Finding Stillness in the Hills: My Time at Sumberkima

Tucked away in the quiet far North-West corner of Bali lies a retreat that feels like it belongs to another world. Sumberkima Hill wasn’t just a place I stayed—it was a place I felt. Far removed from the bustle of the south, and even more distant from the rhythm of everyday life, this sanctuary became a soulful pause in time.

The journey there, though long (4 hours from Canggu) , went very fast, I was delighted in seeing the movement of the locals & all the small businesses & many warungs (restaurants) that were available along the way. It was a scenic transition, escaping the south—to rolling hills, villages untouched by tourism, and the occasional glimpse of the ocean shimmering in the distance. But nothing prepared me for the view that awaited at Sumberkima. 

From my villa (Villa Loulaki) perched on the hillside, the panoramic landscape stretched from the lush green peaks of the mountains to the calm blues of the Java Sea. Morning mist rolled in gently like a dream, and sunset painted the sky in quiet hues of peach and gold. Breathtaking views of a space so open, so serene & so necessary for us all to experience. 

Each day began with birdsong and the soft whisper of the breeze. I would rise early,  drawn to the stillness, and often found myself in meditation gazing out to the spectacular view.. The retreat’s design—open, airy, and harmoniously integrated with nature—encouraged a deep, natural slowing down. There was no rush, no noise, and no pressure—just space & time to be.

Most mornings consisted of 20 laps of the lap pool, a 40min gym workout in the open-air gym, followed by a nourishing wholesome breakfast. I had every intention to make further progress on my book, but felt a deep calling to rest my mind instead. So, that is what i did. I switched off, I detached from the outside world, avoided having conversation with family & friends & just allowed myself to sit in solitude. Something we rarely get to do. The beauty of Sumberkima Hill is you can literally go for days (if you like) with very minimal human interaction, instead immerse yourself in nature & just be. 

The amazing thing about being perched in the mountains with valleys surrounding you is that once the sun goes down you get to hear sounds coming from nearby towns/ villages , we could hear hindu type chanting, music, & prayer travelling across the valley. It was a rare & special experience, especially when we learned that when a local passes away the community come together to pray & chant for days following, as a way to send off the spirit into the next life. It was this level of richness, in culture, of tradition which i enjoyed the most. 

One of the most memorable experiences was a day trip to Menjangan Island, a short boat ride away. The snorkeling there was nothing short of magical. Crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral gardens, and schools of tropical fish in every colour imaginable. The diversity of the sea life was actually super surprising, especially after having experienced the Great Barrier Reef & Fijian waters. I have to say my expectations were low, however, i was overwhelmed with the number of turtles, lion fish, nemo fish, rainbow fish & gorgeous cabbage like coral. Drifting weightlessly above the reef, I felt as though time stopped. It was quiet, awe-inspiring, and deeply meditative—a reminder of the beauty and mystery that still exists in the natural world.

Kayaking is also something on offer here, which we enjoyed doing with a guide, seeing the calmness of the water & the many floating fishing platforms/houses Bagang (Bagan) gave a beautiful reflection & true insight of what the balinese people are like, calm, peaceful, productive. 

Back at the retreat, the peace was so tangible you could almost hold it. Whether I was soaking in the infinity pool overlooking distant volcanoes, enjoying hot & cold contrast therapy at the spa, or simply reading a book under a frangipani tree, everything felt spacious and serene. The silence wasn’t empty—it was full. Full of clarity, calm, and quiet joy. The wellness spa is a must see, the view form the massage rooms is like nothing you've ever witnessed, reminiscent of a painting, that you can get lost in for hours.

Up on the ridge, the Sumberkima Stage — built in harmony with the land — comes alive with traditional Kecak performances, with the team and local villagers dancing under the stars. And down in the bay, a dream of restoration has taken root. Metamorfosa Bali, a reef restoration project started by the founders, is now a thriving local NGO run entirely by the community. Together, they’re rebuilding the coral reef with innovative structures and planting hope beneath the sea’s surface — a living example of regeneration and care. 

The food, too, was a highlight—nourishing, locally-sourced, and crafted with love. There are 2 restaurants available, Suma & Senja. Suma has a variety of different dishes & cuisines available, where Senja is heavily indonesian food focused. The team at the restaurants were warm & welcoming, making every meal feel intimate and grounding. Sumberkima have their own organic gardens, whereby herbs, fruit & vegetables are grown & harvested. Sustainability is priority at Sumberkima, which is evident with the use of glass bottles over plastic, room cleans only when requested & alliances with the local villages to ensure the land is cared for & protected.

As I left, I carried not only the stillness of the hills and the rhythm of the sea, but also a deep respect for the heartbeat of this place: the people. Sumberkima Hill is not just rooted in nature, but in community. Many of the team members who welcomed me so warmly are also my guides to the real Bali — inviting guests into their world with generosity and grace. Whether teaching you how to make coconut oil or traditional jamu, guiding you through a temple ceremony with handmade offerings, or sharing stories over a walk through the hills, they offer something rare: true connection.

The real gift of Sumberkima was the deep peace that wrapped itself around each moment. It wasn’t just a break from the world—it was a return to what truly matters. Nature, presence, breath, connection.

Sumberkima Hill is more than a retreat. It’s a quiet revolution in how we travel — where sustainability meets soul, and where visitors don’t just witness Bali, but become gently woven into its fabric. 

If you’re craving solitude, healing, and beauty in its purest form, I can’t recommend Sumberkima Hill enough. It’s not just a destination—it’s a soulful experience. One I’ll carry with me long after the journey home.