The Istana

Clifftop sanctuary above Suluban

Perched along Jl. Uluwatu / Jl. Pantai Suluban in Pecatu, The Istana overlooks the surf breaks and caves of Suluban Beach while tucking guests into a world of saunas, cold plunges, yoga shalas and quiet corners. Many visitors describe it as a place where you move from sunrise stretches to sunset steam, wrapped in ocean breeze and the sound of waves.

Wellness, biohacking and that ocean view

Across reviews, a pattern emerges: people come for the infrared sauna, steam and dry-heat rooms, hot and cold plunge pools, cryotherapy, float tanks, hyperbaric chamber and sound dome — and then stay for the view. Guests mention massage rooms and spa lounges facing the Indian Ocean, an infinity pool at cliff edge, and even a central meditation hall that structures the whole property around mindfulness.

Several reviewers highlight detox-style sauna cycles (10 minutes heat, then a cold plunge, repeated), while others talk about 9D breathwork sessions, HIIT classes followed by recovery, or dormitory “Detox Package” stays with included cryotherapy.

Yoga, classes and daily rhythms

Yoga appears throughout the feedback: Slow Flow, Gentle Flow, yin at sunset (~$10USD), 8 a.m. morning classes, even 2 p.m. sessions that help shift post-lunch sluggishness. People recall practicing while sun rises or sets over the cliffs, ocean air moving through the hall, then finishing with herbal tea, journaling or simply watching light change over the water.

Couples, solo travelers and groups mention using yoga as a prelude to spa time, or combining it with 9D breathwork and meditation for a more expansive day.

Atmosphere: serene, elite – or both

Most guests describe a serene, almost sacred-feeling space: soft red light in infrared cabins, minimal quiet rooms, gentle music, and staff who guide newcomers through hot–cold rituals. Cats padding through waiting areas, bonfires under the stars, and vegan desserts or smoothie bowls after steam sessions add softness to the experience.

Yet at least one review paints a different picture: a loud, pretentious restaurant crowd, staff at reception who feel patronizing, and inconsistent enforcement of the no-phone rule between day visitors and overnight guests. That reviewer found the atmosphere elitist rather than inclusive and says they would not return.

Digital detox, with caveats

A strict no-phone policy in the wellness area stands out as a defining choice. Many visitors love handing devices to staff and going fully offline for sauna circuits, yoga and ocean-view lounging. Others note moments where rules aren’t evenly applied, especially in restaurant zones or for in-house guests, which can jar if you came specifically for mindful silence.

Who it suits best

This is a strong fit for wellness-focused travelers — from sauna addicts and biohacking fans to yoga-curious beachgoers wandering up from Suluban — who value a powerful clifftop setting and are comfortable with a scene that can feel both deeply peaceful and, at times, self-consciously “cool.”