4 Days Diving, Meditation and Yoga Retreat in Bali

"My stay at Zen Resort Bali was more then amazing. It was off the chart overall service consisting of tasteful (healthy) food, fantastic treatments, beautiful surroundings, and the most fantastic and friendly people. All together makes this simply the best retreat I've ever seen. "

"This is where you need to go if you're looking for a place to relax, recharge and be pampered by the most friendly people you've ever met. A definite must go if you're looking for a retreat in Bali and would recommend it anyone."

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"As a young woman travelling alone I found everything I needed for my 8 days of holidays at Zen Resort Bali. "

"I felt very safe and happy and I was surrounded by a wonderful team. The team greeted me by my name and shared smile, kindness and love during my stay. They are helpful and flexible with any of your requests. "

"I stayed in Villa with the garden view with the feeling of privacy and Balinese interior."

"Open air shower and bath gives you a beautiful view to a tropical trees and a clear sky."

"They surprise you with a flower and towel decorations and clean your room every day and floor, what gives freshness to your beautiful apartment. "

"Inside your room you can enjoy clean drinking water,fresh fruits,spiritual music, air conditioner, mosquito net, covered during a night. "

"The main reason you come to this resort is to RELAX and recharge your batteries by doing sunrise meditation, pranayama,yoga and spa treatments, which are absolutely amazing and included in my "wellness" 8-days package."

"We had people, who have never done yoga before and experienced, so the yoga teacher has adapted yoga to our needs. Yoga teacher assistant is nearby to help to less physically strong people with exercises. "

"I didn't feel well 1 morning after long flight on meditation class and staff helped me to come back to my room and brought me tea and breakfast. If staff won't see you for a day, they will come to check if everything is Ok with you."

"You will have to complete Ajurveda questionnaire to identify your Dosha and Ajurveda health consultation. It was interesting, but a bit complicated for me. "

"Balinese breakfast, lunch and dinners included. Simple and healthy. If you want something different the Ala Carte menu for the additional price is attached. Tea and coffee free for breakfast only. I was drinking ginger and lemongrass tea.( recommend)"

"I was very pleased when they made green pancakes I showed them on the picture I previously tried in another Bali restaurant. "

"Spa treatments on daily basis are absolutely amazing, that will make you "Fly" and you will feel like a"new born baby".:) Before every treatment they pray, dont be scared it's for a good reason to create a good aura around you. "

"Resort organises some trips to visit a Temple, Hot springs, Eco forest walk, Rice field trekking, Dolphin sail trip etc(included in your package)..."

"My Dolphin sail trip was cancelled due to a water conditions and gladly was substituted with a spa treatment. You won't feel bored and the advantage of the resort location is you will be closer to local people and far from tourists. "

"And... by being alone I haven't been alone any day as you meet amazing people at the resort and will have meals and exploring balinese culture together. I became friends with all of them. "

"It's a 5 star tropical nature and garden and people around you.Cant wait to come back.."

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"Entering this enchanted place, which was recommended to us by my sisters who were here before, a friendly Balinese hostess offert a tasty and healthy welcome drink and this brought us immediately in a Zen atmosphere. Firstly we enjoyed this amazing spot with its 270 degrees ocean view in lush surroundings of tropical flowers and trees... the birds sing there happy song and butterflies were all around. "

"And after all this impressions we didn't know that we would get the most beautiful overwhelming Ayurvedic massage ever... What a Paradise!"

"But... even my shoulder, I had recently injured, feels after the massage considerable better than before and seems cured..."

"Unbelievable what a place and... 'yes' definitely we will come back!"

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"Zen Resort is the most beautifully and peacefully managed resort I have ever stayed."

"You are greeted at the front desk by your first name and given a garland of fresh flowers. You are escorted to your room which is exquisitely decorated in ways to amplify a peaceful and harmonious sleep. Whether in the dining room, the spa, the yoga hall, or the walkways, all staff members greet you by name with a smile. Meals are delicious and healthy with vegetarian and vegan options to optimize an ayurvedic lifestyle. The grounds are meticulously kept and fresh flowers are laid out in amazing designs at most entry ways. The infinity pool overlooks the valley down to the sea and the view is almost unbelievable. The owner is friendly and readily available to provide guidance and service."

"The overall feel of the Zen Resort is one of complete harmony. During every minute of my stay, I was made to feel beautiful and I left feeling like a goddess."

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"Zen Resort Bali is a truly exceptional place. It is a place, where you can find inner peace, if you are open to it. It is a place to let go and cry, to welcome and smile, a place to arrive and feel at home. There are many solo travelers and it is very easy to get in contact. There is a community table for the meals, where we had many nice discussions. "

"Other reviews have well covered the amazing natural environment, the accommodation (new premium villas very good) , the service, meditation and yoga, and of course the Ayurvedic treatments. "

"I did not book a package because I wanted some "me-time" without a calendar, but most guests preferred the packages. Like many others, I felt so good after only one or two days. The special atmosphere just gets you."

"You should be a bit open-minded if you visit this resort - not every detail works perfectly but you will not find a more friendly and more spiritual place in the North of Bali."

"The only observation I had was the touching of living things under the water by the local dive master and his proud offer that we could feed fish with bananas. Not very Zen."

"It is very difficult to describe Zen if you haven't been there. I booked for seven days and ended up staying seventeen. It was a spiritual and potentially life-changing experience."

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"The Zen Resort Bali will always have a very special place for me. I just spend 2 wonderful weeks there and are more than happy to come again. That would be my fifth time and I would argue that the number of visits speaks for itself. The combination of wonderful caring staff, beautiful surrounding and the best Spa in the world made every stay an exciting event. "

"2 weeks went by with lots of yoga, meditation, diving and funny conversations over every meal with other guest about the latest Ayurvedic Treatment and personal experiences."

"I hope I will find time soon to come back"

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"We have had some anticipation that the resort with such a promising name can't be just an ordinary resort hidden somewhere far north in Bali. But all our thoughts and expectations were very far from reality... Zen is a paradise on the Earth. It's a unique place full of harmony and tranquillity, peace and charm."

"It's impossible to say more. Just come and see. We think that this place will open its secrets and beauty for everyone by its individual way."

"Warmest regards and thanks to Budiani and Mahendra."

"Om Shanti Om"

TripAdvisor website, edited

"We booked a 5 days/4 nights stay with the Zen Harmony Diving package which was exceptional. One advanced diver and one complete beginner was no problem for the staff to handle and they coordinated our activities perfectly. And not just diving activities - the package contained yoga specifically designed for divers, breathing exercises, dolphin watching, and wonderful SPA-treatments as well. Not to mention breakfast and three course lunch and dinner. In magical surroundings. With the sweetest staff. The list could go on forever...!"

"The dive instructor Arnaud was very calm and supportive for me as a newbie with ear problems; even though I had a hard time with my ears initially in every dive he took his time and didn't rush anything. There was only Arnaud and the two of us on the dive boat which meant not having to adapt to other divers and their skills. "

"The stay at Zen Resort widely exceeded our expectations (we thought the TripAdvisor-reviews were too good to be true), and we have already decided to return."

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"This is my third trip to Zen, but my first doing the whole retreat thing. I've been twice before to attend an externally facilitated mindfulness course - the most amazing place to do something like that."

"But it was nothing like getting the full retreat experience. My travelling companion and I opted for the 8 day 7 night stress release package which has 13 Ayurvedic massage and other treatments, plus a few excursions."

"We swapped the usual excursions, which we'd done before, for a day of snorkelling/diving - and they were happy to accommodate, even though it meant a fairly major redesign of our schedule at a time when they were heavily booked at the spa."

"In fact nothing is too much trouble. The most amazing service. Everyone remembers your name. It's been a year since we've been but everyone still remembered us. Lots of hugs all round when we arrived. Like coming home. Ms Budiani is an absolute gem, and the owner, Mahendra, is full of support and good advice. Close to half of their guests are return customers and there's no surprise why. You get to meet some amazing people... Politicians, barristers, business people, makeup artists to the stars from all over the world. All at different stages of the experience."

"It's all a little woo woo, being Ayurvedic based. There were a couple of people staying at the same time that found it all a little confronting. But stay open to the whole experience. "

"First stop is the Ayurvedic doctor who gives you a questionnaire to complete and assesses your dosha. Along with checking your gruelling schedule of treatments, he gives some tips about eating to balance your dosha and other behavioural things you need to do when you get home to stay in balance. Dr Veejay looks amazingly fit and healthy, so I'd take his advice!!"

"I'd really love it if they tailored the food to your needs while you are there too, but there's a set menu every day with 2 choices for entree, 4 for main and 2 for dessert for lunch and dinner and a limited a la carte for breakfast. And of course I kept going for things that were not on my 'good to eat lots of' list, and opted way too often for things I was meant to limit to stay in balance (love the local spinach). I'd even be happy for them to surprise me every day with appropriately balancing food without me having any say in it. I haven't eaten anything that wasn't tasty in the total of about 20 days I've stayed there on my three trips."

"The treatments are by far the best I've ever had. The treatments themselves are amazing along with the chanting prayer at the beginning of each one. But be warned it's a pretty naked experience so if you are a bit body shy you might need to prep yourself. I'm not particularly worried about that type of thing and it is very delicately navigated. After a while most people get used to it, but some people are a little surprised at first."

"After the first 3 days, with 5 days to go, I was actually thinking... I'm not sure if I can have another treatment... It was quite full on! But after that I was not wanting to leave, praying for more flight cancelling ash from the recently erupted volcano. It's a full on schedule, but you feel transformed at the end of it. And there's plenty of time to relax by the beautiful pool. 8 days was a great amount of time - we were initially thinking 6 days 5 nights package, but thinking I might even try 2 weeks next time!"

"One downside, which is also one of the best things about it, is that there is a 3-5 hour drive from the airport to Zen Resort, depending on traffic and time of day. It's right in the north of Bali. But it also means it's not full of tourists and there's not much to do but look after yourself, relax and recover from life. We stay in Seminyak overnight when we arrive and go to zen the next day which I think is a very good strategy if you have the time."

"There's lots of things they don't tell you proactively - many of which we only discovered this trip. For example, there's an a la carte menu (extra cost), a slimming program that can run along side your treatments, you can have bacon with your eggs at breakfast (not on the menu of options)... and others. None of it is a big deal. I like the food - it is home style, mostly Asian flavours but occasionally western things like stroganoff. It's served in small portions, all natural and healthy. But I never felt hungry - totally the opposite... Sometimes wondering if I could fit another meal into the day."

"There's yoga twice a day and meditation every morning. I did the morning yoga the first day but not being a yoga type person it was too hard for me and my bad computer induced neck and shoulders, so I just did the afternoon which is more relaxed. And I did the hour long meditation some days but I was a bit fidgety and out of practice so most days did my own shorter meditations a few times throughout the day instead. The outdoor location of the meditation is so beautiful it's easy to get distracted."

"Really amazing place. Definitely worth a visit if you need to recharge."

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"We just returned to America after three weeks abroad, and finished our holiday with a four day, three night stay at Zen Resort Bali. Our experience was exceptional. The location is about a four hour drive from the airport in Denpasar, which was a wonderful way to see day to day life in Bali. The resort arranged our transportation from Ubud and back to Seminyak when we were done. The food was both healthy and delicious. We stayed in a Premium Deluxe Villa, which was incredible. Our view overlooked rice fields, and we watched the sun rise and set over the Indian Ocean. The spa treatments were some of the best of our lives. I'm a yoga novice, but the staff was patient and instructive. The sunrise meditation soothed the soul. This is not a party resort. It's a place to go to collect yourself, and rejuvenate the soul. Three nights was not nearly long enough. We'll be back, but next time we will stay for a minimum of a week, at least. You will not regret your stay!"

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"This was the second time my husband and I spent a week at Zen Resort. This time we felt like going back to old friends, back to a place that is welcoming, nourishing, restful and stimulating at the same time. We so much enjoyed everything about our time there: first and foremost it's the people who ensure that you are looked after in the best possible way, then it's the environment that is so relaxing and beautiful, and last but not least the food, the meditation and yoga classes and the Ayurvedic treatments tailor-made to suit your needs. "

"We feel energised, fitter and much happier. We'll be going back again next year!"

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"I have been going to The Zen Resort for 7 years now, & it is my special place, my earth spot. It is a magical place of love, harmony, healing & spirituality embodied in every aspect of your stay from the minute you are warmly greeted by the beautiful Miss Budiani. The meditation, yoga, the Ayurvedic massages, the food, the conversations with the owner, Mahendra, the smiling greetings from the house and garden staff, the rooms, sunrises, it is all so very special. The Zen continues to improve every year without losing it's essence of harmony & restoring harmony to those who visit."

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"I went to Zen Resort for some space for reflection, exploration and rejuvenation. I was a little apprehensive at first as the reviews I had read were so exceptionally good I did not want to be the one who was disappointed. I had nothing to worry about as it surpassed my expectations."

"I chose a Sunset room, with the main features of a huge open air bathroom, large bedroom and spacious porch area with a sunbed and cascading water feature. The bed was large and comfortable."

"If you want to go somewhere where you feel special, safe and cared for, then I would highly recommend Zen Resort. Being on a tight budget this place was a bit of an indulgence for me. However, when you consider what you get in return and what you have the opportunity to take away with you, the experience is priceless."

"The meditation in the morning provides you with a balanced and grounded way to start the day in a most serene and energising way. The yoga practice that followed was suitable for beginners and intermediates, with plenty of assistance for those that wanted to move past their normal comfort zone."

"There are plenty of reviews about the ‘out of this world’ spa treatments and they are all correct. The therapists are all well trained and the variety of treatments is tailored to suit your special needs. I enjoyed the four handed ayurvedic massages that felt like I was in the hands of a gentle giant; the therapists were so ‘in sync’."

"The gardens were superb, the grounds beautifully maintained and the infinity pool is unreal. There is a gentle harmonious energy flow that is abundant throughout the grounds. "

"One of the many things that impressed me about Zen was the length of time all the staff worked there and the positive things they had to say about their work. This certainly reflected the harmonious feel to the place. "

"The food was fresh and healthy. You could eat alone or with others. I enjoyed my final night there having dinner with the other guests and the owner, Mahendra. Thank you Mahendra for your interesting questions and input."

"My experience at Zen has encouraged me to EMBRACE all that life brings to me each day, whatever that may be. May your stay at Zen, should you choose to go there, exceed your expectations."

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"Hands down the highlight of my 10 day trip to Bali was the Zen Relaxation package 4 days and 3 nights at the Zen Resort in North Bali- Singaraja about 3 hours North of Ubud. This will be a pretty lengthy post so to sum it all up- just go there and choose a package that includes spa treatments- well worth it in every way. My mind, body and spirit are better off for having found this sacred place! "

"I went in early May 2016 with my partner to celebrate our anniversary. To start I should mention that I did not realize when booking that the resort is located so far north, in fact I am glad I did not realize this as it probably would have discouraged me from booking which would have been a major mistake! I was also a bit hesitant on the price (~$1900 US total for us both when all said and done w/ taxes/service charges) since you can definitely find cheaper options and nervous about having the meals included as my partner is a chef and holds very high standards when it comes to food and service- yet again I am so glad I did not let this discourage me from booking as we would have missed out on one of the best experiences of our lives. "

"To start the resort package includes transfer to and from, 3 delicious meals a day, fresh fruit in your room daily, filtered water daily, guided sunrise breathing exercises, meditation and yoga."

"The grounds are beautiful, overlooking rice patties and the ocean, where the only noises you will hear are those of nature and at sunrise and sunset mantras/prayers of nearby temples. We loved hanging out at the infinity pool. Our rooms were well air conditioned and bug free. Our first room was one of the standard rooms with outdoor bathtub and shower. Overall very pleased with the room and setup. We were upgraded the last night to a deluxe villa with plunge pool- more spacious and higher end furnishings and with the added benefit of beautiful views!"

"Our package also included several spa experiences which are really not to be missed. They have set a new standard for me in terms of treatments and will be what I compare all future treatments to. Before each treatment you are encouraged to shower and arrive at the spa in just your provided robes. Prior to each treatment you will meet with your therapists who will describe your treatments for that day, give you a flower foot bath, dress you in your spa panties (reminded me of a sumo wrestlers garb) and perform a prayer/mantra with you. We received the Mandi Lulur 1 hr massage and 30 min Floral Bath, Ayurvedic Wellness Consultation, Abhyanga Oil 1 hr massage with 2 therapists; Avagaha Sweda 30 min herbal bath, Shirodhara forehead oil flow 1hr with 2 therapists (second favorite), Njavarakhizi 1 hr rice milk compressor massage with 2 therapists (our favorite), Bashpasweda 30 min steam tent, Ayurevdic Facial. All of the treatments were really out of this world incredible and I would highly recommend them all! "

"The package also includes a private Sunrise dolphin sail where just us two and our boat captain set out in one of the standard Balinese boats and saw at most four groups of probably 10-20 dolphins per group so probably upwards of 80 dolphins at once! They were jumping out of the water within just a few feet of the boat and swimming right along with us! I couldn't believe how many and how close they were! Not to mention the incredible sunrise! "

"We had the honor of getting to know the director Dr. Mahendra Shah who offered great recommendations on places to visit for the rest of our trip and was a pleasure to talk to about life, love, health, wellbeing and the magic of Zen Resort. It is obvious that he takes great privilege in working with visitors on a spiritual level to help them find peace and harmony within themselves and the world around them. "

"I could not review Zen without mentioning all the many ways they helped to make celebrating our anniversary there extra special. On arrival we had welcome drinks and lei necklaces and they even postponed obtaining my credit card on check-in bc they wanted us to focus on relaxing and to head to our room then the spa as the priority. They always greeted us by name throughout our stay which is always a plus in my book- helps to make anyone feel at home. The staff made us feel like family and each day went above and beyond the last to make us feel so special. In our room we had a welcome bouquet of tropical flowers, "Happy Anniversary" spelled out in flowers on our room floor in addition to "Welcome to Zen" spelled out in flowers on our beds and flower accents throughout the room and our space. They also prepared a flower bath waiting for us in our room on arrival with the flowers in the shape of a heart. The second night they prepared an incredibly special candlelight dinner at sunset separate from the rest of the diners across the resort for just the two of us atop a lookout with views of the ocean and rice patties. This was during evening prayers so in the distance we could hear various beautiful mantras being chanted. They had candles and flowers both on and leading up to our table. It was really beyond magical. One of our spa days they spelled out our names and the shape of a heart with tea light candles as a surprise after one of our treatments. The last night there they upgraded us to one of the new deluxe villas with private pool- again greeted with bouquet of flowers and flower accents throughout the space and on the stairs leading to our plunge pool. On the last day they had prepared a hand wrapped bouquet of tropical flowers for me at the spa for me to take with me to our next destination and on checkout they provided us with a special gift of incense and Buddha incense burner for us to always remember the special time we shared at Zen. I really cannot best put into words how amazing staff at Zen are and all the ways they went above and beyond to make our stay a welcomed, memorable, relaxing, romantic and rejuvenating adventure! I cannot wait for the opportunity to see everyone at Zen again and feel beyond blessed to have had the opportunity to stay there! Thank you guys from the bottom of our hearts! -Molly & Nic"

"Other recommended spots based on our travels to Bali include Montigo resort Seminyak, Prana spa Seminyak, Jari Manari spa Seminyak, Barbacoa restaurant Seminyak, Sardine restaurant Seminyak, Mamasan restaurant Seminyak, Zibiru Italian restaurant Seminyak, La Favela and LaPlancha bar/nightlife Seminyak, Rimba resort and pool bar/restaurant Jimbaran, Cuca restaurant Jimbaran, Bliss spa Jimbaran."

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"I was already a couple of times in Bali but this was the first time in the north of Bali and more specifically at Zen resort. I went there after a very intense time at work. I chose the Zen resort as I was excited about the whole package: "

"Ayurveda+wellness treatments+yoga+meditation+beautiful location+excursions. "

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"I already had high expectations before I got there - but my expectations were absolutely surpassed. I will highlight just a few things (I could a book about this place!):"

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"People:"

"Bali is known for friendly people but the Zen staff is outstanding. Everyone is smiling, greets you by name and goes the extra mile to make you happy. Thanks again to the Zen family - you are amazing!! <3 I also had the pleasure to spend some time with Dr. Shah. He has extensive knowledge & experience in hunger and poverty alleviation and sustainable development (UN, Worldbank and WFB) and brings with his resort the idea of the "sustainable human" to life. He also has a deep genuine interest in the personal well-being of his guests. He is a very wise man - talk with him if you can! :) "

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"Nature: "

"The resort is paradise! A lush, tropical green oasis with a view on mountains, rice fields and the ocean. During the first sunrise meditation I had challenges keeping my eyes closed as the sunrise was just too beautiful and the singing birds sounded so excited to wake up (I have never heard so many birds singing at the same time!). "

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"Yoga: Yoga takes place in the beautiful open yoga hall in the garden. The class is suitable for all levels, the teacher, Ni Luh always gives different options on how you can make the exercise more or less challenging. I loved the classes since Ni Luh made sure I got the most out of it and I also loved her wonderful calming voice. Can you please bring out a yoga DVD?! :)"

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"Treatments: The Ayurvedic treatments were out of this world. Most of them were done by two massage therapists at the same time. The whole ritual around it was also very beautiful. Every single therapist was absolutely amazing!"

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"Ayurvedic consultation: During the consultation with Dr. Veejay I learned about my type (dosha) and what I can do to balance it (food, exercise, body care). Fascinating theory! I am trying to implement as much as possible in my routine back home."

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"Excursion: We did a dolphin sail (with a small fisher boat) and it was magically! The dolphins swim towards the rising sun. We saw more then 10 of them swimming and jumping (!) close our boat."

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"I usually want to discover new places in my holidays but Zen resort will become my regular rejuvenation holidays. Can't wait to be back!!!"

TripAdvisor Website, edited

"What a find! Gorgeous resort with wonderful gardens, delicious yet healthy food - and the spa offers the best treatments I've had anywhere in the world. I did the diving/spa package which was great - and really enjoyed the day trips included. Watching the dolphins at sunrise was unforgettable. And finally the staff are just amazing and make this place so special. Go!!"

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"My new wife and I began our honeymoon here in the second week of October. We could not have picked a better place to unwind after all of the wedding activities. After a few days here we both felt born again.We signed up for the diving package which comprised of a total of 5 dives and several massages. The diving was really great at Tulamben; massive turtles, massive bump head parrot fish, great visibility and a beautiful wreck. The next day we dove at an island which names eludes me at this time, but if your in the dive package they will take you there. Diving here was also quite nice, the boat trip alone made it worth it. On the reef itself was mostly the small stuff. The reef looked to be in great shape and there was plenty of species of fish. If your lucky and willing you will get to enter a small cavern and check out some electric clams.As for the massages? I'm conflicted because I don't know if I will ever be able to find a massage half as good in the area we live. What we received at Zen is in an entirely different league than what I have ever gotten from various styles and masseuses. The girls are entirely focused on what they are doing and wow they are good at it.For everything else. Everyone of the staff were amazing and so personable. The level guest service was 5 stars. Food was also great; I've read on some other reviews that the portion sizing were small? Well i'm about 6'2, 240lbs and never left the table hungry.The amenities were all good, the staff clearly works very hard in keeping everything to a high standard. It's not a 5 star hilton or high-end resort in this regard, but if you are coming here to truly have an experience, relax and learn a few things, then this place will not disappoint.I hope in another few years time my wife and I are passing through bali and we can spend another few days here.I wish Zen resort and all of its staff all of the success in the world. Thank you for helping my wife and I offload all of our wedding stress."

TripAdvisor website, edited

"Sports injuries and stress were the cause of aches and pains. The solution was a stay Zen Resort and the wonderful ayurvedic treatments. Loved every minute. The staff were delightful and eager to please. I left feeling fabulous and will definitely come back. Can't wait!!"

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"I came to Zen Resort as a first time solo traveller and for my first time visiting Bali and as soon as I arrived I was made to feel completely at home. I leave knowing it is a place I will always return to. I did the Zen Harmony Dive package and everything was amazing. My dive instructor Jessica made the whole experience of first time diving exciting and relaxing. This combined with the Ayurvedic treatments and consultation, the yoga and meditation and the day trips to visit the surrounding villages and areas, was absolutely perfect. The food was also so good and so healthy! My entire experience at Zen is something so special and unique and an experience I will carry with me for a lifetime. I cannot wait to return to this beautiful, spiritual paradise!!"

TripAdvisor website, edited

"Zen Resort is the perfect place to renew all your energies. Everybody (employees and managers/owners) is taking care of you and fulfills every wish you may have during your stay from the first second your feets touch the ground of the resort. Whatever you need, you will get it there. The rooms are absolutely clean and in perfect conditions. The food was delicious and you can get as much as you want. Sunrise meditation is one of the most beautiful things you will see there. People come together from all over the world. You find great people to join you during your stay. The employees of the spa are really good educated in medical, healthy and relaxing issues. They know exactly what to do, if you have pain or stress.My personal thanks goes to Budiani and Mr. Shah, who were taking responsibility for every guest in personal. This makes this resort so special. You feel like coming home, not only like being in Holiday.I can absolutely recommend this resort to everybody out there in the world. Every day is so special and will be an experience you will never forget in your lifetime.If I have the possibility, I will definitely go back :-) Wish everybody there all the best. Cheers from Munich, Jenny"

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"It is very difficult to describe the experience you will have at the Zen resort. The all encompassing holiday of treatments, nurturing from staff, yummy meals, romantic accommodation, good yoga and meditation, lovely outdoor pool and luscious gardens, make it a holiday break that is soothing for the soul. A week at the Zen resort, I believe empties ones emotional bucket to enable you to go back into the outside world with a renewed sense of calm."

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"I spent 7 days at the Zen resort as a Solo traveller. I went for a holiday and what i experienced was so much more than just a holiday.There are not enough words to describe the Zen family, they are so loving and genuine people who will do anything to make your time as special as possible.The villa's are gorgeous, the surroundings are so tranquil and peaceful."

"The Zen Spa treatments are so healing and I left feeling so relaxed."

"The food is incredible, entree, main and desert for every meal, so healthy and fresh.I only spent 7 days but it felt like a month, each day was full with amazing experiences, yet so relaxing.There is only 14 rooms and the place is not over crowded, it was nice to have the pool to myself most days, the meditation and yoga is a wonderful way to start each day.All i can say is if you want an incredible experience where you can learn a lot about yourself and heal from any unwanted negativity in your life, the Zen Resort is the place to go.Best experience of my live, I will DEFINITELY return again."

TripAdvisor website, edited

"From the moment you arrive, you know that the Zen Resort is special. The staff are all wonderful, they treat you like family.The resort is located in a less tourist area of Bali and that's another plus in my books.The rooms are wonderful, very roomy. Only think I would prefer is to have screen in the windows so we can more easily leave the windows open at night.The restaurant serves amazing food, prepared to perfection, portion size just right. We even had a cooking session with the staff on one of our days and it was great to see how the food gets prepared and to get some of their recipes, yum.Then there is the Ayurveda treatments, wonderful, this makes the resort even more special.I could go on and on but the resort is more to be experienced, so go and visit, I loved it and I'm not a resort person.Stayed May 2015, traveled as a couple"

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"This is by far, our best vacation yet. We booked the 2 week Ayurvedic retreat package for our 25th wedding anniversary at Zen. Even though our flight was delayed 6 hours in Taiwan, our driver from the resort waited for us for many hours not knowing when we would arrive. We were pleasantly surprised to see him holding a sign for us when we finally made it to Despar airport. He was very gracious for our 3 hour ride to the resort, answering our silliest of questions at after 2 in the morning. We had the same driver back to the airport as well. He was just as accommodating, stopping for pictures here and there, and taking us to a coffee plantation for a tour and tasting of their brews. When we arrived around 5 am at the resort, we were still greeted with flower necklaces and a refreshing tropical smoothie before we were shown to our room and crashed. Throughout our stay it was the amazing people of Bali who made us so at home we often forgot about what day or time it was. We received 2 wonderful spa services per day, each followed by either a steam treatment or a flower/herbal bath. Of course we favored some treatments over others, none were disappointing in results. If we wanted to change out any treatments for something else, we were graciously accommodated without hassle. I even took an add on diving excursion with the on staff master diver, a wonderful first time experience in open water for me. The meals were always great, with several choices to choose from, and great staff to pamper you yet again. From the cute animals folded from towels on our bed along side very crafty flower decorations everywhere, to the surprise anniversary candle lit dinner on the cliff, the generous staff went out of their way to make every day better than the last. Our last dinner we were given a reserved table on the veranda overlooking the ocean, candles on the table with a giant heart made of various flowers that took an hour or so to create. After our meal we arrived at our room to find some kind folks had drawn us a bath filled with flowers surrounded by candles to enjoy our final evening pampered just as it had been our first. If I felt inclined to be critical of anything, the bedroom floor had some unusual soft spots in it. Otherwise the rooms were quite cozy and spacious. Although there are no big TV's and cable to boast about, we didn't miss them. Sure they have Wi-Fi so you can use your gadgets, but there was so much to appreciate about this paradise and the people who work to make it great, you should just disconnect, engage your senses, and take it all in moment by moment. Much love Zen!! Look forward to returning."

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"I stayed at the Zen Resort on a mindfulness retreat, which was run by an external consultant. The Zen went above and beyond in attending to the needs of each of the retreat participants. Their kindness and love spoke through their actions, right down to the beautiful, musical farewell from the staff. This resort isn't the most flashy or a resort that is the best of the best in terms of amenities, but staying here was a truly beautiful experience. I wouldn't hesitate in recommending the resort to others, the staff are a delight!"

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"Needed a break from al the busy stuff and found the ultimate relaxing combo of dive and yoga @ paradise. My break at Zen was made complete with all the nice people who made my stay extra worth while. Thanks everybody. Had great dives, wonderful relaxing massages, great food, great people, excellent place it was magical!"

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"A wonderful experience! And not just the hotel, the whole concept was much more than I expected. The concept of 'dive in harmony' is marveled, combo meditation / yoga / diving works very well, it is true that makes you think how important it is to interact and protect our oceans and combine this with our own welfare. It was amazing to realize personalized care and program in all aspects, meals, spa treatments, everything is perfectly planned. The wonderful team of people, both those working in the dive center as those working in the rest of the hotel. Thank you very much for an unforgettable experience. Terima Kasih!"

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"You can come to Zen to have a nice relax and detox .But, there is true medicine here, for those prepared to put some work into themselves.There are a handful of very special people here who have a healer's touch, and through them the medicine of Ayurveda flows unconditionally, and it can do wonderful things for those who accept it and work with it or you can always just have a super relaxing, reconnecting and grounding getaway :)."

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"As other reviewers have said, Zen is a truly magical place. I've travelled extensively, and never have I felt so nurtured, nourished, and revitalised as I do when I stay at the Zen Resort. To say the staff are amazing is an understatement; to a person, they are always ready to greet each visitor with a genuine smile and address us all by name. I also loved the little surprises left in my room each day. One afternoon I came back to find my bath tub filled with flower petals! The food is healthy, tasty and plentiful; the spa staff are also incredible and the effects of the treatments have been quite profound; the environment is blissful; and the rooms are beautiful, spacious and comfortable. With daily yoga and meditation and Ayurvedic consultations added to an already extraordinary environment, Zen Resort is my go to place in the north of Bali. Namaste Mrs Budiani and your wonderful staff. Thank you for making me feel like a special member of the Zen family."

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"From pick up to drop off everything was perfect. I felt I was wrapped in Zen's loving energy the moment I got there. The surroundings were beautiful as were the staff and the other people I met there. Nothing was too much trouble to make my stay more comfortable and everything was done with a smile. There were also many special touches & surprises each day that added to the already wonderful experience. The treatments & staff were amazing, professional and authentic. Thank you to Zen for a truly magical week, I hope to return and try some diving next time too :)."

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"The most exquisite relaxing resort with world class customer service, actually i have never experienced customer service at this level anywhere on the world. The spa is beyond indulgent, you are treated with absolute care and nurture during your treatment which starts with a foot bath in flowers. A must for anyone wanting to revive, get away from the busy life of western world and discover what is really important in life, daily yoga and meditation, beautiful pool and surrounds, magnificent! Thank you Zen resort."

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"After thorough research of retreats in Bali I decided to go to Zen Resort, as they offered the most flexibility in terms of packages and dates for my trip. And, I am so glad I chose Zen resort for my first retreat experience as a solo traveller. It was a unique and life changing experience for me. Perfect if you need to get away from day-to-day stresses, worries and just reset. Zen resort is located in the north of Bali, in a less touristic and spoilt area of the island. I didn't have to worry about transportation to and from the resort (which can be approx. 2.5/3 hours from the south of the island), as it was included in the package.The location of Zen resort is simply beautiful, you can see the mountains on one side, sea on the other and beautiful green land in the middle. The sound of water, birds and other animals is almost therapeutical and the treatments offered at the spa are just the best I have ever had in my life. The care and kindness provided by the staff in the spa just made the experience even more special.Another aspect of the stay that I would like to highlight is the food. As an "all-inclusive" package I was expecting a kind buffet style food made in large quantities. But I was so wrong! I was amazed by the quality of the food, the exquisite presentation and service provided at the restaurant.Great guided meditation and yoga classes take place every morning before breakfast and it doesn't matter if you a beginner (like me) or expert on those practices - it just feels good! Depending on the package you select, there are several activities included. From my stay, I would highlight the dolphin watching at sunrise, buddhist temple visit and hot springs.Even, if you are travelling alone, when you are at Zen it feels as a being part of a family, both with the people working and staying at the resort. That connection is very important and made the experience even richer.I can only say thank you to everyone at Zen resort, from Mahendra, Budiani, cooks, waiters, receptionists, Spa staff, gardeners, room keepers, you all made it an unforgettable experience, which has allowed me to bring some of the learnings from Zen to my routine. Hope to come back in the not so distant future!"

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"Maybe it was just the right time for us or maybe any time is the right time to be at Zen Resort, but we found happiness and a whole lot more there. The room (we had a sunset room) was nothing short of extraordinary. The 'outdoor' shower and bath, the perfect sleep area and the large patio all worked. As good as the amenities are, what makes the Zen a truly life changing experience is the people. Everyone knows who you are and they always call you by name, nothing is too much trouble. The service was impeccable. We booked a few excursions, plus the desk arranged for a car and driver to take us to Ubud for a day trip, all good value. The food at Zen was healthy, fresh and made with care, always served with a smile and a kind word.Finally, the Spa. If there is a heaven on earth, the Spa at Zen Resort is it. The treatments we received there were transformative.All I can say is that we are already planning a return trip."

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"This year, I decided to take a break from the busy London life over NYE. I was intrigued by all the great reviews about the Zen Resort Bali on Tripadvisor and decided that this would be my travel destination. I arrived at Denpasar airport in the late afternoon and was astonished that amongst numerous drivers with name signs in their hands at the arrival gate, one driver looked at me, waved his hand and said "I think you come with me". The sign stated my name and so I followed him. The welcome was warm and he behaved like a lovely gentleman. When I asked him how he knew it was me he ought to pick up he said: "People who visit the Zen Resort are special and they dont look like every other tourist". The journey was a bit longer due to the public holiday but I enjoyed a nice chat so that it felt rather diverting. I was amazed already.Upon arrival at the resort, I received a refreshing cocktail and again a warm and friendly welcome. When I woke up the next morning to attend the first sunrise meditation, I could not believe how lucky I was to wake up in a paradise like this. The garden is stunningly beautiful with all the lush trees and plants, colourful flowers / blossoms, the pool with seaview. Most importantly, everytime you meet a member of staff or another guest everyone keeps smiling at you. The staff is probably my biggest highlight of this journey. The word "no" is not existent. Everything will be arranged - one would like to reschedule some treatments in order to go on a day trip? It will be done. One would like to eat something specific? It will be prepared for you, etc. And again, they all do it with a smile on their face. The reception staff has been extraordinarily flexible and lovely. The gardeners and housekeeping staff will always greet you nicely with a "how are you feeling today?" The restaurant staff can almost read your wishes from your lips after a few days in and they are so accomodating in every way.The local doctor will make sure you get most out of your stay and if you intend to achieve a specific goal (for me it was weightloss initially and being at ease with myself and live a healthier life eventually) he will do his utmost possible to support you on this path. Dr. Mahendra Shah who owns the resort demonstrates such a personal interest in your wellbeing, which I have never experienced before. He showed genuine interest in my well-being, challenges in life and would consistently check as to whether I am enjoying my stay and more importantly myself. On his side, Mrs Budiani manages the resort and is always being spot on with her guests' needs.I spent two weeks at the resort and enjoyed on average 2 treatments a day at the spa. 11 therapists work at the the spa and each of them is very indvidual. They all have in common that they are working with a 200% dedication. These ladies are simply wonderful and they became somehow friends throughout my stay. The treatments are fit to ones needs and the smiles I received when walking into the spa area were just lovely every day. We talked about Balinesian culture and had our small giggles in between. I had a slight sunburn once. My therapists would immediately make sure the treatment is going to be changed into a cooling "fruit mix and aloe vera massage". I love drinking my tea with lemon instead of honey. I would receive tea with lemon after each treatment regardless the therapist. These are the "small" things, which matter and which made my stay so special.Last but not least, every day, we enjoyed a wonderful yoga class enabling each guest to get into the postures in their own pace and according to their own flexibility level. After each class, I felt refreshed and ready for the day. Ni Luh, our yoga instructor, acts with ease and comfort and spreads positive engergy (I still believe she should have her own yoga dvd being published :)). All in all, the Zen Resort Bali is a beautiful holiday resort which offers serenity, wonderful packags / treatments, lovely organic food but most importantly it makes their guests feel incredibly happy and special. We laughed a lot, we shared a lot and we cried as we had to say good bye. This place is about the people and about connecting with each other - just fabulous. I have been back in London now for 2 days and I do miss all the friendly faces a lot. So, I guess I will be back sooner than later :). A huge THANK YOU to the Zen Family!"

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"Weeks of searching for the perfect resort, which offered Ayurvedic consultation and treatment ,massage, yoga, mediation and sun, Zen came up on Google all the time.I have spent the last 4 weeks at Zen and am writing this review about to leave. Zen Resort has been life changing for me. I have travelled far and wide on my search for peace and I have found it here. It is very hard to put into words how they have created this place as it is quite magical. A lot of the magic comes from the owner Mahendra and he's team of the most beautiful loving people you could ever wish to meet. My days have been spent practicing mediation, mindfulness, yoga, having the best massages and treatments, swimming, hiking, exploring temples and rice fields, snorkelling, and making friends with some of the most wonderful people I have ever met from all over the world.Food: 3 courses, 3 times a day. The food is healthy and delicious and the choice is epic. Nothing is too much trouble.The rooms are wonderful and I had an open shower while some other rooms have open baths, which was so cool! The grounds are stunning and I have never felt closer to nature. The new spa that is due to open shortly has the best views over bali and new rooms are to die for. I look forward to my next visit. Thank you so much Mahendra, Miki, Budiana and your wonderful family for what has been a trip of a lifetime. If you want to feel a million times better, then just stop looking and book it!"

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"If you are wanting to feel completely pampered, adhored in peaceful, beautiful, lush surrounds this is the place. Most magnificent experience, get up for the morning mediation and yoga, makes your day start in a relaxing. The trip to get there is a bit long and winding but take regular stops and try not to travel there on a Saturday as the roads can be full of celebrations!"

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"Zen notes: Trip there - was very long and by the time I we got there, I was feeling sick. The roads are winding so if you suffer car sickness, take something beforehand. The countryside is gorgeous. The resort really is an oasis in the middle of nowhere. Poolside room- my room wasn't ready so they put me in this room for a night. I didn't realise this so unpacked everything. The room felt like a jail cell. No colour, no plants and very small windows that had large hole mesh (wasn't going to stop too much getting in). There are compartments for each section and each door must be shut as you go through to keep nasties out. There was nowhere to unpack clothes like drawers or shelves. Fridge is tiny-half a bar fridge size. This room alone nearly had me packing up and leaving.The view however was lovely. Overlooking the gardens, the pool and the lower villages and ocean. Praying- it's almost constant and it is loud! If you can tune it out then that's ok. It was nice and calming at first, but starts to get to you after a few days. Food- very very average. Very limited range for the package and quality not the best. Drinks pricing very expensive. These things were definitely a disappointment.Sunset room- much bigger and better laid out room. For the price you pay, you want luxury- this at least makes an effort. Still compartmentalised, which leaves the dressing area not air conditioned- Never fun trying to do hair or makeup in that environment. The floor boards are brittle and you feel like you are going to fall through at some points. This room has space to unpack your clothes too. Fridge however is still tiny. Yoga and meditation- not my thing but most people did it. They should spend some time teaching people who have never done it, some of the techniques. I had no idea and wouldn't have known who to ask.Diving- The diving was amazing and the staff were extremely supportive. They had a great sense of humour and were a delight to be around. I would stay here just for this. The best part- the people I met. One night there were 7 countries at 1 table. Maybe I was lucky and just got a great bunch of people, but it was a heap of fun most nights. Younger, older but ultimately people in holiday mode not stuck on the outside stresses of life. No politics and no religion just chit chat about a million different things. The Spa- this makes it all worthwhile. Having been to Bali 10 times, I can honestly say these are the best treatments I have had. They aren't cheap but they were definitely the highlight for me. The music and praying in the spa was a bit much as I prefer nature sounds, but you learn to tune it out. Pool- it was gorgeous to look at. It says they have a swim up bar and snacks, but I never saw anyone there. Staff- seriously amazing. Nothing was too much trouble. I cannot rate them highly enough. Overall I did love this place and the people and will definitely go back. As a solo traveler on this trip, I never once felt lonely or unsafe. It was great."

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"If you are seeking a truly healthy holiday, this could be for you. Early morning meditation followed by an hour of yoga in the yoga hall, a choice of healthy options for breakfast then the ayuvedic massages begin. I had seven days of this and could have stayed longer will definitely return and the good thing is I am still meditating every morning and practising yoga before I start my day so it was life changing for me. The food was amazing and every meal was balanced and delicious. Thanks to all the wonderful caring staff and of course mahundra the Director of Zen."

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"I spent 2 weeks in Zen Resort and I have recovered wonderfully with a package of fantastic Ayurveda treatments, meditation at sunrise and yoga. A place to recharge the batteries. High-quality food was beautifully presented. I mostly ordered only 1/2 a serving. Top marks goes to the whole team! On particular note: Mrs Budiani who holds all the threads in his hand, is everywhere and always approachable. A very special place with very special people! "

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"Stressed out and brain dead, I summoned my last remaining remnants of strength and googled for a health retreat. Zen came up everytime - it offered me all I knew I needed - a nurturing, peaceful environment for recovery and the opportunity to "switch off" mentally escaping the noise and clutter. The food sounded great - I needed to gain some weight. Zen exceeded my expectations. My chauffeur delivered me to reception and I was shown to a beautiful mini apartment. It was decorated with a large 4 poster bed in natural wood, with soft lighting and music. It was ever so inviting with a private garden terrace looking out past the fountain into the many shades of green below. I had the best bed I have slept in for ages and a wonderful outside bathroom - I was home!Ms Budiani and her staff are absolutely wonderful. Nothing was ever a problem. I don't recall ever feeling so welcome and it is they, the staff, who will draw me back to Zen again within this next 12 months. So much positive energy. After sunrise meditation looking out over the valley to the ocean beyond, our fabulous yoga teacher would take us through our class. Then it was off to breakfast. I cannot recall ever eating so much! I looked forward to every meal and always had 3 courses. Oh my goodness! The food is just sooo good! I am not a dessert person, however, the pineapple and coconut pancakes are divine and the chef would make these specially for me after my first breakfast course. The jam is delicious too! Oh, you must try the banana pancakes as well. The biggest surprise came at breakfast one morning in March - Ms Budiani & every staff member from all departments (including security) formed a chain and sang Happy Birthday, as they beamingly placed a beautiful cake in front of me. My accommodation had Happy Birthday written in Chrysanthemum petals on the floor. Such a beautiful day and one I shall remember always, you made me feel so special, thank you.The massages are amazing. Things I loved about my stay at Zen is the people - you are all so special, thank you. The food - I miss it so much. My accommodation - particularly my bed, my outdoor bathroom and the warmth of the wooden features. The sounds of the birds, the butterflies, the lizards and the gardens, the dolphins and the early morning rise. Leaving in the darkness and watching the sunrise over the water - it was particularly unusual the day we went out on the boat. Things I'll do differently next time.Next time I will try to stay longer and spread my massages out rather than cramming them on top of each other. My credit card fee was quite high when I checked out - Euro / Rupiah / AUD. Next time I will explore better options than paying by card at the end of my stay. Perhaps take Rupiah cash?Allow enough to tip everyone as the office ran out of cash and Zen is a little isolated from the bank. There is a cupboard in the reception area that has some small bottles of balm - this is magic! Headaches, car sickness and mosquito bites all go away. Next time I'll buy several jars for my loved ones at home. To all of you at Zen, big hugs and thank you, Ms. Deb."

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"The Zen is simply extraordinary. The gardens, the pool, the restaurant and the rooms are a delight but I think it's the staff that makes it stand apart from the crowd. The Ayurvedic treatments at the hands of the skilled and nurturing staff are incredible and the food, Ah the food! It always astounds me that I eat three healthy and delicious three course meals a day and still somehow leave weighing less. How do they do that? The atmosphere is very relaxed and I always leave feeling rejuvenated, I will definitely be back! I would recommend considering a package. You will always leave wanting more so stay as long as you can! You can walk to the black sand beach in about 5 to 10 minutes but my guess is you won't want to leave. The trip up from the airport takes more than 3 hours and they will organise this as well as everything else. You can arrange to stop for lunch on the mountain overlooking the amazing rice terraces on the way if you would like to. Thank you Zen, can't wait to come back."

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"What an amazing 3 nights at Zen Resort. From the moment you get picked up to the very end you are made to feel a million dollars. It took about 3 1/2 hours from the airport to the very north of Bali. The rooms are breathtakingly beautiful. My favourite was the outdoor bathroom. You receive a welcome drink, lei on arrival and given your itinerary for your stay then shown through the grounds and room. There is music playing through the rooms (you can adjust the volume), fruit baskets, incense burning and the food is out of this world. Breakfast is 2 courses and lunch and dinner is 3 courses which you of course choose from the menu. Everything just tasted amazing. The treatments and therapists were amazing and left you feeling completely relaxed. The views are incredible and I enjoyed listening to the chants from the temple as the sun set. I chose to trek the Munduk rice fields and waterfall. It was a good hike and the waterfall was so powerful and beautiful. Lunch was included which again was a 3 course meal. This stay exceeded my expectations and was worth every cent. Even when it was raining I would lay out on my daybed and be in awe of the beauty. If you are sitting on the fence just do it. You won't be disappointed."

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"We arrive at Zen in great need of reconnecting with ourselves. Not only did the treatments, environment , company and attention to individual needs achieve that, it also made us feel lie, we are part of the Zen family. Thank you all for a life changing experience. We will be back!"

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"My experience started after booking a package online. I was pleasantly surprised to receive, within a couple of hours, a warm welcoming email from Zens Manager, Budiani, inquiring about my flight itinerary. She followed-up promptly and ensured I had transportation details right away. Although I had traveled by myself to other countries, there is always a bit of hesitation when arriving in a foreign land. At the airport, I was greeted by Nyomans big smile and friendly demeanor, which instantly put me at ease.Arriving at Zen, Budiani and the rest of the staff, were extremely friendly and made me feel right at home. The same evening, I was invited by Zens Founder and President, Dr. Mahendra Shah, to join them for their yearly employee recognition celebration. I was even asked to present one of the awards! What a great way to make guests feel special and part of the experience. For the next few days, I was immersed in a rejuvenating routine of early meditation, yoga, breakfast, massage, lunch, massage, meditation, dinner. Life couldnt get any better! I spent many hours reading, napping, exploring or sitting at Zens meditation sanctuary (where you dont have to try hard to be connected to nature). Meals were deliciously healthy and fun times.Guests staying during my 6-day trip were simply amazing. They hailed from different parts of the world: Germany, Scotland, Latvia, Australia, UK and US. We shared a sense of camaraderie and easiness that made us feel instantly connected. We still keep in touch and I hope to see them again in a future trip to Zen. It was also an honor to share many meals and special moments with Dr. Shah, a sustainability expert with outstanding credentials and a strong innovative drive. His humbleness, passion for sharing knowledge and eagerness to develop a more sustainable world (along with more sustainable human beings by learning how to breath properly and meditate), are certainly inspiring. It's been over three months since my visit and Zen continues to be part of my life. I still follow Dr. Vijays ayurvedic dietary guidelines and daily routine of yoga, pranayama and meditation. I have never felt so healthy and balanced. What makes Zen a truly special place, is its people their customer service attitude, friendliness and attention to detail. I am so thankful for my time at Zen, I can only describe it as a transformative experience. I cant wait to go back."

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"From the moment we arrived at Zen, we were in another world. The grounds were so beautiful - everywhere you looked was green, lush, and lovingly cared for. An oasis of calm. The rooms were lovely retreats and the yoga hall, spa facilities and dining room perfect. Most of all, the the staff were truly caring, amazing people. They all knew our names and greeted us with kindness and love each day. I can highly recommend going to Zen if you want to switch off from the world, learn some new healthy habits and explore a different way of being."

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"My wife and I just spent 3 days at this fabulous spa resort. We both have had a lot of body work and this was among the best. It may seem s bit expensive but considering what we got for our 3 days package deal it was well worth it. 3 days with multiple hours of treatments like 4 handed rice milk massages, steam baths, herb baths, facials, an early morning boat ride to see frolicking dolphins, transport, and all our meals. We left renewed feeling like we lost tens years off our age. Given the chance we hope to return next year!"

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"Zen Retreat offers a jungle setting 2 minutes walk through the rice fields from a black sand beach. But it's not the location you go for. All of the reviews talk about the service, and it's true, the service is the main attraction. We were met at the airport and the 3 hour drive to Zen was very interesting. We took a relaxation package so our accommodation, meals, and activities were paid for in advance. Then, as we left we only had to pay for tea and coffee, and extra activities, which in our case was pedicures and snorkeling. The snorkeling was great. The water is warm and crystal clear and the snorkeling staff considerate. We were there in the wet season, and saw a good variety of fish but sadly a fair number of plastic bags floating by, as well. We opted to have lunch on the boat rather than on the crowded beach.The resort's spa is being rebuilt, but the building program doesn't affect the guests other than using the spa in the mornings and a couple of repurposed rooms instead in the afternoons. The massages in the spa were gorgeous, especially those which involved two masseuses working with synchronicity. For the massages you are semi-nude, with a kind of lap-lap for you to wear. This was a surprise at first, but after one massage, the women are so respectful and professional, it becomes a non-issue. The restaurant is open air, the meals small, healthy and delicious. We were never hungry and felt so healthy there, starting each day with meditation and yoga, swimming in the pool, having treatments, and relaxing in our lovely room. No tea and coffee in there, but plenty of water provided.The outings included in our package were good, especially the dawn dolphin trip and Buddhist temple. Skip the hot springs, there's something yucky about swimming pools holding hot green water and lots of people, and the shop stalls leading in and out are expensive and bullying. On our trip to snorkeling, the van driver hit (and no doubt killed) a dog, that was sad but unavoidable. We were surprised he did not stop, but drove on. This is not a shopping trip, but you can request a trip to Ubud (2 hours away) to shop if you wish, in your way back to the airport. We couldn't drag ourselves away from the relaxation at Zen. Going back soon!"

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"Beautiful setting and gardens, beautiful staff and therapists, beautiful food, beautiful treatments. I chose the 10 night wellness package but Mahendra (the Ayurvedic doctor) adapted it to include a few days juicing and light diet. A couple of the treatments were changed too - nothing was too much trouble and no extra cost. The day's diving (2 dives), I added for 135 euros inclusive, was unforgettable - in addition to stunning coral, fish, star fish etc, we saw a 3 meters whale shark (it was almost close enough to touch), an octopus and a moray eel. Deepa and Rene were very good instructors and great company too. The package came with 21 treatments, which left me floating on air. The massages were truly excellent followed by wonderful flower baths and a steam cabinet looking out over the fields to the sea.I started off in a sunrise villa and was moved to a sunset villa, which was bigger, quieter and had more up-to-date fittings. I really liked the first room however, which enjoyed a view over the pool. The sunset villas probably have the edge but it's a close run thing. The air conditioning was very efficient and there were also nets over the beds. I didn't have one mosquito in the room for the whole time I was there, however, so the net wasn't necessary. There was a delicious bowl of fruit, flowers and incense sticks replenished every day.The morning meditation was lovely but make sure to use a liberal amount of good repellent. I tried three different organic ones which did not deter the mosquitoes and ended up buying one with deet from the local store.The morning yoga was lovely and suitable for all levels. I really enjoyed the sunrise dolphin trip and filmed several swimming alongside the boat. Thank you to the many lovely guests I spent time chatting with whilst dining and on the trips. They came from all over the world, about 50/50 travelling solo and in couples. Budiani, the manager, is a truly lovely person who goes the extra mile. She so deserves all these glowing reviews."

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"We had a great stay at the Zen Bali resort where we joined the 5 nights Harmony dive package. The diving, yoga, meditation, treatments and food were all fantastic but what we bring home most of all is the contemplation and reflection over life and earth survival together with Dr Mahendra, Budiani, the other resort guests and staff. Thank you, Maria and Martin!"

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"I did the purification package with Zen, which involved many healing Ayurvedic therapies. I've had many spa experiences before and I am a therapist myself and this would have to be the most exceptional, caring and beautiful treatments I've ever received. From the very beginning with their humbling prayers to their healing intention, I left the spa every time feeling very cared for. I would like to thank Putu for her individual care and for talking with me during the stay I appreciated being able to talk to the therapists and get to know them. Thanks Zen for a great memory!"

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"Spent 4 nights at Zen Resort in March 2015 - I went for the diving and yoga, rather than the Ayurvedic treatments. The resort is very tranquil. It has a great pool, nice gardens, and the staff are great. The food is very good - light, healthy food, very good. The diving was good - muck diving at Puri Jati (the black sand beach below the resort) - where I saw lots of mimic octopus and lion fish. Did a day's diving at Menjangan Island, which was great - fabulous wall dives, very pretty terrain, and electric clams (that I'd never seen before). The 4 nights was part of a 10-day dive safari booked through Zen, and overall, it was great. Great diving also at Candidasa and Talumben, as part of the package. When I was there, the guests were mainly women travelling alone, as I was. A very nice, safe place for solo travellers."

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"I had done a 5 night / 6 day wellness retreat in early February 2015. It's quite a drive from the airport, but it is a cool one. Talk about a scenic drive! Plus the driver was jamming house music - which I loved! The greeting at the resort was really nice. You arrive to the most peaceful and zenful place ever. Nothing like south of Bali. The room was heaven, clean, quiet and the shower is outdoor, so private. The treatments were the best I've ever had in my entire life. I'm fortunate enough to have had several facials, massages, scrubs in my life, but this is out of this world!My experience at Zen was really nice, and they really personalised things. I was there more for the yoga aspect, which was once once a day, but for a really small amount I added an additional 1x1 class per day. They really want their guests to have a good time and they will do anything to make things the way you want. The Balinese people are the absolute nicest people I have yet encountered in Asia. You will have an amazing time. I had left Zen Resort with a completely unexpected spiritual journey. I am not a spiritual, nor religious person, and its really hard to explain, but you find peace within yourself. The day excursions were alright. I had booked the rice trekking / Monduk Falls, but after the Buddha Temple and the horrible boat ride to see Dolphins I decided to forget them. I wouldnt even bother doing those. Wi-Fi was not so great (in the rooms), but when you are there, who wants wifi anyways! The staff at Zen are amazing! Everyone there is just out of this world nice. The food is so good and healthy. Thanks for a great experience! "

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"There is heaven on earth! I first planned to travel to Indonesia - particularly Bali for a yoga retreat - about 8 months ago and toyed with the idea for another two months. As I am a complete beginner to the world of yoga and for those who know me, find it extremely difficult to sit still to meditate, I was easily convinced by a friend to change my plans and to travel to India together with her for a yoga retreat instead - at least this way, I felt I wasn't going to be alone in trying to sit still. However, back in November 2014, our plans to India fell through and I was left with less than three weeks to make plans for my Christmas and New Year holidays. I am a seasoned traveler and very much used to travel ling on my own, however, my version of travelling is some what of a more active one, which usually involves - backpacking, sports, hiking and diving - therefore, for me doing a yoga retreat on my own was going to be rather challenging! But as I embrace challenges and I was also told by a random stranger 6 months prior to this trip, that I should take this trip, I thought, it is time to put myself out of my comfort zone - yes, yoga and meditation were definitely going to be me putting myself out of my comfort zone - a great way to start 2015, with a new challenge on the horizon.I came across Zen Resort, as I googled yoga retreats in Bali, and although initially I was a little apprehensive about the idea of a resort, there was something about the place that caught my attention, so I signed up for a 5-day rejuvenation package. The booking process and the communications that went on between myself and the Zen staff, in particular Ms. Budiani as the general manager, was truly a walk in the park. Ms. Budiani is one of the best communicators I have come across and her speedy replies to my requests are immensely appreciated. Once I arrived at Zen, after being picked up from the airport, it took us about 6 hours to reach the resort, which was a little unusual, as it was the holidays and the windy roads were packed with locals enjoying the new year celebrations. I have to admit, I did not feel I spent 6 hours in the car, as I thoroughly enjoyed my chat with my driver and the magnificent scenery that Bali had to offer. I had no idea that there are so many shades of greens!After my warm welcome by the staff, I was shown to my room (room 108), which is the sunset room and I highly recommend it, as it is tucked into a corner and from the balcony you have the view of the ocean, and if you are anything like me and love the sunsets more than the sunrises, you would like this view. They opened, the magnificently carved wooden doors and I was taken into what was going to be my home for the next 7-10 days - I have to add here, that although initially I was suppose to stay at Zen for 6 nights, I changed my plans on the day I arrived to 9 nights.My initial feeling as I entered my new room, was feeling lonely, and I think this only came, because I had just left Lembeh, where I had made many amazing new friends and as we all tend to take these memories with us, when we go to a new place, I felt a little unsettled. I was uncertain as to how I was going to fill my days. I decided to have dinner and rest well to face my world of adventure the following day. The next morning, I was woken up by the sounds of the birds and mother nature, I went for breakfast, I saw a few people at separate tables and decided to sit on my own, not certain if those who come to a retreat of such, would rather have their alone time, and not be disturbed. Needless to say, that was the first and the last time I sat at a table on my own to have food. That very same day, lunch time, I made my very first connection with the ladies, whom have now become some of the most amazing connections I have made in such a short period of time. I took my camera and went for a walk on the grounds, getting more and more impressed by the beauty this resort had to offer. The way everything was perfectly designed with all of the elements in the nature. There was no surprise to see butterflies and birds all around you, enjoying this little oasis.I had my doctor consultation with Vijay (I must apologise in advance for making any spelling mistakes with the names), whom is an Ayurvedic doctor and found out about my Doshas and how I am a Pitta, which is basically a burning furnace inside of me - a fire element - which explains everything. Vijay was also responsible for our meditations at sunrise and sunset, and it was truly a joyful pleasure to get to know him and to understand more about myself through his traditional medicine. That same day, I also met Mahendra - also known as, the big boss! I had a life consultation with Mahendra and immediately felt the ease of fitting into a place like Zen. His wisdom, affection, love for what he does, love for those who come to his place, love for mother nature, and above all, accepting you for who you are, all shines through him and his staff. Mahendra is a very special man and I thank him from the bottom of my heart for accepting me for who I am, and for not ever trying to change me, only to allow me to rediscover myself.I came to Zen, looking for a challenge, the challenge of getting to know myself more - that is what travelling offers me. The challenge of putting myself out of my comfort zone, finding the inner me, looking for a retreat, and what I left this place with, is far more than I ever bargained for or ever imagined. The more time I spent at Zen, doing my sunrise and sunset meditations, my yoga and getting my rejuvenation package treatments, the more I realized, I have found heaven on earth! My hesitation and fear of how am I going to fill my day, was out of the window on the first day, as the package that they put together for you, is filled with treatments and there isn't a moment that you find yourself lost without something to do, perhaps the only time that did happen, that I completely lost myself, was the time which I was meditating, and even I managed to sit still and began to find my inner peace.The ladies who work in the spa and treatment centre at Zen, are beautiful on the inside and the outside. It wasn't just about getting the treatments, and the massages, it was the whole package, from the prayers that we said at the start of each treatment, the two Ayurvedic therapists applying two pairs of hands - that's four hands at the same time - on my bum :); Being covered with coconut oil that smelled so delicious I wanted to taste it; Being scrubbed and washed with yogurt and herbs, which reminded me so much of Tzaziki and last but absolutely not least to the human touch that I felt throughout the treatment. The touch of love and affection that true humanity offers, the kind that you long for during your every day life and every day activities. I know I came to Zen with a heavy load on my shoulder and in my heart as the last 6 months I spent doing my job were some of the hardest times I have ever had in my career. But by the time I left Zen, I felt a weight lifted off of my shoulder. With every touch, these ladies, opened a window, a door, a hole to see the light in my heart, and even for someone like me, who finds it very difficult to cry and speak my emotions, I sat on the bed on my last day, sobbing.So thank you: Kd Wisiani, Putu Dwi, Luh Susilawati, Km Swindayani, Kd Ayu Mersiani, Km Artini, Md Sondari G, Nyoman Trisna Dewi, Ketut Suartini, Komang Agustini, your therapy sessions, your massages, your prayers touched my life and my heart in ways, which you may not realise. You were my true angels even in this short period of time and I am so blessed to have had the opportunity to meet you and to spend my time with you. Thank you to my yoga instructor for allowing me to find my inner peace and to connect to my inner peace. I look forward to making yoga a new part of my life and continue allowing the light in as you taught me. I would like to take this opportunity to thank others whom without them, this experience would have never been as special as it was.To those who work in the office and behind the scenes and to those of you who work in the kitchen and on the grounds, may your lives be filled with joy and light, so that you can continue filling our lives with joy and light, these include:Putu Yudi, Kadek Dwi Presa, Kadek Ani,Nyoman Sudarma, Kadek Arya Arsane, Komang Suartimi, Gede Artika, Putu Tonik, Agus Setiawan, Kd Agus Suersane, Komang Vasa, Kadek Pumi, Km Redane, Luh Ardiningsih, Putu Yudiane, Putu Adnyana, Kadek Suparma, Gd Saputra, Wayan Tista, Km Pastika, Putu Purna Jaya, Nyoman Merta, Putu Yasa, Putu Edy Mulyana, Komang Suardika, Ni Kd A, Ketut Dharma and Kadek Desiani.During the time I spent at Zen, I was also able to explore the under water beauties with Zen diving. I met the beautiful Deepa - dive instructor, whom enchanted me through diving and whom has now become a dear friend. The diving was wonderful and together with zen was a unique experience, one that I look forward to repeating in the near future. Thank you Deepa, for making my dives so much fun and unique! You are a special lady whom has added so much more to my life than you can imagine. Thank you to Gede (our diver master) and Dharma (our driver). Lastly but definitely not least, ladies, ladies, ladies and the occasional men I met on the resort! :) The experience at Zen wasn't only unique and enlightening because of the incredible job they do, but it was also because of the visitors. That was truly the winning numbers on the lottery. I couldn't have asked for a much more diverse yet accepting group than the one I met while I was at Zen. Each and every one of these beautiful souls contributed so much to my stay at Zen and what is so heavenly about them, is that they took me in with all of my faults, no questions asked! I cannot thank them enough for all they did for me and above all for allowing me to be me! For our chats, our dives, our walks, our shopping day in Ubud, our meal times and meditation times. I am so lucky to have met them all and look forward to sharing more experiences with them. And, I look forward to our future reunions.I end here on one last note. To thank Mahendra, and Ms. Budiani for organizing a surprise early birthday celebrations for me. And to thank everyone who was a part of it. My 36th birthday is one that I am not going to forget for a very long time and according to the palm reader, it is only the start of my life! Once again thank you for going that extra mile to make my stay here at Zen truly unforgettable. Zen is utterly and simply heaven on earth! See you in Norway in 2016 with Rune and uncle Mahendra! :)"

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"My sister and I took the risk of flying 29 hours from Boston to Denspar, Indonesia (a few changes in between). First let me say I love Asian airflights. The staff is always super friendly, helpful and beautiful. We went straight from the airport to a hotel in Kuta because we needed a fresh night sleep before the 4 hours trek to Zen. Be warn, don't let anyone take your bags or give you a ride from the airport - always got o official airport cab. We took a cab 4 hours to Zen and along the way were able to absorb culture and that was great. We were greeted at the reception area with fresh flowers and flowers. The staff took us to our "room" which is hard to describe - stunning! A private sitting area outside leads you into a room that is super clean, tastefully decorated and equipped with all you would need for a comfortable stay. The best part was the outdoor shower! (well inside but open to the sky). We did not go with a package because we did not know about it. Please check to see if you would rather do a package then go a la carte. However, it worked out because we were able to set up our day as we wished.For three amazing weeks we enjoyed the local area (very isolated), diving, yoga, meditation, swimming in a nice pool and just relaxing. We did indulge in some message and spa treatments which were so special. Highlights: healthy diet with fresh water (infused with a different fruit or herb each day), yoga with an amazing teacher each morning, meditation outside overlooking a jungle, daily sounds of animals and chanting throughout the area, fresh flowers each day in our room along with incense and if needed linens and dive shop with amazing dive masters! Hindu blessing - this was life changing for me! Being able to leave to shop in Ubud (2 hours away). Entertainment, such as Balinese dancing, movies and many opportunities to learn the culture.Private, quiet and a great place to finish that novel you always wanted to read. Challenges: Not close to a local shopping store (for those of us who love visiting a real food store). You have to take a taxi to any special place and it usually takes 2 hours or more. I appreciate the natural chemical free place but sometimes the flies are a bit much.Tip: have a shawl that covers your whole body to wear during morning meditation to stop flies from bothering you while you "let go". Don't bring anything too fancy - be practical! Light wear sundress, easy wear shirts and shorts, as well as, nightwear that is really made for hot nights. Talk to the staff if you have questions - they are super easy to discuss anything!I could go on and on how wonderful this trip was. We met so many guest from around the world who we truly bonded with and enjoyed their company. Everyone was on the same page, positive and joyful attitude. This is not your ordinary resort, it is basic yet filled with magic moments if you open your mind.Arriving stressed out and left feeling totally at peace and grateful to be alive. Please contact me if you have any questions! I loved this place."

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"I spent 3 weeks at Zen Resort, this January and I chose it because I was attracted by the "off the beaten track location", the images of the gardens with their exotic flowering trees and plants, and the opportunities to practice Yoga, Mediation, have specialised Spa Treatments and enjoy a healthy diet. Although most people come to Zen on packages (stress management, weight-loss, Aryuvedic medicine, diving) I chose to go a la carte in order to explore all the options. I arrived exhausted after the marathon journey from London and was warmly welcomed into the Zen experience which is rather like discovering a whole new family.Wherever you go members of staff from the Owner, Dr. Mahendra Shah and his Manager Mrs. Buddiani, Aruvedic Doctor Veejay, the Spa Staff, the front of house, the restaurant staff, dive team, gardeners, housekeeping and security greet you with a warm smile and find nothing too much trouble to assist your stay. Following a Dosha assesment and Recommendations the days followed a loose pattern: Meditation at 6.30 a.m. with the dawn chorus and sunrise, yoga at 7, breakfast. Spa treatment of superb qualities (try the Open-Chakra) massage, swimming or floating in the infinity pool, which overlooks rice-paddies and beach, lunch, reading, painting (in my case), afternoon meditation with breathing techniques, group or solo meals depending on your mood.The food is fresh and appetizing, there are flower offerings of exquisite beauty on floors, steps, entrances and at the temples. A palm-reader visits most weeks to advise those facing changes. A sweet Hindhu priest officiates at a temple and blesses those who attend. External adventures include exceptional dive and snorkeling opportunities and sunrise sailing with dolphins. Every other evening, there's a diversion such as a notable Indian movie or a lecture on the future of Tourism in Bali. Owner Dr, Shah has had a distinguished career in Sustainable Development with the UN, World Bank, WFB and others and lectures on the model of sustainable tourism that is exemplified by Zen Resort. Bali is becoming rather polluted and the example of Zen Resort points a way forward - not just for Bali. It's such a special place that most guests return in the secure knowledge that this new family will welcome them back with delight."

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"The Zen Resort is totally 5 star in every way: situated by the sea [Indian Ocean] in a tropical Garden [of Zen] of breathtaking beauty. Facilities are outstanding from the moment of arrival and spectacular welcome, to the many goodbyes, from the wonderful staff - all kind, caring, helpful and above all, smiling their welcome, every moment of your stay, that's the Balinese way - a cultural heritage like none other in this world. The wise traveller stays a minimum of one week, though many stay longer, 2/3/4 weeks. I shall remember each and every person at the Zen Resort [a wellness centre], as all staff worked as one, to make our stay super special. What luck to be invited to the annual family staff party, presided over by Dr Mahendra M Shah, owner and father figure and organised by Ibu Budiani, general manager, who with so many staff, put together a truly creative, joyous event. The meditations, and the blessings, sung before the early morning yoga and before each treatment were a gift - a Balinese gift to the guest. Came for 2 weeks, added 4 nights, and should have booked for 3 weeks minimum - most probably, with reasonable discipline, it will prove to be a life changing stay, as renewal is essential ! This 83 youngster will return, and for 3 weeks! Thank you, Gerald!"

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"The Zen Resort, what is it? It is really hard to describe, especially in a language, which is not my mother tongue. But let me try! My wife happend to be on this place before twice. She is a yoga enthusiast and asked me to join her, which i stupidly answered with conterquestion, "can I sail there, or if not, are there any bicycle trails?. Of course there are none. Both times she came back from her trips, totally charmed and ecstatic. So I even got jealous about this place. So this time I decided to join her.On the way to Zen, I was not sure on how much I should put my expectations. From what I heard, this is a magical place, with spiritual attitude. Things, which I humbly have no big access to as a western educated guy, who spend his life in engineered reality.But, beginning with the arrival I was simply overwhelmed by the humanity, care, friendliness of all people, that work at Zen. And literally all of them, from owner to gardener, from cook to housekeeping, from spa staff to you name it. Everybody is simply giving you the feeling, that you are welcome in their paradise. And the best thing is, it is contagious or infecting in a positive way. You cannot stop smiling anymore, angriness is absolutely unthinkable.The place itself is breathtaking. You are living in beautiful cottages. If you want, you have AC, but it is not necessarily needed. The shower is open air, well protected of course. Drinking water is provided, to prevent from Bali belly, which nobody likes. The pool is just wonderfully located in a garden of palms, flowers and green. And in distance you have the view over the sea, which you can reach by 10 minutes walking, if you like. For people, like me, who have a light sleep and wake up easily, please bring your ear plugs. The night ends early in an tropical concert of birds, geckos and cicadas. And also the muezzins from the mosque in far distance are calling to prayer early. And, surprisingly I did not miss a single yoga session. I could realize a success in flexibility, and even my wife was surprised by the efforts I made. Do not miss the spa and forget about the preconception, it is a womans thing. These hands are blessed and strong at the same time. I tried it, and it's worth it - promise. Meditation is something which I personally found no access so far. But this and diving lessons will be kept for the next time. And yes, there will be a next time. Hopefully soon."

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"This is a long overdue review! I was on garden leave, before I started a new job, so I wanted to make the most of the time I had. I like diving and I like yoga, so I googled to see if there was anywhere that did both and Zen Bali came up. I am so, so, so glad I booked. The customer service was sensational, the views amazing and the diving and yoga were excellent. Food was phenomenal. Spa was even better. Outdoor showers in the room, which were very cool. The room itself was a cute and basic bungalow, but exactly what you want in a place like Zen Bali.What I enjoyed the most about this place was the people - both the guests and the staff. This was the first holiday I'd taken on my own. As the resort is quite small, on one of the nights I was there, dinner was moved out to 1 big table on the edge of the resort, and everyone had dinner together. The very first night I was there, a group of ladies who had met during their time there noticed I was at a table on my own and invited me to join them. It was such a friendly place. Perfect for solo travellers, friends and also couples - there was a few honeymooners there and the resort set up little tables for them with candles and sitting on the edge of the resort, overlooking the valley and ocean. After diving trips, or dolphin watching, you head back to the resort and everyone is keen to hear about your adventures :).Spa was absolutely sensational. Diving was amazing - on some of the dive sites they took me too, I was the only diver! Super special and amazing experience. And the team at Zen Dive are very professional - I saw an open water traning being done, and have no hesitation in recommending them to do your own. The words I've written here really do no justice to the feeling of this place. I had the best time and I cannot wait to go back. I left after a week completely relaxed and amazed and with some new friends. Next time, I'm taking my husband and introducing him to this amazing place. Thank you for an amazing week - when I am sitting in my office in Singapore, my mind still wanders and pictures the view from one of the seats at the edge of the resort, with the sun setting and listening to the call to prayer. See you again soon :)."

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"We arrived at Zen Resort physically, emotionally and mentally exhausted after a rough year of work that was capped off with my partners cancer diagnosis in September, followed by surgery, treatment and thankfully, recovery. After a 3.5 hour transfer from Denpasar airport, we were very relieved to be warmly welcomed by the Zen Resort staff, with a refreshing cocktail, fresh towelette and leis. We were shown around the gorgeous surroundings and amenities of the resort and were excited to look at the extensive treatment and activities schedule the staff had arranged for our 14 days stay on the slimming package.During our stay, the resort staff were so accommodating, the restaurant meals were healthy and delicious, and the Ayurvedic treatments at the spa were phenomenal - to the point that we doubt we will experience the same level of care an luxury elsewhere! We participated in all of the available yoga and meditation sessions, as well as, the excursions to the local Buddhist temple and hot springs and the sunrise dolphin sail. We also arranged with the resident dive master to go snorkeling at Menjangan Island, which was a fantastic experience. We also undertook our own exercise regime whilst at Zen and were pleasantly surprised when Budiani, the manager, saw us and offered us the use of dumbbells to use in our workouts. Thanks to the wonderful food, yoga, meditation and treatments, along with our dedication to our additional exercise, our slimming package definitely worked.We left Zen Resort in much better physical shape, dropping a few kilos, but the more obvious change was in our body shape and muscle tone. We came home thoroughly refreshed and equipped with great new knowledge about yoga, meditation and breathing and are determined to integrate these lessons into our everyday life. The rejuvenation we experienced was obvious not just to us, but also to our family and friends, with people commenting on how healthy and relaxed we looked and some even saying we looked younger! We cant thank the Zen team enough for giving us the restorative holiday we so desperately needed."

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"Before I left for Zen resort, I was nervous about travelling alone and over Christmas. Thinking I might get lonely I brought three books with me - I read about ten pages the whole holiday. The place is too beautiful to have your nose stuck in a book and the people so friendly and welcoming you feel like you are among your family. Everything was so amazing that you are overwhelmed with gratitude. The attention to detail is incredible. Everything is done to ensure you have a magical holiday. The spa is less a spa and more a temple of healing. To call the treatments massages is just so inadequate. It is more like acts of devotion where all your negativity or pain is taken away and replaced with love. The food is incredible, the rooms beautiful and every day you are surprised with little acts of kindness such as towels in the shape of something that has meaning for you, that you may have mentioned in a random comment, or a beautiful poem on your pillow, or some chocolates. You will never feel more special, loved, happy or at peace in any other place and you will never come once.When I arrived I was given a garland of flowers and after a tour went to my first treatment. I had my feet washed in a bowl of water that had flowers and limes in it. I was then taken into the spa temple. You do breathing exercises and the spa temple staff sing in Sanskrit and anoint you. You are then given the most incredible, loving massage of your life with warm oil until you feel you are floating in a dream. You then are put in a bath that is three inches thick with flowers that you don't even see the water. The flowers are arranged so there is a perfect red heart. You are brought ginger tea and whilst you sip your tea you feel the gentle wind blowing through the window, whilst watching the night draw in, looking at frangipani trees and all manner of tropical beautiful flowering plants that waft their perfume into the night sky, with incense burning and the sound of monks chanting in the temple in the distance. You lie there amazed and in bliss. And that is just the first day.Every day is special because every person at Zen is special. Budiani, the manager is a beautiful angel who will do every thing she can to ensure you are happy and taken care off. Mahendra, the owner is probably the most life changing, inspirational man you could meet. He is changing the world not only on a global scale but his work he does for world hunger and climate change, but if you are lucky enough to meet him, he will change you with his wisdom and advice. To call this place a hotel or a resort does not do it justice. It is paradise on earth. I could never say thank you enough for my time spent there. If you are interested in doing any of the trips I highly recommend the rice field trekking. So beautiful and rural and not touristy. The meditation and yoga classes are also a must! This will be the best trip of your life guaranteed! Thank you everyone at Zen resort. I can't wait to see you all again!"

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"Firstly, let me very candidly say that words will not do justice to the Zen experience, no matter how many one writes. Secondly, we were truly lucky to have visited Zen, for that I have to thank Punam and Raj, who are a family I am blessed with. To this I add Uncle Mahendra, the man who created Zen, owner is a title that would not do justice to what he has persevered and created. Zen is a holistic abode that you must visit when you realize that as a human with the gift of life, the rat race alone is not what God ordained for you. Zen is a retreat you must visit, when you know that you need to heal, you need to find balance, you need to rediscover the gift that is human life. Zen is set amidst tranquil serene greenery. It is reminiscent of a time when life was not complex, the pace was unhurried. This is for you to experience and to make you aware that this is what life can be like and the choice is yours.The rooms are spacious, very comfortable, and are absolutely unlike modern hotel rooms, they are akin to bungalows of a previous century, designed for comfort and peace, unobtrusive, for you to relax and not to be awed or impressed. The activities at Zen are very well rounded, with each one designed to ensure you experience the joy and happiness that you experienced when you were a child and then have not experienced since. They are meant for you to pause and feel. Outdoor activities include visiting the rice gardens and threshing rice with the farmer, toiling in the sun, believe me the joy one felt gives me goose pimples even now. Trekking up the volcano, nature walks to the waterfall, where the water is cooled by the elements to give you an experience no human technology can. Snorkeling or diving off Menjangen Island, immersed in water, akin to being an embro again, disconnected from a mad world, surrounded by God's creations and not man's. No harsh sounds only the deep soothing currents of the ocean. These are activities designed to make you experience joy and wonderment and to make you feel alive, to make you realize that you are a human whose life should have joy and happiness.The spiritual and meditation sessions start and 6 am, and believe me it is worth waking up to see that sunrise that uplifts your spirits, the meditation that calms your spirit, instilling a sense of calm serenity, making you aware that this is how it should be, realizing that you won't let the world now take it away from you. The food is organic, fresh, wholesome and salves your soul. Not a gastronomic experience but soul food that soothes, calms and satisfies. The massage therapies are amongst the very best that I have experienced, not addressing just tired limbs and muscles but rekindling and unlocking your inner energy. Deeply soothing and relaxing they are destressing and reawakening.I could go on and on, but like I said, words won't do justice. Gift yourself something that only God and your parents did before, gift yourself the joy of being alive, go to Zen. It's people, each and everyone of them, be it gardeners, security, house keeping, maintenance, therapists, guides, instructors, doctors, each and everyone of them are there to nurture you to a path of living joyfully. Zen is not a place you visit and leave behind, Zen is one that comes back with you. My absolute heartfelt thanks to Mahendra bhai, Ibu Budiani, Deepa, Kadek, Dr. Vijay, Wayan, et all. Everyone has touched our hearts and the names not mentioned are due to my personal poor memory, for which I can only express regret. Thank you Zen, a place I would like to visit as often as I can."

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