Skip Ubud and Seminyak: Local shares hidden Bali gem that offers a break from the crowds

When New Zealand-born Janine Cottle spent her life savings to open a wellness retreat in Bali 16 years ago, she had no idea that she was at the forefront of a major trend.

Now, wellness travel is booming, with people all over the world choosing holidays grounded in relaxation and restoration.

The numbers don't lie: the global wellness tourism industry is predicted to be worth around $1.35 trillion in 2028. That's more than double what it was just two years ago.

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Janine's Escape Haven, nestled in the chic enclave of Canggu, is now Bali's most awarded women's wellness retreat.

The all-inclusive retreat isn't just about naps in the sun, yoga, and green juice.

Janine and her husband Trent have designed the itineraries to be specific to each guest, based on what they need (determined by a pre-stay quiz).

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With an Ayurvedic doctor and a trauma specialist on staff, the retreat offers something for everyone - and yep, there's surfing, pilates, and massages, too.

Next February, they're launching a whole new resort and experience for men and women, which they've dubbed a "science-meets-soul" retreat, completely focused on recovery.

Mana is designed to be the meeting point between ancient wellness practices with science-backed treatments.

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Mana Sanctuary will be a first for Bali, and will help people recover from the stress of everyday life, with a team of experts and tailored treatments, Janine tells 9Travel.

The ensuites have copper baths, the treatment rooms have zero-gravity beds designed by NASA to help you zone out, and there's a longevity lab with state-of-the art innovations from wellness scientists.

Every room has a 'recovery box', with red-light therapy masks to help with sleep, trigger-point massage balls, bands, mats, and more.

"I'm so excited about the boxes," Janine tells 9Travel, adding that she chose everything in there based on her own experience of what she wished she had while travelling.

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While chatting with Janine, it's clear that she's found Bali to be a truly transformative place to live - and so far from the common stereotype of the Indonesian island.

So of course we had to also tap into her local knowledge. When it comes to travel around the island of Bali, Janine has some hidden gems up her sleeve.

She absolutely loves Munduk, a hidden oasis in the lush interior of the island.

"Most people don't know this, but Bali can actually get cold," she recalls of a recent trip she took there with her nine-year-old daughter.

"In Munduk, as far as the eye can see, it's beautiful flowers. Everywhere is lush, everything is overgrown," she says.

She recommends booking to stay in an eco bungalow, where you can light bonfires at night and watch the stars after a day of guided waterfall trekking.

Munduk is a local fave, where Bali residents can take a break away from the crowds of peak tourist season.

Janine says they rarely visit Uluwatu or Ubud any more - they're beautiful but so busy with tourists.

"Another place we love is called Sidemen," adds Trent, "in the southern part of Bali. It's lesser known, and the food is all organic because there's no other option; everything is right there."

"Stay in these amazing bamboo huts, which have a bath heated with fire, it's really romantic."

The area is great for trekking and hiking as well, with waterfalls and creeks you can float down.

"When the island gets busy, that's where we go."

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