The Viceroy Ubud Lembah Spa

Overlooking the gurgling Petanu River on the outer fringes of Upper Ubud, the Lembah Spa is an integral part of the exclusive Viceroy Resort – a resort designed to appeal to the rich and famous.
Relaxing chairs and the bubbling Jacuzzi lookout across the Petanu River and an untamed backdrop. Nice. Treatment rooms are cosy and guests have a choice between male and female therapists – all well trained.
Spa folk can work with the spa manager to design a special spa menu and co-ordinate with the Chef to create a special diet plan. It is all as exclusive and flexible as you like. Take the helicopter and escape from the south to the Viceroy helipad in just a few minutes. (JG)

The Viceroy, Ubud T: 971 777

Komaneka Resort and Spa Ubud

We love this place! The nurture of the Komaneka, whether you choose the Tanggayuda or the Komaneka, Ubud is just the place for a “get out of town and calm down” spa treat.

Their spa packages, with a full appreciation of the holistic balance of mind, body and soul have been put together to include a choice of really enjoyable programs for both guests and outside visitors. The three hour Putri Ratu offers you a traditional facial, manicure and pedicure treatment and traditional cream bath which is great for the pamper deprived. My favourite is the Komaneka Bali Royal which is body indulgence, with massages, lulur and a herbal bath. When you emerge you feel ready to take on the world, at least after the Komaneka’s special herbal drinks based on traditional recipes. For those who are lucky enough not to be chased by deadline demons we recommend the Healing Package. As a guest or visitor, you begin with a yoga session then proceed to four heavenly hours of indulgence in the Spa which is followed by an amazing organic lunch and herbal teas. If you stay you also have the healthy dinner menu and two nights accommodation at the Komaneka Tanggayuda. Komaneka Resort (SP)

Monkey Forest Road, Ubud T: 976 090 www.komaneka.com

The Grand Hyatt

Owing to circumstances well out of my control the post Christmas 2006 and New Year’s festivities seem to have somehow lingered into February 2007. So it was with great relief that an Ayurvedic Abhyangam spa treatment was prescribed in my direction.

It all sounded a little mystical to me but some background research revealed Ayurvedic (Ayur meaning life, Veda meaning knowledge) medicine to be a holistic approach to conditioning the body through traditional massage techniques stimulating the nervous system whilst the Abhyangam therapy aids the production of white blood corpuscles and antibodies crucial to providing resistance to all manner of nasties prone to attacking the human body.
All very encouraging in theory but the truth of the matter was I fell asleep ten seconds after my admittance to the massage room. As it turns out sleep inducement is a side effect of Abhyangam treatment but once I did come around an hour later I certainly felt a whole heap less drowsy than when I arrived. Checking in with The Editor fifteen after the therapy I was surprised to hear her comment on how chirpy the sound of my voice was.

Improved confidence and will power, it would appear, is another side effect of Abhyangam treatment… The new Kriya Spa at The Grand Hyatt Bali will be open to the public from 15th March 2007.(JC)

The Grand Hyatt Nusa Dua T: 771 234

Alila – Manggis

Balian Bagus – The Alila Manggis, sister hotel to the Alila in Payangan, is located in a one time coconut grove in a quiet haven on the east coast, not far from Candidasa. This eco hotel is about to launch a new spa range and does just about everything right with beautiful new divine smelling natural products that are made with help from the local community. Guests can choose between air conditioned rooms or the outside bale close to the sounds of the sea.

One of their most effective treatments is a massage with a Balian or Balinese healer. This delightful man, Pak Ngenger, gained his knowledge through dreams. As he massages, he can sense any problems in the body and work to makes things right. By the time he finished with me – after much laughter, some pummeling, stretching and kneading into problem areas, I felt lighter, fresher and much more supple than before. His treatments are particularly good for blood circulation, and assorted ills. My treatment finished with a hug and a big warm smile – fabulous. (JG)

Alila Manggis, Jl Raya Manggis T: (0363) 410 111

Theta Spa

What a remarkable surprise! Elegantly sequestered away on the beach at the rear of the Bali Bintang Ramada Hotel, in Tuban, the new Theta Spa has a soothing zen interior. A sky and sea location provides a beautiful visual stimulation that lifts the spirits. Treatments are complete, yet simple, combining a thorough technique with high quality products. Competent masseuses proceed with grace, and you can leave your physical being in their expert hands while enjoying the sensation of floating above the sea. Alternatively you can keep your feet firmly on the ground by receiving a sensational foot treatment while sipping champagne at the day’s end, watching the burning sun slip beneath the sea.

Theta Spa brings a new mix to the scene with an uptown blend of sensual treatments, and health conscious attitudes in a cool, laid back bar atmosphere. Close to the airport, you could take a pre-flight treatment or a jet lag reviver. After a day of shopping it is a beautiful place to wind down into a world of calm and care. Theta also provides a progressive therapeutic menu through weekly sessions to optimise the benefits of treatment. (SP)

Theta by the Sea Ramada, Bali Bintang Resort,
Jl Kartika Plaza Tuban T: (0361) 755 726

Essential Spa Products

Maureen Treacey and her Essential Spa Products team work from a lovely premises in Jalan Oberoi, to create spa and body products for the world. With over 100 specialised clients and a recent Baccarat Crystal Award ESP’s reputation speaks volumes. Often referred to as the godmother of spa products on Bali, Maureen has been involved in product development for many years and has witnessed the trend back to using natural ingredients, but now with a modern scientific edge. “Technology has brought a lot of precision to the craft. We can use a lot of previously unrefined techniques to draw the vitality and essence from ingredients, that when combined with pure products can create a really dynamic range of spa and body products.” ESP creates in both boutique and bulk quantity. (SP)

Visit by appointment.
Essentials Spa Botanicals Jl. Laksmana No.21 T: 732 687

The Novotel Nusa Dua

The new Novotel Nusa Dua development introduces hotel and residential apartment living to Nusa Dua, has created a new spa to compliment the lifestyle of both short and long-term residents. “My Spa” is a fully equipped spa, with double and single treatment rooms, gym facilities, yoga and spiritual therapy rooms.

Reaching for a new level in integrated health and wellbeing the My Spa concept is designed to appeal to all, with indulgent treatments such as the signature rolling bamboo massages, and the volcanic hot stone therapy. There are male and female grooming and beauty salons, and a gym equipped with the latest in personal workout equipment including the Power Vibe – it vibrates and develops body mass during quick workouts! – as well as physiotherapy on demand. My Spa aims to encourage interactive health and well being, supported by physical activity, receptive treatments and healthy diets. Doors open March 15th. (SP)

T: 772 239

Waka di Ume Resort

Just outside Ubud enjoying an idyllic location Waka Di Ume is one of a series of Waka retreats which offer an upmarket and stylized version of the real Bali. Hidden in various gorgeous natural locations around the island they offer a respite from a loud and noisy outside world. What a wonderful change! Waka di Ume has recently opened their new purpose built spa. White sandstone and big windows give a light and airy feel with an aspect that looks out over rice terraces and a small river below. Reception is very gracious and treatments are well executed. The natural location induces feelings of wellbeing and relaxation. Lots of lovely fragrances and bath treatments are there to seduce guests into a state of bliss. (JG)

Waka Di Ume Resort&Spa,
Jl Sueta, Banjar Sambahan, Ubud T: 973 178