Jacuzzi – not to mention a six-ton carved stone bath.
Packing tips: Every body-hugging, stretch-friendly piece of keep-fit kit you can lay your hands on, plus plenty of swimwear. Don’t worry if you forget your yoga mat, though: every room is supplied with one.
Also: Como Shambhala runs a number of residential retreats throughout the year, with visiting experts holding courses and seminars, such as David Swenson’s Bali Ashtanga Yoga Adventure in June 2008.

need to know - Como Shambhala Estate at Begawan Giri

Current offers

Smith card offer: Choose between a Como Shambhala signature massage for two or an Indonesian massage for two

Como Shambhala Estate

Bali, Indonesia[view map]

Style: Hedonistic holistic retreat
Setting: Lush riverside jungle

All bent out of shape? Follow in the beautifully pedicured footsteps of beauty editors and yoga aficionados worldwide and get yourself straightened out at boutique spa Como Shambhala Estate at Begawan Giri in Bali. This highly rated flagship is renowned for its back-to-nature approach, and promises to soothe, relax, cosset and revivify – while surrounding you in totally tropical, thatched-pavilion, wall-to-wall waterfall luxury of course.

Need to know

Rooms: 40, including 20 suites grouped in secluded ‘residences’, and five private villas.
Rates: $275–$3,600, including breakfast, return airport transfers, consultation, group daily activities, use of spa facilities and services of a PA. You can book the whole residence for $3,600 a night.
Check-out: Midday, but flexible, depending on subsequent bookings. Earliest check-in, 2pm.
Facilities: Spa, gym, yoga/Pilates studios, pools, climbing wall, library, shop, range of holistic therapies and activities. Rooms have LCD TVs and DVD players, free Internet access/WiFi, minibars, tea/coffee, and Como Shambhala spa products.
Poolside: Villa and residences have private and shared pools, mostly infinity-edged, surrounded by decking and with heart-achingly beautiful jungle views. As well as a 25-metre lap pool, the spa also has hydrotherapy pools and jet beds.
Also: East meets West in the holistic Ojas spa, with therapies running the gamut from Ayurveda and anti-ageing to Thai massage and stress management.

Food & drink

Hotel restaurant: After all that work refining your chakras (and buttocks), a nutrient-soaked meal of organic, locally sourced produce is the way forward. Kudus House serves Indonesian cuisine in a 19th-century Javanese villa; Glow is an all-day dining restaurant.
Dress code: Cotton kurtas and Thai-style wrap trousers.
Top table: Glow’s pavilion structure means every mouthful is accompanied by eyefuls of the Ayung valley and lungfuls of fresh forest air. In Kudus House, get a table on the verandah.
Last orders: 10.30am for breakfast; 6pm for Glow's all-day menu; 11pm for dinner.
Room service: 24 hours. After a ‘hectic’ day of yoga, massage and making the exhausting two-metre journey from sunbed to pool, in-room dining is an attractive proposition. Spa snacks and light bites are also on offer poolside.
Hotel bar: As if we'd let you poison your precious liver on a health retreat…

Other facilities

Children: This hotel is better suited to couples - leave the children at home!

Smith card offer

Choose between a Como Shambhala signature massage for two or an Indonesian massage for two

If you're a member of Mr & Mrs Smith, you can get special privileges at every Smith hotel you book through us. Just show your Smith card at check-in to claim the offer featured on every hotel page (like the one above).

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Smith concierge

If you’d prefer to talk to someone, or you’re having trouble booking online, ring our travel team on 0845 034 0700 (+44 20 8987 4312 from outside the UK). We guarantee you’ll get the best available rates, and we don’t charge a booking fee.