The film Eat, Pray, Love put Bali at the centre of modern wellness travel, and the island continues to draw a new generation of travellers. From Ubud’s rice fields to the coastal temples of Uluwatu, here’s how wellness travel in Bali has evolved.
Not everyone has read Elizabeth Gilbert’s best-selling book, Eat Pray Love, but most people know the premise: a newly divorced woman goes travelling in search for meaning and ultimately finds herself. Her journey leads her to Italy, India and eventually Bali, Indonesia, which the book presents as a place for healing, reflection, and starting over.
Undoubtedly, this travel-meets-love memoir has inspired numerous travellers to embark on a similar journey, especially when it was adapted into a film starring Julia Roberts in 2010. At the heart of Gilbert’s third act is Ubud, where she found the ultimate self-care and her love story unfolded. As the book marks its 20th anniversary in 2026, we explore beyond what we saw on screen, how Bali has evolved and what’s left for the curious traveller to discover.
What does Bali actually look like today?
Ubud has long been considered Bali’s cultural heart. Early in the last century, the arts were championed by local royalty, shaping it into a centre for painting, carving, and performance. That legacy is still visible today. Events like the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival and Ubud Open Studios continue to draw creatives and curious travellers alike, while the Ubud Artisan Market offers a more tactile way to take a piece of that culture home.
Its spiritual roots are just as present. Bali has always been deeply spiritual, long before it became a capital of modern wellness. Canang Sari, the daily rituals and small offerings seen across Ubud, reflect a philosophy that connects people, nature, and the spiritual world. The rise of yoga and meditation in recent years adds another layer, but it sits alongside traditions that have existed for generations.
Beyond Ubud, Bali feels different depending on where you go. Sanur is known for its calm, family-friendly beaches, while Canggu and Seminyak draw a younger crowd with their café culture and beach clubs. Uluwatu, once primarily a surf destination, is now gaining attention for its quieter beaches and slower pace, offering a different side of the island for those willing to venture further.
Explore more: Hands-On Activities in Ubud: The Best Craft Workshops, Cooking Classes and Cultural Experiences to Try
How did Bali become the wellness destination that it is today?
Wellness in Bali didn’t begin with the film, but it did help bring global attention to it. What was once a more personal pursuit has since become part of how people experience the island. Today, wellness has grown into a global industry worth an estimated $6.8 trillion, reflecting a broader shift towards prioritising health, balance, and everyday wellbeing.
In Ubud, wellness is more a spiritual pursuit. You’ll find dedicated yoga classes, meditation sessions, and spaces designed for rest and reflection, but they sit alongside everyday experiences rather than replacing them.
Across the island, wellness is now more noticeable through food. What you eat here becomes part of the experience, with an emphasis on fresh ingredients, plant-based cooking, and meals that feel as good as they taste.
To cure your curiosity: Why Ubud Is the World’s Wellness Capital of Rest, Ritual and Renewal
Speaking of good food, where can you find good plant-based dining in Bali?
Bali has become one of the easiest places in the region to go vegan, especially in Ubud. Menus are built around local produce, with a touch of Indonesian flavour, and a focus on sustainability.
Whether you’re stopping for a casual meal or something more refined, there’s a strong emphasis on fresh ingredients and balanced flavours. It’s one of the ways Bali’s lifestyle naturally leans towards eating well.
For guests staying with The Luxe Nomad, that experience doesn’t stop at restaurants. Dining can be just as considered in-villa — simply request through the Guest Experience team, and a private chef can prepare meals tailored to your preferences, from plant-based dishes to local favourites. It’s an easy way to enjoy Bali’s food scene in a more private, relaxed setting.
A feast for your culinary senses: The Best Restaurants in Ubud: Where to Eat, Drink and Be Merry in Bali’s Culinary Mecca
Where should you stay for the Eat, Pray, Love experience?
There are plenty wellness-led stays made for holistic holidays. Here are some villas that could help your own journey of self-care and self discovery.
Villa Crystal Castle
Villa Crystal Castle blends luxury with a strong wellness focus. Built from reclaimed timber and natural materials, the villa features over 10,000kg of crystals, creating a calm and grounding atmosphere.
Set on a 4,600 sqm property, it has seven bedrooms for up to 14 guests, along with a large private pool, yoga shala, spa, and a rose quartz reflexology path. Open-air living spaces look out to jungle views, while the yoga area faces nearby rice fields.
Read more: Villa of the Week: Crystal Castle in Ubud, Bali
Nag Shampa Private Estate
Nag Shampa Private Estate offers an immersive retreat set in the jungles of Ubud. Located in the quiet village of Taro, the estate brings together contemporary design with traditional Javanese Joglo-style architecture, creating a setting that feels both refined and rooted in its surroundings.
The brainchild of Sam and Isabella Branson, this property spans over a hectare and accommodates up to 16 guests across eight ensuite bedrooms. Wellness is a large part of the experience, with a yoga shala, massage areas, multiple pools, and open areas designed for rest and relaxation.
The estate’s Istana Suite, meaning “palatial” in Bahasa, offers a more private stay as it is housed in its own Joglo-style building. It features a private pool, outdoor dining area, and spacious interiors designed for comfort, making it well-suited for families or guests who want a more self-contained experience.
Review: Istana Suite, A Romantic Bali Getaway Couples Will Love
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