My First Yoga Retreat in Lombok: Bali’s Laid-Back Sister
With its sandy white beaches and welcoming surf breaks, Lombok has settled into my memory as Bali’s cool, laid-back sister. While the island itself is slightly larger than its buzzy neighbor to the west, it offers a slower, more grounded energy — one that beckons visitors to relax, savor lazy mornings and linger over long afternoons by the water.
With these relaxed qualities, Lombok felt like the perfect place to attend my very first DIY yoga retreat— a part of my solo trip itinerary that I had been absolutely buzzing for as a newly certified yoga teacher.
Read on to see how it all unfolded.
How did I get to Lombok?
Map of Lombok
You can reach Lombok two ways: by ferry or by plane.
If you're coming from mainland Bali, I’d recommend flying. The flight takes around 30 minutes and is around $35 USD at the time of writing.
However, I was traveling from Nusa Lembongan, which made taking a ferry my best option. After scouring reviews and TikToks, I chose the Ekajaya Fast Ferry service which was widely recommended. The one-way trip cost approximately $35 and took roughly four hours.
Ferries are a very common way to travel between islands, though conditions can vary, so choosing a reputable operator and preparing for seasickness is your best bet. Ekajaya felt organized and comfortable, and the journey was manageable with motion-sickness medication in tow.
From the port, I hired a private driver I found on Facebook which is my preferred way to support local drivers directly. The two-hour drive to the town of Kuta cost about $19, not including tip.
In retrospect, I could have saved a few hours had I returned to the mainland from Nusa Lembongan and drove to the Bali airport. However, that would have still meant a ferry back to Bali and booking a car ride to catch a flight.
Where did I stay?
My heart was set on staying six days in the small surf town of Kuta at the southern end of the island. The drive takes about two hours (only 20 minutes if you fly into Lombok International Airport).
I happen to love romanticizing long car rides in new places. Along the way I watched monkeys play with puppies beside the road, passed ornate mosques and saw local life unfolding outside my window.
For the first two nights, I stayed at a ZiFa Mandalika — a cozy property made up of five separate houses arranged around a central pool. It was within easy walking distance to the beach and several trendy cafés, restaurants and cute boutiques.
The remainder of my stay took place at Mana Eco Retreat, a lush tropical sanctuary for yoga lovers and wellness seekers.
Welcome to Mana Eco Retreat
Aerial View of Mana Eco Retreat. Photo property of Mana Eco Retreat.
Mana Eco Retreat is essentially a collection of all of my favorite things in one place: a yoga studio, an all-day café and a sustainability-focused eco-resort.
I was welcomed with a cold towel and a fresh drink, which was just what I needed after the scooter ride from my previous accommodation. I immediately felt a sense of calm and ease, setting the tone for the next four days at Mana.
Much of this feeling came from the warmth of the staff. All throughout Indonesia, I consistently encountered some of the kindest people I’ve ever met while traveling — from hotel staff to homestay hosts to restaurant workers.
After checking in, I stepped out of the reception (which also serves as a curated boutique) and ventured through lush greenery to my cabana.
I stayed in one of the retreat’s Cabana rooms — spacious, airy and overlooking one of two pools on property. But the real surprise came when I opened the bathroom door: a dreamy tropical shower and soaking tub.
While I love a simple homestay, there is something magical about falling asleep beneath a canopied bed after a long day of sun, yoga and swimming.
Beyond the cabanas, the property also offers garden rooms, larger bungalows, a villa and a mixed dorm. The dorm option would be ideal for travelers attending hosted retreats or looking to build like-minded communities.
There are plenty of spaces to unwind outside your room, including shaded seating areas, pools and —my favorite amenity — two dedicated yoga shalas.
In addition, Mana Eco Resort features an on-site spa. They offer the works: body scrubs, wraps, facials, massages, hair treatments and more. All services are crafted with natural ingredients that you can feel good about.
What is a DIY yoga retreat?
One of the main reasons I chose Mana over a traditional all-inclusive retreat is that it allows guests to design their own wellness experience. Each stay includes unlimited daily yoga — and there are five classes a day — so you can create a schedule that fits your energy level, yoga practice and mood. Think of it as a “build-your-own retreat.”
For me, this meant slow mornings with tea in my room, followed by an 8 a.m. gentle flow. After class, I’d enjoy the complimentary breakfast (I became obsessed with the warm oats topped with fruit and cacao nibs), then spend hours reading, swimming, tanning and sipping coconuts by the pool. The cafe also offered lunch and dinner, which meant I didn’t have to go far for the rest of my meals.
Some afternoons, I’d double up on afternoon classes before walking five minutes into town for dinner.
And as a cherry on top, stays of three nights or more include a spa treatment. I chose a massage — exactly what my body needed after lots of yoga.
By day four, I felt reset in a way that I truly needed after close to one month of being on-the-go.
A Few Lombok Highlights
Surf lesson with Surfing Banditos
I spent one morning learning how to surf with the legends from Surfing Banditos. As a beginner, I appreciated how the coaches took time to explain timing, positioning and wave cues.
After an easy pickup at my hotel, we headed to the beach, suited up in rash guards and boarded small boats to reach the breaks. The water was perfectly warm — no wetsuit needed — and was a welcome difference from surfing back home in California.
I had such a nice time and would recommend Surfing Banditos to anyone looking for a good local company while they are in Kuta.
Café Hopping in Kuta
One of my favorite parts of traveling in Indonesia is the café culture. The country is the world’s fourth-largest coffee producer and the cafés that dot each town reflects that — stylish, unique and full of excellent coffee. Nothing hits like an iced latte, a slow morning and a bit of people-watching.
My two favorite spots in Kuta were Milk Espresso and Bush Radio.
Why I’d Come Back
For travelers seeking wellness, surf and nature, this island delivers all three. While first-time visitors to Indonesia often set their sights on Bali, that’s exactly why you should consider Lombok. It’s less crowded, beautiful and relaxing.
Lombok is also home to Mount Rinjani, the second-highest volcano in Indonesia. Trekking this active volcano and its surrounding national park is a bucket-list experience for adventurers seeking a challenging multi-day journey with unforgettable views.
Quick Info
Best time to visit: May–October (dry season)
Budget range: Affordable $$
Ideal trip length:
Quick beach trip or DIY yoga retreat: 3–5 days
Full island exploration: 2–3 weeks
Who this is for: Nature lovers, adventure seekers, yogis, surfers, wellness travelers and digital nomads
Who it’s NOT for: Party-focused travelers. While Kuta has a modest nightlife scene, I found it way more chill compared to hotspots like Canggu or Uluwatu.
Practical Tips: Things to Know
Sun protection: The sun is intense year-round. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and protective clothing.
Transportation: Ride-hailing apps like Gojek and Grab are limited or unavailable in many parts of Lombok. Plan to rent a scooter (if experienced) or hire private drivers for longer distances.
Cultural awareness: Lombok is predominantly Muslim, unlike Hindu-majority Bali. Modest outfits are appreciated when you’re not at the beach— for example, putting on a cover-up over your swimsuit when walking through town.
Have you visited Lombok or have another favorite destination in Indonesia? I’d love to hear your experience.
