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Pro-fusion of massages
It seems like every spa in the world has at least a few Balinese therapists on staff for their expert hands, their fingers veritable treasure troves of soothing and reinvigorating massages. This Indonesian island cultivates the art of reconciling body and mind. Some of our best picks in the land of well-being.
Gentleness, slowness, self-love and kindness to others are characteristics of Bali, the Hindu island where temple offerings punctuate the days. This “detached” approach to existence means that over the centuries, Bali –more so than its close neighbours has endeavoured to fuse the best of Indian Ayurvedic science with the most energetic Chinese medical philosophy to reach a fantastic balance between the two, a harmonious composition of stimulating massage and tender rubbing indispensible for relaxation and well-being.
Balinese massage seems to be part of the genetic heritage and participates in the daily art of living for the entire population. In addition to the techniques perfected by its citizens, nature offers a richness of plants, flowers and fruits rich in essential oils, which has given Bali the reputation of savoir-faire which now makes this island a first-class spa destination, and without the sexual connotation often attached to Thai massage or the more brutal gymnastic treatments sometimes on offer there.
The proof is in the pudding when you turn over your body to a pair of expert Balinese hands: pressure through a sarong to start, deeper oil massages on your bare skin, recto verso, from your head to your feet, a succession of vigorous drumming using the edges of the hands on your back and buttocks, invigorating and waking the senses, eliminating toxins and eradicating stress. Now just lie back and savour a ginger tea, stretched out in front of the Indian Ocean, and let yourself go…
Alila Villas Soori: Reverent contemplation
Opened in December 2009 in the southwest of Bali, by a black-sand beach near the famous Tanah Lot temple, this design resort with distinct architecture harbours a spa designed like a luxurious crypt. Muted colours, hushed tones, candelabras, and rare fragrances create a mystic ambiance perfect for relaxation and introspection, before diving into the blue waters of the swimming pool open to the sky. Ideal for a romantic sampling of the wide range of Balinese treatments, combined with a range of natural products. Divinely sensual… From €100 for one hour.
Alila Villas Uluwatu: Peaceful isolation
Set on a hill in the southernmost part of Bali, from its semi-circle standpoint Uluwatu enjoys gorgeous views over the Indian Ocean. A stay here feels like a real retreat. The beach below – reached by steep path after a 20-minute meander – is really special. An exceptional escape that allows you to give in unrestrainedly to the endless temptations of the spa.
The programmes designed specifically for Ulawatu target men and women who might be more “reticent” by offering them unique propositions, such as a full day punctuated by natural “male” treatments: a vanilla and praline scrub, cocoa mask, aloe vera moisturiser, and gourmet pauses: a delicious snack, rare liquor tasting and a cigar… Who could top that, gentlemen?
Banyan Tree Ungassan: Traditional bliss
No luxury hotel group can resist the lure of Bali, and Banyan Tree is no exception to the rule. It just opened its beautiful villas and spa with nine treatment rooms on a hill not far from the Alila Ulawatu. Banyan Tree has its very own training school for massage therapists and its own professional protocol which is applied worldwide, with a high-quality holistic approach. From €100.
Ayana Resort & Spa: Ocean pampering
Seventy-seven hectares of tropical gardens sloping gently down toward the sea. And at the tip of this immense luxury resort, in Jimbaran Bay, the most astonishing treatment room perched on a boulder with the waves for horizon. Spectacular, unique! To appreciate to the greatest extent this exceptional place, couples should opt for the Bali Spa Package: two hours of natural treatments for the face and body, ending with a bath swirling with flowers and wine, accompanied by a bottle of wine and cheese. From € 260 per person.
Ketapang Villa: Divine
A unique concept for getting away from it all, royally: Ketapang Villa, Private Resort & Spa. The largest villa hotel in Bali! Seven sumptuous suites, independent, but rented together, 100 m² on average, sprinkled throughout a park that opens onto the ocean over more than 300 metres.
A resort for you and your guests, with attentive personnel there to satisfy your every desire. In particular, seemingly endless custom massages, in the veiled cabana on the sand, just a few metres from the sea, or in the privacy of your suite. According to your preferences, the director has a panoply of masseuses and masseurs whose expertise is only exceeded by their gentleness. Given the price, an average of €11/hour, day after day, any pretext is good for trying out new treatments: for fighting jet-lag, damage from the sun, aching muscles from overdoing it in the sports joglo (a traditional Javanese wooden structure) or on the tennis court…
And when you leave behind the precious wood massage table, refreshed and perky, depending on your temperament and the time, you might take a few strokes in the vast ocean-side pool, meander on the beach or in the neighbouring rice paddies, or, drink in hand, toast the sun beautifully setting just off the deck.
The Balé: Pure luxury
The jet-set likes to recharge their batteries in the enclosed privacy of one of the twenty-nine self-contained suites of this boutique hotel, part of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. To ensure peace and quiet for all guests, children are welcome to stay elsewhere. The spa, one of the Balé’s main attractions, has developed ideal treatments that rejuvenate and reenergise even the most wiped out. Drop everything and try the Traditional Balinese, Zen Ritual and Balinese Rice Body Treatments. From €120. Spa package with lodging: 3 days/2 nights from €950.
Viceroy Bali: Undulating pleasure
Also a member of Small Luxury Hotels of The World, Viceroy Bali has taken root in a protected valley not far from the delightful town of Ubud. Jungle and river form a natural backdrop for the Lembah Spa. Authenticity is everywhere, even in the massages with the Traditional Balinese Village Massage which those who live in the rice paddies seek out to relieve their sore muscles. 60 minutes, €45. A longer, more complete and sophisticated treatment is the two and a half hour Viceroy Tropical Indulgence, not to be missed: tropical fruit scrub then body wrap, relaxing steam bath with orange essence, Balinese massage with orange oil, orange flower and frangipani bath to end this blissful escape deliciously unwound. From €120.
Maya Ubud Resort & Spa: Lovingly lovely
Ten hectares of suspended gardens, set between two rivers, a few minutes on foot from the centre of Ubud. A stunning environment for the double treatment rooms designed especially for couples. We recommend indulging in the four-hand Balinese massage, an amazing voyage of relaxing body and face massages using organic oils, along with a scrub, manicure, and pedicure. A half-day just for you. From €180.
Two more off the coast of Bali
The Losari Spa Retreat and Coffee Plantation on Java and the Nihiwatu on Sumba form two separate worlds, in the trend of chic eco-lodges that respect the environment.
The Losari Coffee Plantation is, as its name suggests, a magnificent plantation where the current owners have set up seven villas to share the life of a plantation with their guests, for holidays with family or friends, and an incredibly unique spa where Balinese and Javanese herb and oil-based treatments are the stars. A real change of scenery and total well-being guaranteed when you opt for example for the “Wellness Retreat” package of 4 days/3 nights, lodging, daily massages, and hammam, from € 930 per person.
www.losaricoffeeplantation.com
The Nihiwatu is particularly special. After a one-night stopover in Bali, a 3-hour flight takes its occupants on Thursday to the southwest of the very wild island Sumba. Totally private, absolutely isolated, and 100% ecological, 175 hectares of forest, rice fields and pastures make for a richly green universe, while the villas are dispersed over two kilometres of white sand on the oceanfront. Responsible, sustainable.
By Anna Le Caër
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