Bali Activities > Spa

The combination of ‘health and tourism' is an attractive formula that, as rest and physcal well-being are becoming paramount to combat the problems of busy urban life styles, is receiving increasing interest from the world.

Spas with their environmental characteristics are not only places for improving physical health, but are also ideal for fighting the tiredness of daily activities. Using holistic concepts that lessen the effects of stress, ageing and environment, spas seek to rediscover natural products and reintroduce them to today's health conscious consumer.

The benefits derived from thermal/marine water therapy, aroma therapy and herbal therapies are immense; these all induce stress reduction and relief from muscle tension. Combined, they are known to be cures for joint disorders; they assist in detoxifying and exfoliating the skin and even re-mineralizing deficient skin cells. In Bali, many of the plant extracts used in the therapies are made from locally sourced flowers, roots and barks, such as: Jepun (frangipani), Jahe (ginger), Cendana (sandalwood), Kelapa (coconut), and even Bali Kopi (Balinese coffee grains). Many spas and salons prepare their own essential oils using age-old methods and recipes handed down through generations of beauty therapists.

Body Massage has been a part of the Balinese culture for many centuries. Most Balinese men go for what they call a Bali Massage [ kerok ], on a regular basis. For a Westerner it would be rather a horrific experience as coins and small wooden balls are used to scrape and rub up, down and across the person's back. Often upon completion the entire skin surface is one enormous bruise from the bleeding that has been caused under the skin by this strange form of massage. The Balinese love it!

A modified technique has been developed over the years that still provides a deep and penetrating massage but is done using the heel of the hands, combined with fingers and elbows. This is what today is normally referred to as a Traditional Balinese Massage in the Spas of Bali, and throughout the rest of the world.

The Spas of Bali have quickly progressed, from local salons with a massage room in back, to the stage where every major hotel has an operating spa, many of which are magnificent. Some are beachside, others in mountain retreats or overlooking idyllic mountain rivers and streams. Enormous, and very expensive, Spa Villa Complexes are now sprouting everywhere, particularly in the mountain and river valley areas surrounding Ubud.

Coming of Age was the recent opening of the incredible Como Shambhala Spa at Begawan Giri, north of Ubud. It is one of the world's great spas.

Bali has suddenly become the Spa Capital of Asia, maybe The World!

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