One of Bali’s most utilized attributes is its natural beauty.
It has foaming surf coasts, lapping waves, gentle green rice terraces and tropical forests. When that comes combined that with the innate elegance of Balinese traditional architecture and dress, the delicate preparation of daily offerings and the aroma of incense that hangs in the sweet tropical air you have the ingredients for the perfect spa setting.
Many of Bali’s best spas optimize this aspect in their designs, those like The Four Seasons, Jimbaran and Karma Kandara Spa, others let it occur naturally like the pretty spas at Waka di Ume and Kupu Kupu Barong who even place a spa treatment room in a tree!
Other spas develop enchanting and exotic themes. Bodyworks, the first in its field to offer real Balinese beauty therapy in conjunction with European techniques, welcomes guests into a blue and terracotta terrazzo area, the crafted large mirrors and curved fittings create an exotic Moroccan ambience that the charming Balinese therapists enhance with their smiles as they spoil you from the extensive menu manicures and pedicures and massages. The chill out music is always relaxing, never obtrusive and here you can enter another world, one of pure enjoyment. At Prana too, a transformative ambience is created through Indian themed decor, their use of deeply rich colours and gorgeous design features like the Turkish style lanterns allows guests to feel completely pampered and cared for in the style of the ancient East.
Zen minimalism also finds it home in Bali, at Theta Spa, Tuban, the far-reaching sky meets sea horizon and simple exterior allows for light and colour create beautifully changing light across the day that embraces the holistic and earth-connected philosophy of the spa. A Honey Love treatment in the honeyed light of the afternoon is nature at its most giving. The Spa at the Grand Hyatt Bali also opens itself to the sky and the light that plays across the white stones and water features add healthy freshness to the creative Avuvedic treatments and full body work rituals that leave the guest feeling vital and renewed. The Bale in Nusa Dua has the sound of the waves and the tang of salty fresh air to compliment the purity of the treatments offered and in the alfresco treatment rooms adorned with crystals and volcanic stones the Gaia connections can be very fulfilling and uplifting.
At the Semaya, Pettitenget, the spa has a lively view of the sweeping sand beach at any time of day but at sunset indulge in a romantic treatment with a loved one and end the day relaxed and happy drifting into a evening of blissful contentment.
For Indonesian inspiration there are superb spas evoking the regal richness of Indonesia’s past, the delightful Villa de Daun spa DaLa plays with romantic themes and royal elegance , with just a touch of divine decadence in deep comfort, try the Royal Wedding Ritual. Over in Canggu the spa at the Tugu with its antique furnishings and huge ceramics, traditional fabrics and ancient spa rituals evokes the essence of the romantic days of Java and the exotic appeal of the East Indies. Fresh flower treatments, magical jamus and ritual mantras create an intoxicating spa experience.
Small spaces can create, conversely, a separation of intimacy to allow a retreat, a disconnection from the external that can, through its very neutral nature, encourage the body and mind to ‘let go’. Chi on Jalan Kunti has urban chic in muted neutral colours and greys, the internal ambience shuts out the world and cocoons the guest, and with the reflexology treatment, where the therapist works on the extremities and the music is provided on personal i-Pods the advantages of minimalism are soothing and very personal.
The other amazing aspect to the immense range of design in spas in Bali is that they provide inspiration for all sorts of dreams, be it romantic or simply about changing the cushions in your home!
Set out on an spa adventure and see what dreams may come…..