YTL has perfected the art and science of creating outstanding spas. Each Spa Village I’ve visited has taken full advantage (in a good way) of the local environment and healing cultures. The Spa Village in Tembok Bali is no different.
Making use of the black volcanic sand in the area, all treatments begin with a complimentary 30 minute ritual in Segara Giri (the pretreatment centre). After wiping down feet with a warm moist towel, guests are invited to dip their feet into a steam chamber bedded with volcanic sand. Initially covered up to the thigh, you may adjust the steam by covering or exposing more or less of your body as desired. The hot vapor opens the skins’ pores, preparing it for the chosen therapy ahead.
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| Volcanic Sand Steam |
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| Spa Refreshments |
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| Spa Lounge |
A gentle mannered therapist collects you from your resting place and escorts you across the lawn to a private treatment room. Each space contains massage beds, a wardrobe for storing your clothes and a separate bath, toilet and shower area.
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| Treatment Room |
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| Massage Beds |
Beginning with a 50 minute Balinese massage, guests are relaxed and muscle tension eased with firm (pressure adapted as requested) long strokes digging deep into muscles and smoothing out knots. My therapist was a clear expert. She had a definite routine to follow, but spent a little extra time on places she noticed carried more tension.
A Meodak follows. This body scrub is left on for a short period and, as it does, the skin heats. The therapist massages the head and face while waiting for the natural ingredients to do their work. Commonly I’m not a fan of body scrubs as I don’t like the waiting time in the gooey gop. I quiet enjoyed this scrub however as the paste strengthened in heat as time passed. The head and face massage too distracted from any discomfort while waiting.
To soften and moisturize the skin, the Empehan, coconut milk, is poured over the top of the scrub and gently rubbed into the body. After the heating segment, the milk is cool and a wonderful tropical smell swirls the room. The final soak ends with the Mersiram Sekar. A tub filled with flower petals and warm water, gently loosens the scrub and allows a final soak in sweet fragrance. A shower washes away the remains leaving you cleansed and relaxed.
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| Floral Bath |
Warm Jamu (local herbal tonic) provides the final nourishment on the patio of the treatment room. Sipping on the nectarous liquid and looking over the lush green lawn, the palm lined pool, then out to sea was a fitting ending to a lovely experience.
Spa Village provides four paths: Balance; Creativity; Vigour and; the Spa Village Academy. Treatments and activities are designed around guest’s desired goals while immersed in Balinese culture. Natural ingredients, found locally, are the primary products used in therapies. Expect to see elements such as, volcanic sand, coconut milk, ginger, coffee and cocoa.
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| Natural Products |
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| Enjoy |
In house guests have the fortune of having a complementary 50 minute spa treatment included with every night’s stay. Outside visitors too are welcome, but it is essential to call ahead to make a reservation.
Spa Village Resort