Eco-Conscious Retreats Are Redefining Travel On The Islands of the Gods

Whether nestled in remote forests, perched on coastal cliffs, or tucked into organic farms, eco-conscious retreats offer a refreshing alternative to conventional tourism. As travelers seek meaningful experiences that align with their values, these mindful havens are emerging as the future of responsible travel.

Bali Eco-Retreats To Visit

I spent five months in Bali, living the island life and immersing myself in the culture. These are my top choices for eco-retreats on the island.

Bali Eco Stay

A vibration of tranquility and peace, Bali Eco Stay is unmatched in atmosphere and absolute eco-conscious bliss. It was founded in 2010 by John and Cath Blundstone, who are rooted in the land of Bali and have grown a conscious space for health and wellbeing.

Location

“Nurtured by nature” is the slogan of Bali Eco Stay. Located at the foothills of sacred Mount Batukaru, and surrounded by lush, tropical forests and traditional rice paddies, the resort is an oasis of rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation for the weary traveler – a space to return to nature’s rhythms and rediscover your joyful soul.

Bali Eco Stay is in the energetic heart center of Bali, where royalty would travel for purification and ceremony. The sacredness of the land itself is part of the healing.

With its own private waterfall providing energy for the soul, and 100% of its electricity supplied through hydropower, the space has been thoughtfully and soulfully integrated into nature.

Philosophy

Jan Remer, partner of Bali Eco Stay, explains:

“Our core philosophy is rooted in the idea that healing begins when we return to harmony with nature. At Bali Eco Stay, we believe that nature isn’t something separate from us – it’s a mirror, a teacher, and a place we can come home to. We invite our guests to slow down, unplug, and rediscover what it means to live simply, sustainably, and soulfully.”

From the moment guests arrive, the sound of flowing water, the fresh breath of mountain air, and the pure light of the sun all play their part in the harmony of healing that cascades through the body.

Here you can enjoy forest walks in ancient, untouched jungle, and refreshing dips in natural spring-fed swimming spots – all aimed at slowing the mind and awakening the body. Your invitation is to rise with the sun and rest when dusk descends.

Permaculture

The purity and essence of the land are reflected in the food and natural spring water. Permaculture is at the heart of Bali Eco Stay.

“We plant in accordance with the Balinese calendar and honor the spirit of the land in everything we do.”

“Through permaculture, we learn to live not apart from nature, but as a seamless part of its rhythm – a dance of give and take, where nothing is wasted, and everything returns. What we borrow from the land, we return with gratitude, feeding a cycle as eternal as the seasons. We take only what we truly need, shaping a life that values simplicity and stewardship. When we pause to consider how we use our resources – food, energy, shelter, and even the intangible – we discover abundance, not in excess, but in intention. In tuning ourselves to nature’s quiet wisdom, we find that less effort yields greater harmony.”

Fivelements Retreats

As I walked into the compound of Fivelements Retreat, I was greeted by a mighty banyan tree, rooted, stable, and strong. In Bali, villages were traditionally built around a banyan tree. Because of its deep roots and ability to retain water, villagers were sure of a plentiful supply.

Fivelements Retreat is located just outside the town of Ubud, a remarkable location that honors the tradition and culture of Bali, operating in harmony with the environment, the people, and the spiritual world.

I met with general manager John T.G. Nielsen to take a tour and experience the healing vibrations first-hand. The core philosophy of Fivelements is based on Tri-Hita-Karana, a Balinese philosophy of being good to God, good to nature, and good to humans. This is embodied in its spiritually oriented fire ceremonies, its permaculture sanctuary, and its involvement and investment in local projects and charities.

Sustainable architecture

The centre is built on an energy vortex, where a magnetic field emanates from the earth. This is the energetic heart center of the land and has been consecrated as a sacred space.

The retreat is designed to immerse guests in nature, with the buildings and stunning flora playing a key role in the atmosphere. The bamboo structures with alang-alang thatched roofs almost disappear into the jungle and are positioned along the ever-flowing Ayung River. Every treatment room and nine of the riverside sleeping suites allow guests to practice sunrise yoga while listening to the river and the sounds of the jungle. The fire-ceremony space, known as Agni-Hotra, is located next to the sacred space. Regular fire ceremonies are offerings to the Gods.

Every aspect of the design reflects the local philosophy of respecting the land and honoring the spirits. Balinese architect Pak Ketut Artana incorporated local village traditions and collaborated with the High Priest and village elders. The 3,800 m² permaculture Garden of Peace employs regenerative growing techniques and features more than 60 different herbs, fruits, and vegetables, including the soursop tree, which is recognized as a natural cancer-cell suppressor.

Purchasing and responsible waste management

The retreat adheres to a strong “buy-local” philosophy, consistently supporting local growers. Every month, its carbon footprint is measured, and by the end of the year, trees are planted to help lower emissions. Fifty per cent of produce for the kitchen, as well as for the healing and wellness centre, comes from local gardens and surrounding villages.

Ninety-five percent of all waste is composted, and the compost is spread across the gardens. All plastics are counted and sent to a recycling centre every week.

The retreats

Fivelements has created a piece of health and wellness heaven. It offers three core retreats and a variety of themed retreats throughout the year to honor occasions such as World Wellness Day and World Yoga Day.

The signature retreat is known as Pancha Mahabuta (five elements), which focuses on balancing earth, water, fire, air, and ether in the mind, body, and spirit.

Tri Kaya Parisudha is a cleansing program inspired by the Balinese philosophy that promotes living with purity of thought, speech, and action. It encourages guests to align thoughts, goodwill, and heartfelt feelings, to be consistent with speech and action.

The retreat includes traditional Balinese healing therapies aimed at detoxifying and purifying the physical body, sekala, and the non-physical mind and soul, niskala, unifying body and mind towards a naturally harmonious state of being, and allowing an organic healing process to unfold. The Cuisine for Life retreat features daily culinary training alongside the healing sanctuary’s anti-aging and natural rejuvenation therapies, inspired by traditional Balinese remedies.

All guests also have access to the Healing and Wellness Sanctuary, which offers a wide range of modalities, including meditation, mindfulness, breathwork with sound healing, colonic hydrotherapy, traditional Balinese Boreh, and other holistic therapies designed to support physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing, Watsu water healing, and its signature Balinese healers.

“The land at Fivelements Retreat has a unique energy,” says Nielsen. “I believe that, for guests, being in the heart of this sacred land, among priests and individuals spiritually connected to the islands of the gods, is a profound experience that supports their journey and offers an opportunity to find peace with their mind, body, and soul.”

Ulaman Eco Luxury Resort

Ulaman is located centrally in the south of Bali, close to local villages and centers such as Ubud and Canggu. My guide, Handy, led the way through the resort before I met with the founder, owner, and CEO, Dino A. Magnatta.

Architecture

The first impression is of a jaw-dropping bamboo structure, which looks like something out of Avatar. Every space at Ulaman is designed to honor and harmonize with the environment. As Magnatta says,

“We don’t just build in nature; we build with nature.”

Walking along the curved pathways, the open-air architecture creates a sense of space and ease. The structures are built with materials such as bamboo, rammed earth, and reclaimed wood to preserve the land’s natural contours. The villas are positioned for rice fields, sunrise and sunset views, and the bamboo yoga shala overlooks the jungle. The resort is built on the Ulaman River, where a small waterfall is the location for purification rituals. From every angle, the resort inspires communion with the natural world.

At Ulaman, you’ll experience a natural opportunity for regenerative harmony, a holistic integration of wellbeing, ecological responsibility, and inspired design.

“We believe in nurturing a luxurious experience that also nurtures the Earth.”

Health and wellness

Each retreat at Ulaman invites guests to slow down, listen to their body, and realign with nature’s innate flow. Immersed in a lush jungle landscape and infused with the energy of its sacred waterfall and tree house, the resort offers a sanctuary for physical and energetic recalibration. Through intuitive movement, grounding therapies, and moments of quiet reflection, guests find a renewed connection to their body and the Earth.

Wellness programs are thoughtfully designed to incorporate daily yoga sessions, sound healing, yin flow, meditation, immersive rice-field walks, and village tours that expose guests to the essence of Balinese culture. They also offer Reiki healing, breathwork sessions, and Melukat water blessing ceremonies to support spiritual and energetic cleansing.

At the Riverside Spa, guests can enjoy a range of integrative treatments: infrared sauna, steam therapy, and hot-and-cold plunge pools, all designed to encourage deeper embodiment and alignment with the natural rhythms of the land. Each element is curated to awaken the senses and foster a harmonious connection between body, mind, and nature.

Conscious purchasing and waste management

At Ulaman, everything is consciously sourced. “From food to furniture, we prioritize sourcing locally, ethically, and sustainably. Our ingredients come from organic farms nearby, and our wellness products are from local producers.”

Waste is treated responsibly, organic matter is composted, packaging and single-use plastics are avoided wherever possible, and recycling networks are implemented where necessary.

One initiative that really impressed me was the collaboration with corporations Noovoleum and Pertamina. Used cooking oils from the Ulaman kitchen and surrounding villages will be converted into biofuel, with proceeds donated directly to support education in Bali. Collection boxes will be placed in local villages, and residents can exchange oil for money. This initiative exemplifies the resort’s commitment to creating a positive impact for both people and the planet.

“It’s a full-circle philosophy that reflects our belief: waste is not waste, but a resource waiting to be reimagined.”

A natural transformation

Ulaman (as featured in the main photograph)  believes true healing comes from remembering our place within nature. Its vision is to remind the world that healing and harmony begin with how we live. It’s not just a resort; it’s a movement towards conscious luxury and regenerative living.

Through design, experience, and presence, it offers more than a stay; it offers a shift in perspective.

“As we continue to evolve, our hope is to inspire both guests and the hospitality industry to consider not only the footprint we leave behind, but the seeds we plant for the future. Healing with the Earth is the future of wellbeing, and Ulaman is proud to be a steward of that path.”

What began as a peaceful eco-sanctuary has evolved into a regenerative hospitality model. They  partner with the local community, supporting circular systems, and offering transformational experiences that empower both guests and the land.

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