Ultimate Bali Spirit Festival Guide & Review (2025 Experience)

Nestled in the lush, verdant heart of Ubud, the Bali Spirit Festival is a unique experience beyond the boundaries of a typical wellness retreat. Bringing together a vibrant, diverse community of spiritual seekers, yogis, musicians, and artists from around the world, this annual event has earned a reputation for being a transformative journey for the mind, body, and soul. This comprehensive review and guide to the Bali Spirit Festival will explore the classes and activities offered. This was my seventh time attending the Bali Spirit Festival, and in this article, I share all my tips with you to make the most of the festival.

What is the Bali Spirit Festival?

The Bali Spirit Festival is an annual event in Ubud, Bali, Indonesia. It celebrates yoga, music, dance, and other wellness and spiritual practices. The 2025 festival lasted four days and attracted thousands of participants from all over the world. The festival features a variety of activities and workshops, including yoga classes, meditation sessions, dance workshops, and healing sessions. There are also talks and discussions on various health, wellness, spirituality, and sustainability topics.

In addition to the workshops and activities, the Bali Spirit Festival features a vibrant marketplace where vendors sell handmade crafts, organic foods, and other sustainable products. Nightly musical performances feature a diverse range of world music, from traditional Balinese music to contemporary fusion.

The festival promotes health and wellness, cultural exchange, and environmental sustainability. It allows people from all walks of life to unite and celebrate their shared values and interests.

Why attend the Bali Spirit Festival?

Some of my key reasons to attend the festival (and why I keep going back 😊) include:

1. Discover new teachers and practices: The festival features a diverse range of workshops and activities, which means you’ll have the opportunity to try new things and learn from experts in their respective fields.
2. Relax and recharge: Bali is known for its beautiful beaches, lush jungles, and serene landscapes. Attending the Bali Spirit Festival is a great way to take a break from the stress and busyness of daily life and recharge your mind, body, and spirit.
3. Be hosted by friendly and beautiful Balinese people: The staff at the festival are incredibly friendly and professional. The number of smiles and nice gestures from them is mind-blowing.
4. Deepen your spiritual practice: The festival offers a wide variety of workshops and activities that can help you deepen your spiritual practice, whether you’re interested in yoga, meditation, or other forms of wellness and self-care.
5. Immerse yourself in Balinese culture: The festival provides an opportunity to experience Balinese culture’s unique traditions and customs, from music and dance to food and art.
6. Have fun and dance: The dance and music program is a significant part of the festival; if this is your thing, you can dance up to 10 hours a day!

Where does the Bali Spirit Festival take place?

The location of the Bali Spirit Festival tends to change occasionally, so check for updates for the 2026 festival. Since 2022, the festival has returned to the Yoga Barn, a large yoga complex situated in the heart of Ubud. While this location is smaller than the 2019 venue, it has the distinct advantage of being right in Ubud’s center. If you choose your accommodation wisely, returning to your room for a shower or rest between classes is easy. Read below to discover the best accommodation options near the Yoga Barn.

Festival Site and Facilities

The festival site spans several acres and offers a wide array of facilities, including yoga studios, meditation rooms, a healing center, and even two swimming pools, one of which is heated for WATSU classes. One significant advantage of holding the festival at the Yoga Barn is that it’s already equipped for yoga classes. Yoga mats and props are readily available in most studios.

Tip: The festival website tells you to bring your yoga mat but if the festival is held at the Yoga Barn, you don’t need it as all the studios are equipped with mats and props.

In addition to the well-equipped studios, the Yoga Barn also has proper toilet and shower facilities, offering more comfort than typical festival cubicles. However, the venue does have its drawbacks. Due to its smaller size and room capacity, classes can be full, so planning and early arrival for desired classes can be crucial for the most popular workshops. Capacity seemed to be better managed this year than last year, as only one of the classes I wanted to attend was full. Even the Breath of Bliss class, which is usually overbooked, was easy to get into.

Tip: For the popular classes, they start giving out numbers to guarantee class access about 30 minutes before the start of the class. So if there is a popular class you really want to attend, make sure to get your number 30 minutes before. You can then go and walk around and come back 5 minutes before the start of the class.

A Diverse Array of Classes

One of the best things about the Bali Spirit Festival is the incredible variety of classes offered each day. With six or seven classes happening simultaneously, deciding which ones to attend can feel overwhelming, especially since you can realistically only join four or five a day if you really push it. This year, I tried to choose sessions carefully, balancing my curiosity with the desire to deepen my yoga practice.

Yoga and Workshops

Central to the festival are yoga and workshops. My personal goal at the festival was to discover new instructors. To achieve this, I strived to attend classes led by teachers I didn’t know and ventured beyond my comfort zone. This year, I was in the mood to get back to the roots of yoga, so I attended a few fundamental classes on yoga anatomy and yoga philosophy. I also kept my curiosity alive by attending diverse classes like Amenti dancing, or Pawanmuktasana. My goal was to explore new teachers and different types of yoga. While I made sure to attend sessions on yoga philosophy and anatomy, I also stepped into classes that took me entirely by surprise.

I started the festival on a strong note with “Soft n’ Somatic” with Barbra Noh. This was a quiet and calming class focused on gentle, mindful movements. Instead of complicated poses, we practiced listening closely to our bodies and noticing small sensations. By the end, I felt more in tune with myself—calmer and clearer. To get my fill of Yoga and anatomy, I attended one more of her class on hips opening and it was eye opening. This class blended biomechanics, alignment, and therapeutic yoga. Barbra used her background as a dancer who overcame hip injuries through yoga to demonstrate effective techniques. We explored practical anatomy, easy-to-follow alignment tips, and exercises that supported healthy hips and balanced the pelvis.

I always like attending a few yoga philosophy lectures, which help me feel more centered during the festival. It is also a good way to go back to the roots of yoga and the meaning of it ( which is sometimes lost in some of the most commercial classes). This year, I joined Yogini Linda Madani for “Threads of Time.” She spoke about the history and philosophy of yoga in a simple, engaging way. The session ended beautifully with a reflection on dual vs. nondual approach and with chanting, creating a sense of peace and connection. It reminded me that yoga is much more than just physical poses.

After such a gentle practice, returning to the energy of the festival musical events almost felt like a shock!

I couldn’t resist returning to Black Metal Yoga with Melody Henry. Practicing yoga in a dark room with heavy metal music was intense but surprisingly powerful. Melody’s guidance turned the unusual experience into something meaningful, helping me feel lighter and more balanced afterward.

One of the highlights this year again was the Living Water Journey, which took place in a pool heated to 28 degrees Celsius. Those pool workshops are popular; you need to get there at least 30 minutes in advance if you want a spot. Although there was a significant waiting time, the experience was undoubtedly divine. You dance, float, and relax in warm water. If you miss it during the festival, there’s also an opportunity to catch a class with the Liquid Body team every week at the Yoga Barn

Tip: Get to the festival early. Most people arrive around 10 or 11 am so at 8 am, the festival site is still very quiet and peaceful and you can attend any class you want. They also tend to schedule the most popular classes and teachers first thing in the mornin

With Pau Castellsague, I explored the fascinating role of the vagus nerve—the “wandering nerve” connecting our brain to many vital organs. This was more of an anatomy class than a yoga class. We also learned massage techniques to enhance our body’s natural healing systems.

This yoga session led by Janet Stone, Benny Holloway, Jim Beckwith, and Cellamano was beautifully introspective. They named the class LSD: Long, Slow, Deep. We held gentle, floor-based postures for extended periods, guided by calming breathwork and soft live music. It was a gorgeous class that ended up in chanting. Janet’s popularity preceded her, and it was one of the few classes that were fully booked well before the class starting time

The workshop Fire- Layer of Power by Amenti is probably the most energetic I have attended through the 4 days festival. They explored self-expression through movement linked to the element of fire/ anger. This method encouraged us to embrace personal strength, recognize internal patterns, and step boldly into our power. It was transformative and empowering. They managed to get everyone dancing and screaming with an energy I have rarely seen—a true highlight.

Guided by Fareena Farid, the Pawanmuktasana class introduced the subtle, therapeutic practice of Pawanmuktasana. We learned sequences designed to relax muscles, open joints, and remove energetic blockages. This practice felt accessible and deeply soothing, leaving my body lighter and my mind clearer.

 

Healing Activities and breathwork

Beyond yoga, the festival offers sound healing exercises, meditations, and breathing workshops for relaxation, concentration, and working with the body’s subtle energies. Various sound frequencies uniquely affect the mind, heart, and soul, taking the festival experience to another level.

Sound healing sessions provide an excellent relaxation opportunity during a busy day.

I attended a sound healing session with Suntara and was blown away by the experience. The music was magical, with ethereal vocals and healing instruments, including Shamanic Drums, Crystal Bowls, Djembe, Handpan, and Didgeridoo. The notes and rhythms of the music resonated deep within me and guided me on a musical healing journey into the depths of my soul.

 

Another relaxing class was”Relax into Awakening,” led by Cathy Pearson. This class felt gentle and comforting, perfect for releasing built-up tension. Cathy guided us through slow movements designed to help our bodies completely relax. The session ended with a peaceful Yoga Nidra meditation that left me feeling deeply rested and refreshed.

Breathwork sessions were some of the popular classes at the festival, but this year, they seemed to be better managed than last year. Last year, you had to queue for one hour to hope to get into some of the breathwork classes. This year, there seemed to be more of them, and it was therefore relatively easy to get in the class even at the last minute.

This year, I chose to attend only one breathwork session, and I attended “Breath of Bliss: Awaken God Consciousness”. It is one of the softer sessions..It was mystical, feminine, and deeply expansive. We began with ecstatic dance and soulful connection, then moved into an hour of powerful breathwork, accompanied by visionary music and hypnotic affirmations. The session was designed to activate intense states of bliss. By the end, I felt very, very relaxed

A world of warnings about breathwork

While breathwork can have many positive effects on mental, emotional, and physical health, it also has potential adverse side effects. Not everyone will experience these, but it’s good to be aware of them and listen to your body during breathwork practices. I saw people being carried out of the breathwork classes as they could not walk anymore. I experienced negative effects during a breathwork session at the festival and was fortunate to have a friend attending with me who could ensure I was safe.

Here are some potentially harmful effects of breathwork that you should be aware of before starting a class

1. Overstimulation: Breathwork can stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, which controls the body’s “fight or flight” response. If this system is overactivated, it can lead to feelings of anxiety, stress, and restlessness.
2. Hyperventilation: Some forms of breathwork involve rapid, deep breathing, which can cause hyperventilation. This can lead to light-headedness, dizziness, and even fainting.
3. Emotional Distress: Breathwork can lead to the release of suppressed emotions, which can be overwhelming for some individuals, especially if they have a history of trauma or mental health issues. It can potentially cause feelings of panic, fear, or grief.
4. Physical Discomfort: Some people may experience physical discomfort during or after breathwork, including tingling sensations, numbness, muscle cramps, or nausea.
5. Altered State of Consciousness: Intense breathwork can potentially induce an altered state of consciousness. This may lead to disorientation, confusion, and hallucinations in some cases.

If you feel unwell during a breathwork session, don’t hesitate to stop and seek advice if necessary.

The Vibrant Bali Spirit Festival Music Highlights of 2025

The music lineup at this year’s Bali Spirit Festival was vibrant and deeply inspiring, bringing together artists from around the globe who blended traditional sounds with contemporary flair. The Bali Spirit Festival music scene is truly a world music festival Bali experience in itself.

If you love dancing, you’re in luck at the Bali Spirit Festival. There’s almost always music playing and a place to dance throughout the entire four days—so much so that you could easily spend ten hours a day dancing if that’s your thing. Most nights, the music wraps up around midnight, but on the final night, the party kept going strong until 4:30 am!!!. That’s fantastic if you want to celebrate into the early hours, though maybe good if you’re staying a hotel nearby and just want to sleep….

One of the standout performances was Rumbo Tumba, led by Argentine multi-instrumentalist Facundo Salgado. Watching him perform felt like witnessing a musical alchemist at work. Using only artisanal wooden instruments native to South America, Salgado built intricate loops live on stage, layering rhythms and melodies into mesmerizing compositions. His unique fusion of traditional folklore and modern digital techniques transported me to lush, natural landscapes, capturing the spirit of untouched wilderness. His presence was magnetic, and the organic sounds resonated deeply, reminding us of our intrinsic connection to nature.

Another remarkable performer was Catur Hari Wijaya, an Indonesian musician whose show was a true sonic adventure. Blending influences from Indonesia, India, the Middle East, and North and West Africa, Catur created rich, textured soundscapes filled with vibrant percussion, enchanting flutes, and diverse string instruments. His music was both ancient and fresh, inviting us to dance and connect deeply with rhythmic traditions from around the world. Experiencing his live performance felt like joining a global celebration of sound and spirit.

On the last day of the festival was the unforgettable Mike Love, whose powerful presence captivated the crowd. Touring his latest album, Leaders, Mike delivered a performance full of soul and purpose. His unique solo show combined sophisticated looping, heartfelt vocals, and masterful musicianship, blending roots reggae, rock, jazz, and blues into songs that felt both deeply personal and universally relevant. Mike’s message was clear: music is more than entertainment—it’s a catalyst for positive change, growth, and mindfulness. it is amazing that he manages to do all this as a solo artist!

There were DJs present at the festival to keep the party going until late. DJ ONE, in particular, stood out for creating the best ambiance. He drew from a wide range of global sounds and blended melodies and frequencies. With the help of talented dancers, an African drummer, and a fire dancer, he created an unbeatable show that got the crowd dancing wildly.

Balinese culture was well represented with Kecak and Barong dances.

The tea stations seemed particularly popular this year. It is a second stage that has a more mellow and spiritual vibe than the main stage. Alcohol is not for sale in this area, but tea is offered.

Experiencing Bali and Indonesian Culture through Ubud Artists

Gamelan music and Kecak dance troupes appear throughout the day, showcasing the talent of local Ubud artists. The Gamelan group is always a delight to witness, offering an authentic taste of Balinese culture.

Artisans also share their crafts. During one of my visits, children accompanied me, learned wood carving from Kadek and Dirga, and received a gamelan lesson from Wayan.

There was also a session to learn about making Balinese offerings.

Shopping Opportunities at the Festival Marketplace

In addition to the workshops and activities, the Bali Spirit Festival also features a vibrant marketplace where vendors sell handmade crafts, organic foods, and other sustainable products. As a tip, remember to bring enough money, as there are ample shopping opportunities for unique souvenirs and wellness products.

The Ultimate Practical Guide to the Bali Spirit Festival

Deciding on Your Program and Self-Care During the Festival

The multitude of excellent presenters can be overwhelming. At every moment of the day, at least seven classes or workshops are taking place. And the program goes on for 16 or 17 hours a day. From 7 am until midnight, there is always something going on. The fear of missing out can kick in quickly. This Bali Spirit Festival guide aims to help you navigate this.

During my first week-long festival, I ambitiously tried to do everything. I studied the program meticulously, planning to attend four or five classes daily. By day three, I was so sore that I could barely move.

My advice is to explore and be open-minded. I strived to attend classes that were outside of my comfort zone. This approach provided an excellent way to gain new experiences and discover new teachers, so I also tried to take classes with unfamiliar instructors. These are valuable tips for the Bali Spirit Festival.

Tip: Pace yourself. The event lasts for four days. Try to mix physical classes with workshops and meditation sessions.

Many popular classes have limited capacity. If you wish to attend these, you need to show up early. Usually, they start distributing “queue numbers” about 30 minutes before the start of the class. So, if there’s a class you really don’t want to miss, make sure you arrive at least 45 minutes early. The most popular classes, such as the breathwork and WATSU (Water Shiatsu) classes, typically require a 60-minute wait for admission.

Tip: Don’t worry if you can’t get into your first-choice class. There are plenty of other classes available. Some of the best classes I attended this year were unexpected ones that I took when my first choice was full. There are many excellent teachers to be discovered. Just go with the flow and don’t overthink it.

Where to Stay while Attending the Bali Spirit Festival? Finding Accommodation Near Yoga Barn

The festival takes place at the Yoga Barn in the center of Ubud. The best strategy is to find accommodation near the entrance to the Yoga Barn, or at least within easy walking distance.

The entrance to the Puri Padi Hotel is on Jalan Hanoman, one of the busiest streets in Ubud. Many hotels and restaurants are located nearby.

The best nearby hotels include the Plataran Hotel ( You can check rates and availability here) and Japa Suites ( You can check rates and availability here)

Another great option is Samastiti Villa, located a 5-minute walk from the festival entrance. You’ll enjoy the luxury of your private pool overlooking rice fields in the center of Ubud. Check the villa here on Airbnb but book it directly because the rate is slightly cheaper here. It’s one of the most popular houses on Airbnb in Ubud, so book ahead, as they usually fill up two or three months in advance.

The Ubud Treehouse is also very close to the entrance of the Yoga Barn. It provides a peaceful oasis close to nature amid the festival’s chaos. You can even hear the festival’s music from your pool or balcony. Check rates and availability here.

Where to Eat during the Bali Spirit Festival: Ubud Restaurants and On-Site Options

The Bali Spirit Festival site features about ten restaurants, representing some of Ubud’s most popular healthy eateries, such as Kafe, Ganesha, or Muse. Most offer simple vegetarian and healthy food options.

If you crave more gourmet fare or meat during your week at the Bali Spirit Festival, check out this list of my favorite restaurants in Ubud. It is easy to get in and out of the festival. Some of the restaurants I recommend that are walking distance from the festival are L’osteria for great Pizza, Taco Casa for good Mexican food, and Twist for Indonesian fusion cuisine. Batu Bara, a few minutes down the road, is also a great option if you are craving meat.

The Bali Spirit Festival also has a bar near the main stage that serves alcohol at affordable prices.

Tip: Bring a refillable bottle of water as there are water refill stations throughout the festival.

How to Get to Ubud and the Bali Spirit Festival?

Ubud is a 60 —to 90-minute drive from Denpasar airport. Most reputable accommodations can recommend a driver to pick you up from the airport. Alternatively, Grab, the equivalent of Uber in Bali, has a stand at the airport. Once in Ubud, it is very easy to find local taxis on the street. But I strongly recommend staying near the festival so you can walk there and skip the traffic.

 

In Conclusion of My Review of the Bali Spirit Festival

Every time I attend the Bali Spirit Festival, I’m reminded how transformative and inspiring it can be. I’ve met countless people whose lives have been deeply touched by their experiences here, whether they found new perspectives, felt recharged, or simply enjoyed a much-needed break from their busy lives. With an extraordinary lineup of some of the world’s best yoga teachers, healers, and speakers, this festival truly feels like a celebration of growth and self-discovery. Personally, I believe it’s a must-attend event, especially for yoga teachers looking to deepen their knowledge and skills.

While the lineup hasn’t yet been announced for 2026, the BaliSpirit Festival promises another unforgettable week of yoga, music, and healing arts in the heart of Ubud. Past editions have featured world-class teachers and performers from around the globe. You can already secure your spot by purchasing tickets on the Bali Spirit Festival official website.

Tip: They offer very attractive super early bird prices tickets so the earlier you buy, the cheapest it will be

Visiting the festival also gives you the perfect excuse to explore Bali more deeply and stay longer. Bali has much to offer beyond its popular tourist hubs like Seminyak and Sanur. I’ve shared detailed reviews of some of the island’s best hotels and villas on my website. I’ve included many ideas for memorable day trips to North Bali, East Bali, and West Bali—so you can fully experience the island’s diverse beauty.

To make your Bali Spirit Festival experience even richer, consider combining it with a week at Goddess Retreat. This wonderful retreat offers customized programs focusing on surfing, healing, Pilates, fitness, or exploring Bali’s hidden gems, all tailored specifically to your preferences. And yes, the unlimited spa treatments are as heavenly as they sound! I chose to spend a week at Goddess Retreat before attending the festival, and it was the ideal way to prepare, recharge, and enter the festival feeling refreshed and open-hearted. You can read my full review here.

The Bali Spirit Festival in 2025 was another fantastic edition, and I can’t wait to return again next year.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Bali Spirit Festival (FAQ)

What kind of activities can I expect at the Bali Spirit Festival?

The Bali Spirit Festival offers a wide array of activities. Core offerings include diverse yoga classes (from somatic to Black Metal yoga), meditation sessions, dynamic dance workshops, various healing sessions like sound healing and Watsu, and profound breathwork classes. Additionally, there are talks on wellness and spirituality, cultural performances by Ubud artists, a vibrant marketplace with shopping opportunities, and nightly world music performances.

Where is the Bali Spirit Festival usually held and what are the facilities like?

Recently, the Bali Spirit Festival has been held at the Yoga Barn in Ubud, Bali. This venue is well-equipped with multiple yoga studios (mats and props provided), meditation rooms, a healing center, and even swimming pools. It offers proper toilet and shower facilities, adding to participant comfort. However, due to its popularity and room capacities, some popular classes can fill up quickly.

Is the Bali Spirit Festival suitable for someone new to yoga or spiritual practices?

Yes, absolutely. The festival caters to all levels, from seasoned practitioners to curious beginners. There are introductory workshops, gentle yoga classes, and many activities that don’t require prior experience. It’s a welcoming environment to discover new practices and teachers, making it an ideal spiritual festival Bali for exploration.

What are some essential tips for attending the Bali Spirit Festival?

Key tips for Bali Spirit Festival include arriving early (around 8 am) to enjoy quieter grounds and secure spots in popular classes, as many are scheduled in the morning. For very popular workshops, collect a number for entry about 30 minutes prior. If the festival is at the Yoga Barn, you likely won’t need your own yoga mat. Stay hydrated (bring a refillable bottle), plan your schedule but be open to spontaneous experiences, pace yourself, and be mindful during intensive practices like breathwork. Explore the shopping opportunities and embrace the Balinese culture on display.

What should I know about breathwork sessions at the festival?

Breathwork at the Bali Spirit Festival can be a powerful and transformative experience. However, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects like overstimulation, hyperventilation, or emotional distress. Listen to your body, don’t push yourself, and feel free to stop if you feel unwell. The festival often has various intensities of breathwork, so choose one that feels right for you.

This Bali Spirit Festival guide aims to prepare you for a truly enriching experience. Whether you are seeking deep spiritual growth, new wellness practices, or simply a vibrant cultural immersion, the festival in Ubud offers a unique journey.

My Bali Spirit Festival experience has consistently been one of profound connection and discovery. I hope this review helps you in planning your own adventure to this remarkable event.

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If you enjoyed this review of the Bali Spirit Festival, you might also be interested in exploring more of what Bali and luxury wellness travel have to offer. Discover an insightful Goddess Retreat Review in Bali for another perspective on wellness, or find unique accommodation with this look at an affordable luxury villa rental in Bali near the Yoga Barn. For broader hotel experiences, see our Oberoi Seminyak Review. Get general travel insights from our article on discovering central Bali in one day, and for your culinary journey, explore the best restaurants in Ubud or even learn about attending the Ubud Writers and Readers Festival. For yoga enthusiasts, there’s also a review of a SOSA Yoga teacher training at the Yoga Barn.

You can also learn more about Bali’s offerings on the official Indonesia Tourism website for Bali. Explore our handpicked Luxury Dining Adventures for unforgettable culinary experiences.