Gdas Bali Health and Wellness Resort

Nestled in Kumbuh village, Mas — in the heart of Ubud, Bali's cultural and spiritual centre — Gdas Bali Health and Wellness Resort is a dedicated sanctuary for those seeking genuine, grounded healing. Co-founded by Russell Simmons and Balinese partner Ida Bagus Oka Genijaya, the resort draws inspiration from Usadha Bali, an ancient Balinese lontar manuscript documenting the science of traditional plant-based medicine. This deep connection to local heritage gives Gdas Bali a sense of purpose and authenticity that sets it apart from conventional wellness retreats.

The resort's approach to wellness is holistic and hands-on. Accredited instructors guide guests through programmes designed to address root causes of imbalance, with daily mindful movement including yoga and meditation forming the backbone of the experience. While specific styles are tailored to each programme, the philosophy draws on yoga as a complete daily practice — something to be lived rather than simply performed on a mat. Access to the gym and The Bali Eden are also included for guests booking directly.

Food is taken seriously here. Tangi Restaurant, set within a tropical dining hall overlooking the lush jungle of Mas, serves entirely plant-based meals crafted to complement the body's healing process. Daily vegan breakfasts and afternoon teas are included for resort guests, and the menu has earned genuine praise from visitors who arrived sceptical about vegan cuisine and left converted. The culinary offering reflects the resort's broader commitment to sustainability — local suppliers are prioritised, and the carbon footprint of operations is actively managed.

What makes Gdas Bali particularly notable is its commitment to the surrounding community. Four complimentary yoga mats are reserved in every class for local residents who could not otherwise attend. The resort employs people with disabilities, runs English and financial literacy courses for Balinese women, and regularly donates food packages to local orphanages. Guests aren't simply visiting a resort — they're participating in an ecosystem that reinvests in Bali's people and culture. For those looking to rest, reset, and reconnect in an environment with genuine values behind it, Gdas Bali offers something quietly rare.