I landed back in Bali with a suitcase full of work-emails and a mind buzzing with a thousand thoughts. You know that kind of “have-to-check-my-phone-every-five-minutes” feeling? I was stuck in it. And that’s when I decided I needed something deeper than a standard holiday, I needed to reset! So I booked myself a detox holiday on the island, and let’s just say it was one of the best decisions I’ve made.
The words “detox holiday” can sound a little scary or extreme (juice-fast-only, anyone?). But in Bali it didn’t feel like that at all. Instead of deprivation it felt like gentleness: nutrient-rich juices, daily yoga, spa therapies, cultural immersion, and meals that made me feel alive. I stayed in two places that captured this beautifully: The Palm Tree House in Canggu and Blue Karma Dijiwa Ubud in Ubud.
Imagine waking up, stepping out into a tropical garden, doing yoga while the sun rises over rice paddies, then sipping a freshly pressed green juice as the Balinese breeze plays through the palms. That was me, one morning. And though I had come with the idea of “cleansing”, what I found was restoration.
On day two of the detox at Blue Karma Dijiwa, I had a schedule like this:
By the end of that day I felt something shift. My digestion was calmer, the constant mental chatter had quieted, and inadvertently. I had opened WhatsApp to check something and realised I didn’t care that I didn’t respond instantly. The detox programme had given me a buffer, a pause. And that pause turned out to be a gift.
Blue Karma Djiwa
Photo from Djiwa Sanctuaries
Here’s a mindset of what to expect, drawn from my experience:
Yes, I said “disconnect” but in a good detox holiday, being reachable doesn’t have to mean being tethered. That’s where using a reliable travel eSIM came in handy. Here’s how:
When I booked my trip I installed the ORA eSIM before I even landed in Bali, no need to swap SIM cards, no roaming shock. Having data meant I could:
In short: I stayed in the world, while being liberally outside the world. ORA eSIM gave me that freedom. And when you’re in a detox mindset, freedom makes a big difference.
Palm Tree House
Photo from Escape Haven
Here are a few things I learnt so you don’t have to reinvent the wheel:
What exactly is included in a detox holiday in Bali?
It depends on the retreat. For example, Blue Karma Dijiwa’s 4-day detox includes cold-pressed juices, yoga, herbal wraps, and colonic therapy. The Palm Tree House offers daily yoga, healthy meals, spa treatments, and a custom detox plan.
Is it safe to do a juice cleanse and spa treatments while travelling?
Yes! As long as you’re in good health, stay hydrated, and communicate your needs. Most retreats have nutritionists or wellness experts to guide you safely.
Should I keep my phone / mobile data while on a detox holiday?
Absolutely! Stay connected for safety and logistics, you just choose how to use it. Many guests limit social media but keep data for essentials.
What time of year is best for a detox holiday in Bali?
All year round! The dry season (April–October) is ideal for outdoor yoga, while the rainy season offers a calmer vibe.
What happens after the retreat and how do I maintain the “reset” when I return home?
Keep small habits such as short daily yoga, mindful eating, or digital pauses. Many retreats help you plan post-detox routines.