Late 2020, at the height of a global pandemic, Y Travel was born. At a period when travel was off the cards indefinitely, our founder Yvonne used this time to bring her vision to life - creating a new style of travel company, dedicated to curating bespoke journeys driven by passion and meaning.

Five years on, Y Travel continues to craft journeys that move, transform and connect. To celebrate this milestone, our team travelled to Bali for three days of reflection, reconnection and rejuvenation, staying between COMO Uma Ubud and COMO Shambhala Estate, two of the world’s most celebrated wellness retreats. Nestled above the Ayung River, these properties offered a sanctuary to pause, reset and immerse ourselves in the principles that define our approach to travel.

Three Days of Quiet Magic

Our retreat became a gentle pause, a chance to wander through emerald rice terraces, enjoy fragrant cooking classes and share candlelit dinners that felt truly unforgettable. At COMO Uma Ubud, we experienced the artistic and cultural heart of Ubud, where craftsmanship and creativity infuse every corner. COMO Shambhala Estate grounded us in wellness, offering a restorative space to reconnect with nature, ourselves and each other. We left inspired, clear and deeply rejuvenated, carrying the calm and insight these extraordinary properties fostered.

Living our Y Factors

Every moment of the retreat reflected the values that guide Y Travel - our Y Factors:

Adventure began at dawn, as we walked misty rice paddies, listening to rivers and birdsong below.

Artistry revealed itself everywhere, from Ubud’s streets and studios to the design and detail of COMO Uma Ubud itself.

Culture and Community came alive through a traditional water blessing ceremony at COMO Shambhala Estate, where a local priest guided us through prayers, holy water and Tridatu wristbands representing creation, preservation and transformation. The retreat coincided with Galungan, a festival celebrating dharma, and we witnessed Ubud adorned with penjor and locals in their finest traditional attire.

Generosity surrounded us – in COMO’s staff who shared Balinese culture, in Yvonne and Allan who invited the team into this experience, and in the warmth of local communities we engaged with.

Nature and Sustainability were embedded into every step. Walking guides carried sticks and bags to collect rubbish along the trails, reminding us of the importance of preserving these landscapes.

Taste came alive through COMO Shambhala’s nourishing, seasonal cuisine. Hands-on cooking classes preparing Pepes Ikan and Mie Goreng became moments of joy, learning and connection.

The Unexpected arrived on our final evening, as we donned brightly coloured sarongs and dined at Begawan Giri, an open-air restaurant set amid rice fields, under skies turning pink and gold – an unforgettable celebration of place and creativity.

Wellbeing infused every experience, from Shambhala massages to a guided sound healing meditation and Qi Gong practice we can now carry into our daily lives.

Reflections & Looking Forward

This retreat reminded us that purposeful travel is never just about the places we visit, it is about the intention, curiosity and connection we bring. COMO Uma Ubud and COMO Shambhala Estate were more than hotels, they were spaces for reflection, and catalysts for transformation. They showed us how exceptional places can elevate experiences and inspire meaningful connection.

As we step into the year ahead, we carry a strengthened devotion to our purpose, to craft journeys that are exquisite, transformative and deeply personal. Journeys that honour culture, foster curiosity, awaken the senses and leave a lasting imprint. Journeys that invite our clients to expand, rediscover and celebrate their most meaningful chapters.

Here’s to five years of purpose, inspired by place and elevated by the transformative power of travel.