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.
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.
This year felt different. The ongoing tensions around the Iran war weighed heavily on travel, and the festival saw a wave of cancellations. Plans shifted, uncertainty lingered, and for a moment, it seemed like the spirit of the event might be diluted.
Yet, the organisers chose not to cancel.
Instead, they adapted. The Bali Spirit Festival was shortened from four days to three, with the opening day transformed into a community day—free and open to everyone in Ubud. It changed the energy completely. There was something more local, more grounded, almost more intimate about it.
And somehow, despite the challenges, it became one of the most memorable editions.
I’m genuinely glad they went ahead. Because beyond the disruptions, this year was filled with unexpected discoveries, meaningful encounters, and moments that reminded me exactly why this festival matters.
Some of my key reasons to attend the festival (and why I keep going back 😊) include:
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.
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.
One of the things I love most about the Bali Spirit Festival is the sheer variety of classes offered each day. At any given moment, six or seven sessions unfold simultaneously, making the choice surprisingly difficult. You quickly realise you can’t do it all—at best, you might manage four or five classes a day, and even that feels like a stretch.
Last year, I was very intentional in what I wanted to see. I chose sessions that truly resonated with me—balancing curiosity with a deeper commitment to my yoga practice. This year, my approach was the complete opposite. Instead of carefully planning my schedule and choosing each class with intention, I let go of structure altogether. I didn’t map out my days or overthink my choices—I simply followed my instinct, moving from one space to another, trusting that I would end up exactly where I needed to be. It felt lighter, more spontaneous, almost like allowing the festival to guide me rather than trying to control the experience. And somehow, it worked too. I found myself in the right place at the right time, again and again. Some of the most powerful sessions were not the ones I would have chosen on paper, but the ones I discovered by chance—unexpected moments that ended up being the most memorable of all.
One session, in particular, stayed with me long after it ended: Fierce Grace: Meeting the Dark Feminine in a World in Transition. I hadn’t planned to attend it—it was one of those moments I simply stumbled into. They had two very special surprise guests. And yet, it became one of the most powerful experiences of the entire festival. What made this session truly special was the presence of Lama Dolma and Ida Resi Alit. There was a quiet authority in the way they spoke—grounded, deeply embodied, and impossible to ignore. True wisdom was shared. I learned about the use of sounds and singing as a tool for transformation—how it can transform energy into spirit.
The conversation explored something rarely spoken about so openly: the rising presence of the Dark Feminine in a world that feels increasingly unstable. Rather than something to fear, the panel invited us to see this as a force of transformation. A fierce grace. Not destructive, but revealing. Clearing illusions. Forcing honesty. Helping us to understand that light comes from the darkness.
Still carrying the energy of the previous session, I stepped into Tone, a freeform vocal workshop led by Joseph Crossley—and it felt like a natural continuation of everything I had just experienced.
There was no performance, no expectation, no need to “sing well.” Instead, the session gently guided us into using our voices as instruments—exploring breath, vibration, and resonance in a way that felt both deeply personal and surprisingly collective. Joseph began by sharing insights from years spent studying the acoustics of sacred spaces—from ancient temples to the Pyramids of Giza and even Gothic cathedrals. It added a quiet depth to what followed, as if sound itself carried memory.
At first, it felt unfamiliar—letting sound emerge freely, without structure. But slowly, the room shifted. Individual voices started to blend, harmonies formed organically, and something almost meditative took over. You could feel the vibration in your chest, in your throat, in the space around you. It wasn’t just about sound—it was about sensation.
What struck me most was how immediate it all felt. Just moments after learning about sound as a tool for transformation, I was experiencing it directly—feeling how vibration could move energy, soften emotions, and create connection.It didn’t feel like a coincidence. It felt like the festival was guiding me, one step at a time.
Another highlight came on my final morning, inside the soft, light-filled space of the River Dome. Anusara Yoga: The Sacred Sacrum, led by Barbra Noh, was one of those sessions that felt immediately practical—yet quietly transformative. It sounded almost too simple: learning how to position the sacrum correctly. But as the workshop unfolded, I realised how much I had been overlooking. Through clear explanations and small, precise adjustments, Barbra guided us into a deeper understanding of the pelvis and lower back—areas that so often hold tension without us even noticing.
What I appreciated most was how accessible it all felt. There was no complexity for the sake of it—just straightforward, intelligent guidance that you could apply instantly. With a few subtle shifts, I could feel a difference: more stability, less compression, and a surprising sense of ease in poses that usually felt effortful.
This class was simply fun—in the most unexpected way. From the very beginning, Danny Paradise made it clear: this wasn’t going to be a passive session. We were here to try new things, to step slightly outside our привыч habits, and to explore movement in a different way.
What followed was a dynamic blend that felt both playful and deeply rooted—mixing yoga, Tai Chi, and elements of martial arts into one continuous flow. It wasn’t about perfect poses or rigid sequences, but about energy, rhythm, and awareness. At times it felt meditative, at others almost ritualistic, with movements that challenged both coordination and focus.
I found myself fully engaged the entire time—moving, adjusting, occasionally laughing at how unfamiliar some of it felt. And yet, that was exactly the point. It reminded me that growth often comes from stepping into the unknown, even if it feels a little uncomfortable at first.
The biggest surprise of the festival came early—at 9 a.m., when I stepped into a class led by Janet Stone. I wasn’t expecting much beyond a gentle morning practice, but what unfolded was something far more special. The session was soft, almost poetic. Movement, breath, and voice blended seamlessly, all carried by live music that created a deeply immersive atmosphere. It didn’t feel like a typical class—it felt like being held in a shared rhythm, where everything slowed down and opened up at the same time.
And then, just when it already felt magical, something completely unexpected happened.
Michael Franti appeared.
He began to sing as the class was coming to an end, and within moments, the entire space transformed. What started as a quiet, introspective practice turned into pure joy. People were smiling, moving, dancing—completely present, completely free. It was only 9 a.m., and yet the energy felt like a celebration.
I remember looking around and thinking: where else in the world do you get such talented artists? Moments like this cannot be planned—they simply happen.
One of the highlights every year is the Flow State: Water Dance Journey, held in the warm, tranquil setting of the Watsu pool. These water sessions are among the most sought-after at the festival, and for good reason—you need to get there at least 30 minutes in advance if you want a spot.
Even if you don’t attend, you can feel the buzz around it.
The experience takes place in a pool heated to 28 degrees, where movement becomes effortless. You dance, float, and relax in warm water. There’s no choreography to follow—just a gentle invitation to explore your body in a completely different way. In water, everything softens. The usual limits seem to dissolve, and movement becomes intuitive, almost instinctive.
It’s described as deeply calming, almost meditative—a way to soothe the nervous system while reconnecting with natural rhythms.
And 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.
Breathwork sessions are some of the most popular classes at the Bali Spirit Festival, so make sure you get there around 30 minutes before the class starts to get a ticket number.
One of the good sessions is 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.
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:
• 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.
• Hyperventilation: Some forms of breathwork involve rapid, deep breathing, which can cause hyperventilation. This can lead to light-headedness, dizziness, and even fainting.
• 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.
• Physical Discomfort: Some people may experience physical discomfort during or after breathwork, including tingling sensations, numbness, muscle cramps, or nausea.
• 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.
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
One of the more intense and unique experiences at the Bali Spirit Festival is the Temazcal ceremony. Held inside a traditional sweat lodge, this guided ritual is inspired by ancient Mesoamerican practices and is designed as a process of physical and emotional release. You sit in a small, enclosed dome while heated volcanic stones are brought in, raising the temperature quickly. It becomes hot—very hot—and the experience is not just about endurance, but about surrender. Through breath, chanting, and guided intention, the ceremony invites you to let go of what no longer serves you. It can feel challenging at times, especially with the intensity of the heat, but that’s also where the transformation happens. Many people come out of it feeling lighter, clearer, almost reset. It’s not for everyone, but if you’re curious and open to something deeper, it’s one of the most memorable experiences the festival offers.
The Music Scene at Bali Spirit Festival 2026
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Tip: Bring a refillable bottle of water as there are water refill stations throughout the 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.
This year felt different—and in many ways, more meaningful.
Despite global uncertainty and a wave of cancellations, the Bali Spirit Festival 2026 chose to go ahead. It was shorter, more intimate, and more grounded. The opening community day brought a stronger local energy, and throughout the festival, there was a sense of resilience—of people showing up, not just for the experience, but for connection.
And somehow, that made it even more special.
Every time I attend, I’m reminded how transformative this festival can be. But this year, the transformation felt less curated and more organic. I didn’t plan much. I let myself wander, follow instinct, and trust the process—and in doing so, I discovered some of the most powerful moments I’ve ever experienced at the festival.
From deep conversations about the Dark Feminine, to exploring the power of sound through voice, to unexpected moments of pure joy—like an early morning class turning into a live concert—this edition was filled with surprises. The kind you can’t schedule. The kind that stays with you.
The lineup once again brought together world-class teachers, healers, and musicians. But what stood out most wasn’t just the talent—it was the authenticity. The depth. The feeling that this wasn’t just a festival, but a space where real shifts can happen.
For yoga teachers, seekers, or simply anyone curious about exploring something deeper, I still believe this is a must-attend event. Not because everything is perfect—but because it meets you exactly where you are.
If you’re considering attending in the future, tickets are usually released early on the official website, often with very attractive early bird pricing. It’s worth planning ahead.
And beyond the festival, this is also the perfect reason to explore more of Bali. Step outside the usual areas like Seminyak or Sanur, and take the time to discover the island more deeply—from the quiet beauty of North Bali to the raw landscapes of the east.
To make the experience even richer, you can also combine it with a stay at Goddess Retreat. I spent a week there before the festival, and it was the ideal way to prepare—physically and mentally. With tailored programs focused on healing, movement, and exploration (and yes, unlimited spa treatments), it creates the perfect transition into the festival experience.
As I left this year’s edition, I didn’t feel overwhelmed—I felt grounded. Open. And quietly transformed.
And that’s why I know I’ll be back.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
To book the Bali Spirit Festival, check their website: https://www.balispiritfestival.com/
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.
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