There is nothing I like better than a Wellness Retreat. I’ve been blessed to have stayed at some of the world’s best wellness sanctuaries in search of my inner Zen Wren. I go alone; it has never appealed to the rest of my family. But stand back a minute and take a drum roll, Grand Hyatt Bali! There’s a lot on offer here in their wellness space, and I was delighted to accept their kind invitation to discover more. I left thinking genius! This resort caters to all; those looking to add wellness into their Bali beach holiday can do so here, whilst the rest of the family find what makes them glow in other ways!
Read on to see how health and well-being were central to my stay at Grand Hyatt Bali – my very own eat, pray, laugh experience on the Island of Gods!
Why Bali?
There is just something about this island, yes, even now as it’s getting more and more popular, that immediately puts me into a state of disconnect from real-life worries. Maybe it’s the balmy air that warms the soul on arrival, sitting under a palm tree admiring a beautiful beach, or perhaps it’s the connection with the spiritual side of life, visiting temples and sacred sites… Life’s slower pace is appealing, and wellness is part of Balinese culture.
Traditional and new healing practices can be part of your everyday life in Bali, not just something saved for a special treat. Virtually on every corner is an opportunity for massage, yoga and meditation. Reconnecting with peace seems easier in Bali.
Wellness and Fitness at Grand Hyatt Bali
The Grand Hyatt Bali at Nusa Dua offers more than just luxury accommodations and world-class dining for couples and families. For my full review of what to see, do and love here, see: An in-depth guide to Grand Hyatt Bali. With its extensive water palace-inspired grounds, this resort offers a soothing environment for those seeking rejuvenation, balance, and vitality on the Island of the Gods.
Whether you’re a stressed-out executive on holiday with the family or travelling solo in search of rest and renewal, check out all the health and wellness on offer whilst staying at Grand Hyatt Bali. They may surprise, delight and inspire you on your wellness journey.
Laughter Yoga: Wellness with a Smile
One of the resort’s most unique offerings is Laughing Yoga, led by expert instructor Eka, who has made a living by giving people a good laugh. This joyful practice combines voluntary laughter with yogic breathing techniques to improve mood, reduce stress, and boost overall well-being.
I turn up to find our yoga mats set up between the pond with its stunning water lilies and ducks waddling around and the beach. You can’t help but smile. I start by saying, ‘Before we get going, can I just tell you about a few injuries?’ Eka replies, ‘In laughing yoga, there are no injuries; laughing yoga is the medicine‘ and then lets out a deep belly laugh.
I’m about to say, “Oi, now look here, Mate, could you please take me seriously?!” when I find myself starting to giggle, then laugh and then before I know it, I’m joining in with a deep laugh that resonates throughout my body, and corny as it sounds, the whole world seems a little lighter.
The session includes laughing meditation, a period of unstructured laughter. It’s incredible how it all comes about. Once Eka starts laughing, it is so infectious that it leads to real and contagious laughter.
Before I knew it, my laughter yoga class was over. I didn’t want it to end, although I must admit, I could feel my stomach muscles aching from all that laughter!
The joy of a laughing yoga class spreads beyond our mats. It’s a clever move of the resort to set us up beside the beachfront path. When roaring with laughter, I looked around somewhat self-consciously; I could see the intrigued grins of guests walking past.
The Benefits of Laughter Yoga
Laughter Yoga is a great way to connect with others and experience the lighter side of wellness. It is said that Laughing Yoga can strengthen all immune functions, bringing more oxygen to the body and brain and fostering feelings of positivity. Brilliant!
If you ever get the chance, give it a go!
Sound Healing
‘Breathe in the tranquillity and let the harmonious sounds of our Sound Healing session wash over you, creating a serene space for reflection and mindfulness amidst nature’s beauty.‘
Have you experienced Sound Healing? I have, on several occasions. It feels like the latest big thing to burst into global wellness, offering a profound sense of tranquillity and well-being. It is a way to unwind and find your inner balance through music and sound.
My previous sound bath was in a group setting, and I remember the loud snores of the people around me more than any lasting benefits. But this one was different. I enjoyed a deeply relaxing session with some personal insights.
The room was set out with seven bowls and various intriguing musical instruments. After my Sound Bath, I asked Indy about her training and whether there was a set order for the experience. She tells me that she has had a lot of training. However, there is no set pattern to her sound healing delivery; it is significantly individualised with the clues coming from the participants.
Indy mentioned that in a previous session, she had felt ‘confused’ and didn’t know what sounds to make; at the end of the session, speaking with the guest, she said she found out the guest’s life was in a state of flux and was trying to decide a new direction, and her life was very uncertain.
With me, Indy told me she felt lots of energy in all my chakras until she got to my throat and head chakra and said she felt like she needed to sing. I left feeling super chilled I had appreciated Indy’s chanting it was soothing. A few weeks later, my Drs informed me my thyroid disease had returned, and I thought back to Indy’s insight into blockages in my throat chakra – how inciteful was that?
Sound Healing Restoration IDR 1.000,000++
Grand Hyatt Bali Wellness professionals
I appreciated that Grand Hyatt Bali how the resort brings in professional expertise for its guests to complement its in-house activities program.
Balinese Dance
The third memorable activity I will include here was my Balinese dancing session, mostly because I was so rubbish. It was really like an advanced Alzheimers test, which I failed. Trying to concentrate on moving my fingers in a certain direction and at the same time as my head moving in a Balinese way and elegantly moving forward in time with the music was so hard.
My dance teacher, Eka, had been learning dance for only six years, and together with Adi, they gently encouraged me to grasp new steps. The great thing about Balinese dancing is that learning a new skill involves being in the moment. The dancers at the Pasar Senggol cultural evening make it look so easy and graceful, not me! Oh, we did laugh!
Dressed in a bright green Balinese sarong, I might have looked the part, even if I could not dance the part! It is an exercise for the mind, body and soul, and I’m so happy I had a go!
Kriya Spa: A Journey to Inner Harmony
‘The word “Kriya,” meaning “rituals,” encapsulates the spa’s approach to wellness—rooted in tradition yet delivered with contemporary luxury. Each treatment is thoughtfully designed to align with the principles of Bliss, Harmony, Purity, and Energy.‘
From your arrival, walking into the open-air pavilion inspired by the ancient Balinese water palaces, you will find you are wrapped in its gorgeousness. Kriya Spa is your haven for relaxation and self-care.
Kriya Spa offers a very high-end spa experience for the ultimate in relaxation and pampering. I would thoroughly recommend it. The massages are fantastic. Your spa treatment takes place in your private villa, decorated with colourful wall hangings and starts with a foot bath.
Highlights include:
- Balinese Massage: A blend of acupressure, skin rolling, and firm strokes to relieve tension and restore balance.
- Detoxifying Body Wraps: Infused with local ingredients like volcanic clay and sea minerals.
- Personalized Rituals: Tailored treatments for relaxation, rejuvenation, or invigoration.
Surrounded by lush greenery and water features, the spa’s private treatment villas provide the perfect escape. Post-treatment, unwind with herbal tea in the serene relaxation lounge.
Yes, you will find this spa and massage considerably more expensive than the beachfront cheap and cheerful baby oil massages, and I’m not against these; they definitely have their place in a Bali holiday. Kriya Spa is a totally different, more sophisticated experience.
The spa is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., offering a haven for relaxation and self-discovery anytime during your stay.
Website: www.hyatt.com/Kriya-Spa
Yoga and Meditation: Finding Your Zen
Yoga enthusiasts will feel right at home at the Grand Hyatt Bali. Daily yoga sessions are held in the scenic outdoors, and my classes are on the lawns overlooking the water lily pond and beach beyond. The yoga teachers guide you through practices that cater to all levels, from gentle stretches for beginners to dynamic flows for seasoned yogis. I especially enjoyed the 6.30 am Sunrise yoga.
Meditation sessions are also available, allowing you to centre your mind and reconnect with yourself in Bali’s serene environment.
Some classes offered had an extra charge; for example, Sunrise Yoga was free on certain days, but on certain days, it was chargeable IDR 120.000++.
Bay Club Fitness Center
The Bay Club Fitness Centre includes a gym with a wide variety of gym weights, an activities room and sauna, steam room and plunge pool. Outside, there is an adults-only swimming pool.
For those who like to stay active, the resort’s Bay Club fitness centre has everything you need to maintain your routine. With panoramic views of the resort gardens, the facility offers:
- Cardio Machines: Treadmills, ellipticals, and stationary bikes.
- Strength Training: Free weights and resistance machines.
- Personal Training: Available upon request for tailored fitness programs.
The resort offers five daily activities starting at 6.30 am, including group fitness classes, such as Aqua Aerobics, Stretch & Tone, Circuit Training, Abs session, Power Walk, and Zumba. Check out the weekly fitness timetable, as some of the activities are complimentary – such a fun way to stay or get fit while mixing with fellow guests.
Outdoor Activities: Wellness Beyond the Gym
The Grand Hyatt Bali makes the most of its stunning natural surroundings to offer a variety of outdoor wellness activities. Finding peace, relaxation
- Beachfront Jogging: Start your day with a run along the pristine Nusa Dua beach.
- Water Sports: Paddleboarding, kayaking, and snorkelling for an invigorating connection with the ocean.
- Tennis and Squash Courts: Perfect for a friendly match or a serious workout, or join the weekly tennis clinic offered by the Bay Club team.
- Cycle Ride: Explore the scenic trails around the resort and nearby areas.
Bike rides
An impressive number of shiny red bikes of different sizes were available to rent. I enjoyed my cycle ride through the resort and out to the Peninsula, where you can see the Nusa Dua Water Blow.
The Water Blow (with a small entrance fee) features a scenic walkway over volcanic rocks, where you can witness waves surging dramatically through a natural rock formation.
Swimming pools
It’s a hard choice between the beach or one of the pools! Grand Hyatt Bali has five impressive swimming pools, including one solely for those with Club Room benefits. My favourite was the Adults only swimming inside the Bay Club.
Wellness can take many forms. For some it might be learning new skills. Here at Grand Hyatt Bali, the daily activities program also includes crafts, such as coconut leaf creation. Or you could join the Dessert School cooking classes.
Beach Days
The beachfront area at Grand Hyatt Bali is stunning, offering a long stretch of sand shaded by trees. For those searching for the ultimate place to relax, read and enjoy the sunshine, it’s hard to go past the beach with its views of the Indian Ocean. The hotel’s sun loungers are thoughtfully spaced apart.
For an extra cost, you can have your beachfront cabana with a shaded daybed, sun loungers, and staff at your beck and call. It’s the ultimate relaxation by the sea.
Temple Tour
Twice a week, the Activities team at the Grand Hyatt Bali offers a complimentary temple tour, allowing guests to explore one of the two temples within the resort grounds. While one temple is reserved for local Balinese worshippers, the other, a newer temple, is open for guests to visit and learn about Balinese spirituality.
To participate, guests must be “temple-ready,” which means dressing respectfully. The program thoughtfully provides each participant with a sarong and a sash to ensure proper attire.
I thoroughly enjoyed learning about temple traditions during my visit. Adi’s tour was a fascinating introduction to Balinese culture and beliefs, offering unique insights into the island’s spiritual heritage. The guided experience made it easy and comfortable to engage with these traditions as we lit incense as an offering and presented our Banten Balinese, a small Canang tray made of pandan leaves filled with colourful flowers. I would not have attempted this on my own for fear of offending.
The conversations were thought-provoking, such as the Balinese belief that you will find balance in your life when you find harmony with the divine, between people and nature. This ancient philosophy, emphasising harmony, seems spot-on to me.
This enriching and beautifully organized afternoon tour is highly recommended; a feel-good tour.
Healthy Dining Options
Wellness extends beyond physical activity, and the Grand Hyatt Bali’s dining options reflect this holistic approach. The resort’s restaurants feature menus with wholesome, locally sourced ingredients to nourish your body. Highlights include:
- Fresh tropical fruits and juices at breakfast.
- Healthy salads, grilled seafood, and vegan options at the poolside restaurant.
- Detox beverages and herbal teas are available throughout the resort.
Why Choose Grand Hyatt Bali for Wellness?
The Grand Hyatt Bali goes beyond offering a luxurious stay for those needing holistic rejuvenation and wellness. This resort offers much for the mind, body and spirit, whether focused on relaxing and unwinding, staying fit, perhaps getting back in touch with your inner child through Laughter yoga, Dance class participating in new health and wellness, or simply relaxing, the resort’s comprehensive wellness and fitness programs ensure you feel revitalized and inspired.
So definitely pack some activewear along with your bathers and beachwear, and discover why Grand Hyatt Bali is a top resort choice for wellness.
Grand Hyatt Bali details
Address: Kawasan Wisata Nusa Dua ITDC – Bali, Indonesia
Website: www.grandhyattbali.com
Disclosure: Little Wandering Wren was a guest of Grand Hyatt Bali, and all thoughts and opinions are my own. A massive thank you to the staff who made my visit so memorable; I left with a spring in my step and joy in my heart!
Follow us on Social Media: Find more photos of my travels and stories on Instagram @littlewanderingwren
More Bali reading:
If you would like to read some more about my time in Bali, try these:
- Bali yoga searching for inner peace: I am a Yoga teacher’s worst nightmare… Whilst I’ve booked the BALI holiday with a yoga retreat, others have booked a YOGA retreat in Bali…
- Zen Yoga Mum in Blissful Bali: When the teacher says ‘if anyone would like to join us, we are organising a Yoga Retreat in Ubud, Bali. Flyers are here, up the front’ The words ‘like a rat up a drainpipe’ spring to mind…
- Spa Queen of Asia: I am visiting some amazing Balinese spas and struggling with the paper knickers. It’s the Spa version of Ready, Steady, Cook.
- Why your next trip should be a Wellness Retreat
