A Place in Bali Where Time Slows Down Sumberkima Hill
Not every Bali experience is about ticking boxes or rushing to the next Instagram moment. Some places gently invite you to slow down before you even realise you needed to.
Perched in the serene hills of North West Bali, Sumberkima Hill Retreat is one of those rare places that feels less like a resort and more like a doorway to peace. If your idea of a holiday this year isn’t about packing your schedule but about unfolding it, you’ll understand the magic here panoramic views, warm Balinese hospitality, mindful wellness experiences and a soft rhythm that seems to say: arrive properly.
Where It Is And Why It Feels So Different from the Rest of Bali
Sumberkima Hill sits in the northwest corner of Bali, between Pemuteran and Menjangan, tucked away from the hustle of Bali’s southern beaches and nightlife.
This isn’t Seminyak, Uluwatu or Canggu it’s a quieter side of the island where nature dominates the senses and the pace is deliberately slower. Rolling hills, jagged mountain ridgelines, the deep blue of the Bali Sea and distant views of Java’s volcanoes at sunset make every moment feel intentional.
How to get there:
Most travellers fly into Ngurah Rai International Airport (Denpasar), then choose between a private transfer (about 3–4 hours by road), a domestic flight to Banyuwangi (East Java) followed by a scenic road trip, or a combo of taxi + shuttle arranged by the resort. Staff at Sumberkima Hill can generally organise transport and pick-up for a smooth arrival.
Because of its quiet location, having transport arranged in advance is a huge relief it’s part of the unhurried experience from the first moment.
What Makes Sumberkima Hill So Special (The Big Picture)
At first glance, Sumberkima Hill is a collection of luxury villas and retreat spaces. But after a few hours here, you realise it’s really a place designed around stillness, not speed.
The core ethos as the resort itself puts it is to help guests unplug, unwind and rediscover through nature, wellness, and mindful experiences.
Here are the pillars of that experience:
Spectacular natural surroundings sea, hills, forests and volcano views
Private pool villas & wellness spaces calm infused into every corner
Yoga, spa & healing experiences movement that reconnects you to your body
Thoughtful dining with fresh and local flavours food that nourishes
Cultural and nature-led experiences: from snorkeling reefs to forest trekking
The Villas Spacious, Private & Rooted in Nature
Sumberkima Hill has a range of villa options each offering a slightly different experience, but all designed with nature views and relaxation in mind:
Villa Uma: A 2-bedroom villa with a private pool and views across rice fields and valley, plus spectacular sunrises/sunsets behind mountains.
Villa Nandini: A 2-bedroom retreat with lush jungle views, hidden away for ultimate quiet and birdwatching.
Villa Kurma: A larger 3-bedroom villa with an expansive private pool overlooking the sea and valley perfect for families or groups.
Kesambi Villa: A slightly smaller but stylish oasis with sunrise and sea views and access to a communal infinity pool.
Each villa type blends indoor and outdoor living, embraces the natural greenery and allows you to set your own pace lounging by the private pool, lounging with a book, or simply breathing with no agenda at all.
Wellness & Mindful Movement Yoga, Spa & Heart-Centered Experiences
One of the standout elements of the retreat is its focus on wellbeing. Whether you’re a seasoned yoga lover or merely curious, the space here invites you to show up without judgment, in your own rhythm:
Yoga shala and daily classes: A sunrise yoga session offered in a scenic hilltop shala anchors your morning and connects you deeply to the day ahead.
Spa and healing treatments: From Balinese massages to hot stone therapies, the spa menu aims to reset your body and mind surrounded by calming nature scents and warm ambiance.
Additional wellness activities: Beyond gentle practices, you’ll find Muay Thai training, group circuit workouts and even opportunities to design your own wellness retreat program.
Wellness here doesn’t feel like a scheduled list of classes. It feels like a permission slip to relax, restore, stretch and just be.
Dining at Sumberkima Fresh, Thoughtful & Scenic
There are a few places on site to satisfy your appetite and none of them rush the experience:
Suma Restaurant: A panoramic, open-air restaurant overlooking the sea. It opens early and offers daily specials using fresh, locally sourced ingredients perfect for nourishing breakfasts, relaxed lunches or quiet dinners as the sun dips behind the horizon.
Senja Restaurant: Known for Indonesian cuisine and cocktails with epic valley and volcano views the sunset here feels like a naturally curated moment just for you.
Mangroove Bay: A short drive brings you to this fresh spot by the bay, mixing Balinese and Mediterranean flavours that taste especially good after a day of wellness or exploration.
Food is treated with a slow-travel mindset nourishing, scenic, and deeply satisfying rather than rushed and heavy.
Beyond the Villas Experiences That Make Time Feel Different
Sumberkima Hill isn’t just about staying somewhere beautiful; it’s about feeling the place:
Sumberkima Bay Snorkeling & Reef Restoration: Help revive reef life or just float in the clear waters and watch coral grow.
Village tours and cultural immersion: Learn from local villagers, craftspeople and guides.
Kayaking and ocean adventures: The sea calls you for quiet paddles, sunrise reflections, or easy explorations.
Trekking & day trips: Northeast Bali has hiking routes, waterfalls and rice field paths that make great day trips.
Whether you want nature immersion, a bit of culture or simply a moment to be present with yourself, there’s gentle activity tailored to your pace.
Practical Tips for First-Timers
If this is your first time in Bali, or your first time exploring anywhere beyond the south, here’s how to make your stay smooth:
Plan transport ahead: Sumberkima Hill is tucked away; arranging a private transfer or shuttle through the resort saves stress on arrival.
Pack for nature: Comfortable shoes, sun protection, and light layers make sunrise yoga, sunset views and outdoor meals even more enjoyable.
Stay hydrated: Bali’s climate is warm year-round; carry water as you explore the hills and outdoor spots.
Book wellness early: Yoga, spa treatments and special dinners can fill up quickly, especially at peak times.
A Stay That Changes the Way You Breathe
There’s a phrase some travellers use for places that shift your inner pace:
you don’t visit them you arrive.
Sumberkima Hill is exactly that.
It’s not about ticking off temples or checking sunset beaches off a list. It’s about noticing the breeze on your skin after a yoga session, savouring the slow golden light over the valley, and sitting beside your private pool with no tab on your watch.
If you’re looking for a side of Bali that feels grounded, spacious, and unhurried, this might just be one of the best places on the island for it.
And if you want more off-beat escapes, mindful travel ideas, and travel moments that actually feel like magic, make sure you follow @london.yaar on Instagram your next slow escape might be closer than you think.