Desa Seni Bali review: my stay at an eco-wellness village in the heart of nature
Why I returned to Desa Seni, even after they relocated from Canggu
I first discovered Desa Seni back in 2018, when it was nestled in the heart of Canggu. It was this peaceful pocket of greenery among rice fields, just steps away from cafes and surf breaks. But with the land prices skyrocketing, the original location became unsustainable.
In 2023, Desa Seni quietly moved to Baturiti, a cooler, quieter village about 90 minutes north of Canggu, tucked between the jungle and near the gorgeous Leke Leke Waterfall and Beratan Temple.
Honestly, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Could it still capture that magic?
Spoiler: Yes. And in some ways, it’s even better now.
A living, breathing eco-village, not just a “resort¨
From the moment I arrived, I felt like I had stepped into another world. Desa Seni isn’t just a wellness resort, it’s a real working eco-village, with local farmers tending the land, children laughing in the gardens, and antique wooden homes from across Indonesia restored with love.
Each guesthouse is a vintage Joglo (Javanese wooden house), relocated, reassembled, and restored. The house I stayed in had hand-carved doors, woven bamboo ceilings, and a copper bathtub on the balcony, where I soaked while listening to frogs and distant gamelan music.
No two rooms are the same. And that’s the beauty.
Yoga in the rice fields: the Trimurti studio
Desa Seni’s Trimurti Yoga Studio is open-air, with rice fields on all sides and a light breeze that rolls through as you move through asanas.
Birds, frogs, the scent of frangipani, it’s like practicing in a dream.
I joined two group sessions: one vinyasa and one restorative. Both were guided by incredibly grounded instructors, real yogis, not influencers. One of them, Kadek, shared breathwork techniques I hadn’t encountered in years of teaching. And because the classes are small, they tailor the practice to your needs.
If you’re craving deep practice, not just a pretty setting, this is the place.
Organic farm-to-table food that feeds the soul
As a vegetarian, I was in heaven. Seasons Restaurant sources about 80% of its ingredients from its on-site organic farm. The rest comes from local growers and ethical suppliers in Tabanan.
Chef Willy Kobylt (yes, I asked his name!) combines Indonesian flavors with international techniques. My favorites: the jackfruit rendang, the lemongrass-tamarind juice, and the post-yoga turmeric smoothie bowl.
One morning, I joined the garden team for a harvesting session. We picked spinach, lemongrass, and basil, then saw them show up in lunch. Pure farm-to-fork.
The restaurant emphasizes sustainability and supports local suppliers who share the same organic and eco-friendly values, aligning with Bali’s Sustainable Tourism goals as promoted by UNESCO
The spa: traditional healing in a modern world
I booked the Bali Rebalance Ritual, which includes a foot bath, full-body massage, and flower scrub. The therapist, Ibu Wayan, used warm herbal compresses and a pressure point technique I hadn’t experienced before.
She explained the origins of the treatment and even shared that she learned the method from her grandmother. There was something deeply grounding in her presence, a sense of care that’s hard to fake.
The spa uses homemade oils and scrubs, not bottled products. And you feel that difference.
Sleeping in history: my joglo house
My antique home had a name, Rumah Lumbung, and came from Central Java. Inside, a hand-written note told the story of its origin. That’s rare.
The space had:
- A four-poster bed with organic cotton linens
- A rainshower under banana leaves
- A private meditation nook outside with a handmade stone Buddha
At night, I lit incense and journaled by candlelight. It felt like staying inside a piece of living heritage, not just another boutique villa.
How to Get There & Insider Tips
Climate: Cooler than coastal Bali, pack a light jacket for evenings.
Location: Br. Mayungan Let No.13, Antapan, Baturiti, Tabanan, Bali – MAP me here
Drive time: ~1.5 hrs from Canggu, 1 hr from Ubud
Tip: Combine your stay with visits to Leke Leke Waterfall (15 min) and Beratan Temple (25 min).
Final Thoughts: Not Just a Stay, A Reset
This isn’t just a retreat. Desa Seni offers a true recalibration of body, mind, and spirit.
They’ve managed to bring their original soul from Canggu into a place that feels even more in harmony with Bali’s nature. It’s peaceful, not performative. Healing, not hyped.
If you want to disconnect from noise and reconnect to yourself, Desa Seni in Baturiti is the rare kind of place that will stay with you long after you leave.
Find Desa Seni on IG here
Call: +62 811-3090-1313
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