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BALI SPA
- SPA OVERVIEWS -
Beyond the frenetic roads of Bali, tucked away down
the island's shady lanes and in the tranquil corners
of its leafy resort hotels, lies a hidden world - one
that is slowly but inevitably being discovered by
increasing numbers of visitors. This is the world of
Bali's Spas.
In Europe, spas have been in existence since Roman times,
though they were only institutionalized as curative centers
in the 17th century. Modern-day facilities emphasize prevention
rather than cure, using a more holistic approach than the
rigorously therapeutic, clinical treatments of yesteryear.
"Spa" is now the new buzzword, often heard in the same breath
as other holistic forms of healing and preventative medicine.
The spas of Indonesia are now having the same impact on the
science of healing and rejuvenation that Swedish massage had
30 years ago, and the spas of Bali are emerging as the leaders,
the newest and hottest destination. in a period of just over
four years, the island now hosts South East Asia's highest
concentration of spas. Bali has become a magnet for spa lovers.
The island's spa industry quietly but steadily began to expand
in the early 1990s. With a dazzling and sophisticated menu of
natural healing treatments and remedies - aromatherapy,
thalasso therapy, massage, herbal wraps and scrubs, thermal
mud treatments, saltwater and essential oil jacuzzis - Bali has
created its own genre of spas, distinct from those found elsewhere
in South East Asia or in other locales of Indonesia.
Realizing that they are a powerful lure for attracting affluent
tourists, a growing number of Bali's upmarket hotels have opened
their own spas or have invited corporate spa operators to build
facilities on their properties. No five-star hotel now exists on
the island without an exclusive spa. Scenting a burgeoning new
industry, new standalone private spas seem to pop up every week
along Jalan Bypass Ngurah Rai, Bali's ."Spa Alley" heading into
Nusa Dua.
The interior decor of spas can be opulent, cutting edge contemporary
incorporate an almost Zen-like simplicity, or exemplify the Balinese
"rusticcharm" traditional design. Furnishings are made of natural,
handcrafted materials, with homemade glass bottles and ceramic jars
containing oils and perfumes. On Bali, tropical gardens and the
sound and sight of water play larger roles in the spa environment
than in Thailand. Outdoor showers, commodious sunken bathtubs,
fragrant bouquets are ever-present accoutrements of the tropical spa.
With their open-air pavilions, pools, fountains, and serene
courtyards blended into lush gardens, with immaculately attired
and mannerly attendants pampering you, and the sound of constantly
rippling water and birdsong in your ears, this is an experience
that you become totally immersed in, one which transports you
inexorably to a higher state of mind, to another dimension.
Often there is not only a spa but a beauty salon where facials,
creambaths, hair treatments, manicures and pedicures are expertly
dispensed. Treatments are given names like "Bali Sunrise,"
"Harmony," "The Spice Island," etc. Great attention is paid
to preparation. Individual sound systems play soothing New Age
or World music. Changing rooms, lockers and safety deposit boxes
are all available, as well as quiet lounging areas where guests
may relax between treatments.
Most spas not only offer massage rooms for individuals but whole
suites, some filling an area of up, to 85-square-meters and fitted
out with bathtubs the size of small swimming pools, where couples
or small groups are doted upon. During or after sessions, guests
are served a wholesome, low-cholesterol lunch in the spa's cafe or
restaurant. Included in every spa package is free transportation.
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