Article by Evelyn Chen, a Spa Site Guest Writer based in Singapore, Photo by Alex Ang
The island of Bali holds a magic that captivates like no other. Known as the "Pulau Dewata" (Island of the Gods), Bali has maintained its rich tradition of spirituality and culture despite the booming tourism trade. Its dramatic architecture, lush green rice paddies, fresh ocean breezes, cool mountain mists and brightly colored daily offerings impart a deep sense of exotic splendor. It is this natural and cultural heritage that has made Bali a popular destination.With a multitude of top-notch spas sprouting across the entire island offering a sanctuary for tired souls, Bali is highly sought after as a venue to rejuvenate and re-energize.
This is the birthplace of Asia’s best tropical spas and there is no more decadent place to indulge in the Balinese art of pampering than in the opulence and allure of the Four Seasons. With a string of accolades to its name, the Four Seasons Resorts and Spas in Sayan and Jimbaran impress the senses and enlighten the soul. The serene ambience, dramatic settings, heaven-sent rituals and refined art of pampering empowered by gifts of nature from the sea and the earth have combined to create a compelling spa experience.
My visit to the Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran follows.
Located on the southern tip of Bali, a ten-minute drive from Kuta Beach and the international airport is the Four Seasons Bali Resort at Jimbaran. After a one-hour journey from Sayan, we were greeted by the warm breezes and spectacular views of the Jimbaran Bay. The 35-acre resort sits on a steep slope rising 147 feet (45 meters) above the water, beautifully landscaped with lush tropical gardens by the renowned Made Widjaya. 147 spacious and luxurious villas, clustered around seven village squares, are built into the gently terraced hillside named Bukit Permai (“beautiful hill”), each surrounded by shrubs and lush greens that rustic Balinese gardens are known for.
We checked in and a buggy took us to Villa 259. This one-bedroom villa has a lovely landscaped garden with pebble-strewn path and moss-covered Indonesian artifacts. Outside is a spacious courtyard covered by a thatched roof for outdoor dining and relaxation. The plunge pool blends into the garden and offers an unrestricted view across the Jimbaran Bay and the sacred Mount Agung, the physical and spiritual center of Bali. The interior is elegant with a sleeping pavilion, adjoining dressing area and bathing pavilion with free-standing oversized bathtub strewn with frangipani flowers. Natural daylight illuminates the dressing and bathing areas through wooden-framed windows dressed by rustic blinds that reveal an outdoor bamboo shower in a secluded Balinese garden - a perfect setting for indulgence of the body, mind and spirit.
Jimbaran Spa
The Jimbaran Spa is perched on a terrace surrounded by towering tropical greenery. The 10,000+ square-foot spa accommodates 9 treatment rooms including 3 large couples' spa suites with indoor and outdoor facilities (including a Swiss shower in the Royal Spa Suite). The facility also houses male and female locker rooms, 2 relaxation lounges, nail and hair salons, aerobics studio, gym and a quiet room for meditation. A Mediterranean counter serves light spa cuisine and local elixirs. An extensive retail area features exotic essential oils and body spa products joins the reception area in receiving guests. The Jimbaran spa menu draws its inspiration from local healing elements and the ocean, featuring traditional and exotic rituals that celebrate the restorative heritage of Indonesia.
To aid my appreciation of Jimbaran Spa’s heritage, it was recommended that I try an “Ocean Ritual” treatment. My therapist, Aryani, guided me into a rustic spa suite in soft Mediterranean hues with a double massage bed and private Swiss shower. A glass sliding door opens into a private garden with outdoor rinse shower shielded by a gigantic leafy plant and an enormous bathtub. The treatment commenced with a 50-minute traditional Balinese massage using Bali Santi Oil (coconut base oil infused with citrus, nutmeg, vetiver and patchouli essential oils). Under Aryanti’s skillful hands, I could feel all tension released with the soothing touch. A Blue Sea Salt was then scrubbed onto my entire body to exfoliate the skin in preparation for the seaweed body wrap. A paste made of seaweed powder and water was generously applied on my skin using effleurage movements, ending with an aroma mist spray to keep the body moist. I was then wrapped in layers of foil and blanket to facilitate the seaweed’s task of detoxification and water retention removal.
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