Yoga in Bali – Why the Island Is a Spiritual Powerhouse

Why Bali Calls to the Spirit

Bali was made for yoga. Whether it’s the tropical warmth, the changing colours of the water or the morning sun filtering through palm trees and frangipanis, Bali offers that rare combination of natural beauty and spiritual depth. It has long attracted seekers, healers and wanderers chasing something deeper than a holiday. Beyond Instagram-ready sunsets and smoothie bowls, Balinese Hinduism shapes the energy of the island in a way that resonates with yoga’s deeper purpose.

Offerings are laid at every doorstep, shrines and statuary are part of the everyday scenery, and the temples are always busy with devotees. With mantras humming beneath the surface of daily life, yoga in Bali is a multi-sensory, heart-led experience. It’s no wonder that international yoga communities have bloomed in places like Ubud and Canggu. Teachers from all over the world have made Bali home, bringing with them ancient traditions, creative styles, and a sense of open-minded exploration. And once you’ve stepped into it, it’s very hard to leave.

Welcome to our two-part series on yoga in Bali. In this first part, we’ll run through the island’s most popular yoga destinations, consider which yoga style is best for you, and explore how you can carry your yoga spirit into other activities in Bali. Let’s get to it!

Top Yoga Retreats in Bali for 2025

Nestled among rice terraces, jungle hills, or coastal cliffs, Balinese yoga retreats promise to reset your nervous system and awaken your soul. Whether you’re seeking detox and discipline or comfort and connection, there’s a retreat here for you. Let’s take a tour through the key yoga destinations and what makes each unique.

Ubud is the cultural capital of the island, so it’s makes sense that it’s also the heart of Bali’s spiritual scene. The retreats here are focused on inner healing, mindfulness and silent reflection. In between yoga sessions, admire the local art and buy some fabulous jewellery. For those looking for something more grounded, head to Canggu on the southwest coast where you’ll find surf, community, and brunches. This is also the destination for those who want to dance at the end of a yoga day. Out east, places like Sidemen and Nusa Lembongan provide off-the-beaten-path tranquillity, perfect for unplugging and going inward.

Retreat formats vary, but most include daily yoga, nourishing meals, wellness workshops, and a rhythm that gently reconnects you with yourself. With retreat destinations covered, it’s time to explore how to choose the yoga style that speaks to your spirit.

Choosing the Right Yoga Style for Your Journey

Bali is a playground for yoga styles, with a rich mix of traditional and modern practices. Which style is for you? Do you prefer the energising Vinyasa flows or the grounding simplicity of Hatha? Maybe you’re drawn to the mystical Kundalini with its breathwork and ancient mantras. If softening into stillness sounds appealing, try Yin, which is often done by candlelight.

Bali’s yoga scene meets you where you are. Beginners are warmly welcomed, with classes that emphasise alignment, breath and mindful movement. Advanced yogis will find strong, technical instruction too—think Ashtanga Mysore or dynamic power flows. And for those seeking something more experiential, fusion classes blend yoga with ecstatic dance, chanting or energy work, creating deeply embodied moments.

Choosing the right style isn’t just about skill level. It’s about what your soul is craving. Are you seeking structure or surrender? Movement or meditation? Community or solitude? On magical Bali, the right teacher or practice often appears at just the right moment.

Now that we’ve explored the many paths you can take on the mat, let’s look at where to practise and who’s guiding the way.

Bali’s Best Yoga Studios and Teachers

Bali’s yoga studios feel like sacred spaces carved into the natural world. From the jungle-framed pavilions of Ubud to the breezy rooftop platforms in Canggu, these are places where the energy hums before a single om is spoken. The architecture alone is worth the visit, but it’s the teachers who truly bring the magic.

Icons in the yoga world have made Bali home, such as Les Leventhal in Ubud and Octavio Salvado at The Practise in Canggu. Don’t miss Eka Kailash, a native Balinese hosting classes in Ubud. Each studio has its own flavour: some lean spiritual, some athletic, others community-driven. Their classes all stretch the body and stir the soul.

Many studios also create an ecosystem around practice. Post-yoga life spills into conscious cafés, herbal apothecaries and open-air markets. Join a rhythm of living that feels whole, balanced, and beautifully human.

And speaking of balance, Bali’s spiritual experiences go well beyond asana. Let’s look at the rituals and healing practices that deepen the journey.

Beyond the Mat: Spiritual and Healing Experiences

What happens off the mat in Bali? Healing is woven into the landscape, guided by generations of wisdom and ceremony. At sacred springs like Tirta Empul, take part in a purification ritual called melukat and feel something old and powerful work through you. Listen respectfully to the whispers of Balinese healers—balian—who work with intuition, prayer and energy. This is an island that reminds you healing is not a checklist. It’s a living, breathing process.

Then there’s the sound healing, breathwork, and cacao ceremonies. At venues like Pyramids of Chi or The Yoga Barn, gongs, crystal bowls, and guided journeys take you deep into altered states of relaxation and release. For many, these sessions are the emotional heart of their stay. They offer something yoga alone often doesn’t: the surrender of control and the invitation to feel everything.

Now that you’ve glimpsed the inner dimension of yoga in Bali, the next step is planning your journey. In Part 2, we’ll cover when to go, what to pack, and how to make your retreat truly unforgettable.

Soulful Travel That Stays With You

Bali doesn’t just host yoga. It embodies it. With every step you take through its temples, jungles and studios, there’s a sense of deep connection between you and the land, between breath and movement, between the practice and the person you’re becoming. Whether you're staying for a weekend or a month, you'll leave lighter, clearer, and full of purpose. Stay tuned for part two of Wanderwell’s insider’s guide to yoga in Bali. We’ll take you through the planning, rituals and rhythms to make your yoga retreat everything it can be. And more.

Want to read more? These are the best Hotels and Restaurants in Bali. Luxury Wellness Retreats - Everything you need to know.