text by Sara Prewitt
images courtesy of The Kayana

The sister resort to The Samaya, The Kayana (Jl Raya Petitenget, T: 0361 847 6628) can be found a little further up the windy road towards The Bali Catering Company in an area soon to become very popular amongst the jet set Seminyak elite. It is a beautifully designed little resort that encourages comfort and relaxation within the walls of your own private villas. In fact it is so pleasant at the Kayana it's tempting to stay up way beyond bedtime just to enjoy the peaceful ambience of the softly lit spaces, high ceilings, the deep bath or a midnight dip in your very own pool.

Breakfast served by your personal butler at your poolside Bale is just one of the treats you can look forward to. The service here is very personal and sincere, and you do get the impression that the staff really enjoy their work. The Kayana is a relative newcomer to the Villa scene but with the level of service and the loveliest of spaces it is destined to be with us for a long time.

The Ayur Spa at the Kayana is just so cool and calm. The creative use of space to forge intimate yet open areas, to give light and privacy, and comfort yet airiness is just the first of many smart things about this place. The two Balinese inspired spa rooms have their own steam room, jacuzzi, bale, and double outdoor shower.

The simplicity is delightful and on entering you are aware that the very effortlessness of the design is acting to relax your mind, even before your treatment begins. It is the sort of space, secure and comfortable, clean and clear, that you could happily spend a day in. The staff of the Ayur Spa can easily assist you in choosing therapies for an entire day.

There is a treatment package called the 'Dream-Maker' that suits the Kayana very well, as this is a place to dream in. Whether the treatment is taken before an afternoon siesta or in the twilight of the evening, in the privacy of your own suite or in a Spa Villa the 'Dream-Maker' will encourage you to sleep well and feel totally at ease. Cleansed with citrus body wash, you are then scrubbed with a body scrub of your choice. We recommend the Javanese Lulur as its herbal essences and woody aromas are really helpful for inducing sleep and deep relaxation.

Completing the treatment is a Balinese style massage with long strokes that ease out muscle tensions and thumb pressure that encourages the harmony of body and soul.

And to top it all off the spa treatments are priced sensibly, accessible to almost all budgets. Be sure to check out the welcome and farewell drinks at The Ayur - some of the best on the island