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The
Four Seasons Bali
The
island of Bali holds a magic that captivates like no other. Known as the “Island
of the Gods”, Bali has maintained its rich tradition of spirituality and
culture despite the booming tourism trade. Its dramatic architecture, lush green
rice paddies, fresh ocean breezes, cool mountain mists and brightly colored
daily offerings impart a deep sense of exotic splendor. It is this natural and
cultural heritage that has made Bali a popular destination.
With a multitude of top-notch spas sprouting across the entire island offering a sanctuary for tired souls, Bali is highly sought after as a venue to rejuvenate and re-energize. This is the birthplace of Asia’s best tropical spas and there is no more decadent place to indulge in the Balinese art of pampering than in the opulence and allure of the Four Seasons. With a string of accolades to its name, the Four Seasons Resorts and Spas in Sayan and Jimbaran impress the senses and enlighten the soul. The serene ambience, dramatic settings, heaven-sent rituals and refined art of pampering empowered by gifts of nature from the sea and the earth have combined to create a compelling spa experience.
My visit to the Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan follows.
Four
Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan
Situated
35km away from the international airport (about 1 hour by car), the Four Seasons
Resort Bali at Sayan is located deep in the sacred Ayung Valley. The world- class
resort, consisting of 60 suites and villas, is set on 18 acres of terraced rice
fields, palm trees and plantations in the hilly country of Ubud. Upon arrival,
we crossed the valley via a teak and steel foot bridge to an enormous rooftop lotus pond with a cylindrical structure that houses
the lobby, restaurant, health club, spa and suites below. The setting is
beautiful. The sound of gushing rapids, trickling water and the
uninterrupted view of Ayung Valley provides a profound and meditative backdrop.
At
the lobby, we checked-in at the Jarti Bar over a glass of fruit punch and were
led by a buggy to Villa 18. We entered the “sunken villa” from the
lotus-pond roof- top garden, down a circular stone stairway into a stunning one- bed
room villa next to the meandering river. The villa
blends perfectly into the landscape with its infinity plunge pool, lush foliage
and a wooden terrace looking out over the river. Balinese artifacts and
paintings adorn the walls of the luxuriously- furnished villa. The
spacious bathroom has an outdoor shower hidden from prying
eyes by a wide louvered door and overgrown shrubs.
Sayan Spa
The
Sayan Spa, tucked in the lower level of the cylindrical structure, was a
short walk away from my villa. The 8,611 square-foot spa offers 4 treatment
rooms, a gym and an attractive retail facility featuring locally made body spa
essentials. Designed exclusively for couples' Ayurvedic treatments, three lavish
new spa villas are in an adjoining pavilion on the bank of Ayung River - a 3-minute walk from the central
building. The Sayan Spa is deeply
influenced by the meditative and calming aura of the Ayung Valley. The accent is on earth elements. Indonesian herbal traditions and Ayurveda
are the key
thrusts of its treatments.
I was honored to be one of the first to experience Sayan’s new spa villa. A leafy pathway of moss- covered stones led to the lobby of the cozy spa pavilion. The sound of trickling water from the lotus pond provided a soothing backdrop as I waited for my Ayurvedic treatment to begin. I was due to experience “Suci Dhara,” Indonesian for awakening and balancing of the body, heart and soul. My therapist, Widiani, guided me into the charming “Melati” treatment room with 2 terrazzo massage beds and glass windows discreetly shielded with Japanese rice paper blinds. A sliding wooden door leads to an outdoor shower with vanity area, chic hand-blown glass wash basins, gigantic free-standing soaking tub and steam shower. Before the treatment began, I was asked to fill out a questionnaire to determine my “dosha” ( body type). The survey revealed my “dosha” to be “pita” (fire). Widiani took the “prescription” and came back a minute later with a cup of “pita” tea to cool my “fire” and calm the soul. The treatment commenced with a scalp massage to improve circulation and remove tightness on the crown. This is said to prepare the head for pouring of oil on the “third eye” on the forehead. Using warmed wellness oil from a copper pot, the blend of star anise, fenugreek and patchouli in coconut and grape-seed oils was rhythmically dripped onto my third eye for a sensational 15 minutes to aid mental relaxation and clarity. Then a trail of warmed herbal oil (blend of sweet almond oil and “pita” concentrate) cupped from Widiani’s hands was gently released to each of my key “chakras” ( energy points). This was followed by a nurturing and seamless Ayurvedic effleurage focusing on key energy flow and joints of the body. The treatment ended with a neck massage followed by a steam bath. Widiani then served me another cup of “pita” tea to complete the healing experience. The gentle and meditative Ayurvedic ritual provided a powerful redress for my “burnt out” soul. I would have lingered a little longer to enjoy the soothing settings of the villa if not for my appointment to transfer to Jimbaran.
Logo courtesy of Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan
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