PureandCure review: Marleen's retreat in Fivelements in Bali

December 6, 2024

It had been over a decade since my last visit to Bali, so I was delighted to receive an invitation to speak at a wellness retreat show on the island. In early October, I made my way to this magical place, known for its serene atmosphere and deep spiritual energy. At the show, I had the pleasure of reconnecting with partners and friends from all over the world - leaders in the holistic hospitality industry, from hotels and spas to wellness retreats. After years of collaboration, many of them had become more than just business contacts; they felt like true friends.

Wanting to make the most of my time in Bali, I extended my stay for a few days to experience Fivelements Retreat, a hidden sanctuary near Ubud, with just 18 villas and suites surrounded by lush tropical nature. There, I fully immersed myself in the healing program, receiving treatments from skilled Balinese healers. Floortje Dessing had already raved about her stay, and after my own experience, I could completely understand why. This retreat was something special, and I was eager to see it all firsthand.

In this blog post:

Arrival at Fivelements: Nature and Serenity
Room
Restaurant
Flower Bath Ritual
Unique Experiences at Fivelements
Sustainability and Giving Back
Gym
Healing
Final Thoughts: A Healing Haven in Bali
More about Fivelements Retreat Bali

Arrival at Fivelements: Nature and Serenity

From the moment I arrived at Fivelements, my body and mind came in a sense of peace. Built entirely from bamboo and wood, this eco-friendly retreat is designed to seamlessly blend with its natural surroundings. The soothing sound of the Ayung River flows along the property. The restaurant is located next to the river, and while you sit on the terrace outside, you will enjoy plant-based meals while listening to the calming rush of water. A beautiful pond with koi fish winds its way throughout the retreat, adding to the sense of serenity.

Room

Fivelements is a place for deep emotional healing, offering a true reset for your mind, body, and spirit. The retreat works with highly skilled practitioners, traditional healers, and therapists from Bali. Their wide range of healing sessions is conducted by Balinese traditional healers, who are deeply connected to their spiritual heritage.

Restaurant

During my stay, I experienced a powerful chakra energy healing session with Pak Terbu, a renowned Balinese healer. Using a combination of acupressure and chakra balancing, Pak Terbu worked to release blocked energy. His intuitive touch and the spiritual depth of the healing left me feeling lighter, more balanced, and at peace. It wasn’t just a physical release—it felt like a profound spiritual renewal.

Another remarkable experience was the mindfulness sound healing session with Pak Sadhi. Using singing bowls, Pak Sadhi guided me through a deeply meditative journey, teaching me the importance of being present. The vibrations from the bowls resonated through my body, helping me release stress and find a sense of stillness and calm. This session perfectly complemented the chakra healing, leaving me with a deep sense of

Flower Bath Ritual

To complete my healing journey, I booked a relaxing massage and flower bath. The bath was a beautiful ritual, filled with a colorful blend of flower petals in shades of green, yellow, red, orange, purple, and pink. You have the option to enjoy the bath in your own villa for ultimate privacy, allowing you to soak as long as you wish, or use the spa’s facilities. Since I chose to do my flower bath in the evening, I opted for the privacy of my villa—a perfect way to end the day.

Unique Experiences at Fivelements

Once a month, Fivelements hosts a special Full Moon Hindu Ceremony, starting at 6 PM, which is open to all guests. It’s a wonderful opportunity to experience Bali’s spiritual traditions in a communal setting. The ceremony is a deeply reflective experience and a beautiful way to connect with local culture.

One of my favorite parts of the retreat was dining at the Friendship Table, a communal table by the river where guests can enjoy meals while listening to the peaceful sound of the water. The restaurant serves 100% plant-based meals that are both nourishing and delicious, although they do use honey in some dishes for natural sweetness. Fivelements also offers daily **yoga classes** at 9 AM, which all guests are welcome to join.

Sustainability and Giving Back

Fivelements is deeply committed to sustainability and giving back to the community. The retreat partners with local artisans and healers, ensuring a positive impact on the region. They also support a local orphanage, helping children gain access to education, and run a Plant Your Tree project, allowing guests to contribute to Bali’s reforestation efforts.

Gym

Healing

My stay at Fivelements Retreat was more than just a holiday—it was a journey of healing. The chakra healing with Pak Terbu and the mindfulness sound healing with Pak Sadhi were life-changing experiences that left me feeling grounded, balanced, and at peace. The eco-friendly design of the retreat, along with its dedication to sustainability and the local community, made my time there all the more meaningful.

Final Thoughts: A Healing Haven in Bali

If you're looking to reconnect with yourself, experience deep emotional healing, and immerse yourself in Bali’s natural beauty, Fivelements is the perfect destination. It offers an unforgettable blend of wellness, tradition, and serenity.

More about Fivelements Retreat Bali

About Marleen

This blog is written by Marleen, the founder of PureandCure.com in 2005. She travels around the world in search of the best Health & Wellbeing Hotels, Spas and Retreats and shares her know-how, experiences and observations through her blogs.