With an emphasis on cold-pressed juices, warm broths, and herbal teas, the menus provide an opportunity for digestive and systemic rest. “Since the very beginning, the philosophy of COMO Shambhala Kitchen has been about balancing nutrition with exceptional taste,” says Amanda Gale, COMO Group’s lead development chef, who has created the brand’s healthy approach to eating over the last twenty years. “These complete cleanses, though mostly liquid-based, don’t compromise on that expectation.”
“Our integrative approach to wellness now runs even deeper with this complementary approach, allowing us to improve the client’s cleansing experience by pairing a digestive reset with our therapies and Wellness Paths,” says Lisa Manser, Group Director of Wellness Operations. “The Cleanse Menus works in perfect synchrony with our Nourish to Glow and Detox to Restore Wellness Paths, launched earlier this year at COMO Shambhala Estate in Bali.”
“People become accustomed to a certain threshold of sugars and processed ingredients because of their daily food and beverage choices. The process of a liquid cleanse invites guests to reset their taste expectations and sustain healthy eating habits even after the programme has concluded,” says Eve Persak, consultant nutritionist for COMO Shambhala.
The menus are designed to provide the body with nutrients, phytochemicals, and nutraceutical compounds. They benefit the body by reducing inflammation and physiological stresses, facilitating cellular repair, and nourishing the internal systems involved in detoxification. The menus encourage the removal of existing impurities by the liver, lymphatic system, kidneys, and gastrointestinal tract.
The menus are free of common allergens, such as egg, dairy, wheat, gluten, soy, and shellfish, as well as legumes (beans, lentils, and peas) which require more digestive effort. Vegetables predominate in the cold-pressed juices. Reduced sugars help to improve glycemic (blood sugar) stability, which boosts energy levels, mood, focus, appetite, and complexion. No artificial additives (thickeners, emulsifiers, preservatives, colourings, flavourings) are used, which may irritate the gut lining, disrupt the microbiome, and cause a dysregulated metabolism.
Clients can choose between two menus — the Beginner Cleanse and Advanced Cleanse menu.
COMO Shambhala Beginner Cleanse
This is appropriate for clients who are new to cleansing, or who are planning to remain more active during the programme. It includes modest portions of nutritious meals (like salads, cauliflower steak, or cauliflower rice) alongside a variety of soups, juices, and broths.
In the daytime, when the digestive system is most active, dishes feature a mix of fresh or raw ingredients — like yoghurts, nut and seed mueslis, salads, and grain bowls. In the evening, selections focus on warm soups and stews to lessen any digestive effort and ease the transition into sleep.
Sample dishes in the Beginner Cleanse menu include:
Real Toast: Our ‘Club’ sandwich served with crushed avocado, tomato, cucumber, parsley, and lemon, served on top of a flaxseed cracker for breakfast.
Warm Roast Kabocha Pumpkin: Served alongside a beetroot and baby carrot salad with leafy greens, citrus dressing, and spiced nuts and seeds, for lunch.
Lymph Purifier: A cold-pressed juice made of cucumber, celery, fennel, apple, ginger, lemon, and kale, designed to optimise the function of the lymphatic system. To be consumed mid-afternoon.
Supercharged Sea Vegetable Soup: Featuring mushrooms, broccolini, Tuscan kale, ginger, spring onions, and nori sprinkle. An extra serving of protein in the form of herb poached chicken or citrus scented salmon baked en papillote can be added.
COMO Shambhala Advanced Cleanse
This is an intensive cleanse that relies on liquids and purees only, including juice extractions, smoothies, yoghurts, and soups.
Sample dishes in the Advanced Cleanse menu include:
Blood Builder: A cold-pressed juice for breakfast, made with beetroot, apple, turmeric, and ginger — the apple adds sweetness while having a lower sugar content.
Bloat Away: For lunch, a juice of cucumber, parsley, celery, fennel, and mint is served alongside a vegetable stew made with zucchini, pumpkin, cherry tomatoes and kale.
Turmeric and Lemongrass Bone Broth: Served mid-afternoon, this warming broth replenishes amino acids and supports a healthy gut.
Green Goddess Soup: Packed with antioxidants from a blend of broccoli, zucchini, kale, and basil, this classic dish from the COMO Shambhala Kitchen supports liver function.