Being a mother on Bali, and having a girl under a year been born on Bali - my second round of motherhood, with the first round being a boy now 13, it is vastly noticeable to me how Bali has exploded with children oriented choices within the past fifteen years. It has in three words become a ‘kid friendly place’ - and thank goodness for that! All About Kids will explore all avenues offered to the younger members of our lives, from babies to teenagers and in between. In the coming months this column will showcase the best that Bali has from activities to retail selections, from the arts to sensible medical tips. All About Kids, is in a nutshell, all about them!
Massaging when on Bali is a popular down time as it is so reasonably priced and of superlative quality. Did you know that many places offer kids - even baby - massages? So, if you feel like indulging, then take your little ones along and book them right in along side you - or drop them off to give yourself an hour or so to do what you want. Mentioned below are a few places for you to try out with, and to introduce our younger family members to the delights of body treatments too. It is surprising how quickly, quietly and well children take to pampering - much to parents’ delight.
KARMA BEACH SEA SPA TENT
This amazing venue of very recently opened Karma Beach, on the beach at Batu Belig, is absolutely ‘the’ introduction to a spa experience on Bali for children of any age, in its casual but supremely professional ‘Sea Spa Tent’. The location of the Karma’s second Sea Spa Tent at Karma Beach is just the place to have a back-to-earth affordable spa experiences - not just for yourself but for the entire family.
Karma Resorts has long tailored to family & friends travelling together (think their 3 and 4 bedroom villa concepts at Kandara & Jimbaran properties). More recently they have opened Karma Beach at Batu Belig with its very own natural Sea Spa Tent located a few footsteps in the sand away from the water’s edge. Just some of the family & kids offerings include ‘Father & Son Chill Out Time’ and ‘Mother & Daughter Rituals’.
I recommend their infamous ‘Ice-Cream Foot Massage’ where kids get to choose their own flavor of yummy foot scrub such as Coconut & Vanilla, Cocoa & Ginger or Berry. As well Here Comes the Sun is ideal for kids who have spent too long in the rays - whereby the more than sweet therapists will apply organic aloe vera gel to sore arms, legs, shoulder, neck and face to cool and calm. And of course mini-manicures and pedicures with optional flower art are always enjoyable for the girls - with boys getting into them too if they feel like it.
There’s also a Spa Bar menu for the adults - try a Martini & Manicure at sunset as well as Karma’s signature Oxygen Facials - which are now not the so ‘best kept’ secret of the stars these days (Madonna swears by them). After all, pleasure must also be part of the cure, and at the Sea Spa Tent to the sound of the majestic Indian Ocean as its surf crashes to the white sand Batu Belig Beach, it doesn’t get any much better than this.
For those who are new to spa then why not sample the spa’s Asian Flavours menu that are 30-minute Balinese back massage, oriental head massage & soul reflexology, while the children indulge. Stay on for breakfast, lunch or dinner afterwards and have some family time at this fabulous Beach Club, which is so easily accessible to the Seminyak area. Or, parents indulge in a cooling sunset cocktail from 5-6pm with a generous 50% discount, while kids enjoy their pampering.
Reservations on: 0361 361 8888 | 0361 473 8564
E: info@karmabeachbatubelig.com
W: www.karmabeach.com
SEMARA SPA SEMINYAK
Semara Spa also welcomes children (NB: accompanied at all times by a parent or guardian) and offers a great Kids Massage Introduction (6-14 yrs) of 30 min for Rp. 135.000++ only. It is a great introduction to the benefits and lifetime enjoyment of massage. Using simplified Balinese massage techniques, this light pressure massage supports children’s muscles whilst evoking relaxation and calmness.
Also on offer is a Manicure and Pedicure for children up to 12 yrs old, with cute pedicures on offer with pretty flowers for those who wish. 60 minutes is more than reasonable at Rp. 100,000++ for each treatment. Kids are also welcome in the beautiful Hair Salon where the hairstylists Kevin and Oki will make their time at Semara salon a fun experience: - Hair braiding for children and teens as well as Kids Haircut and Kids Hair Cream Bath (which is a head shampoo with the conditioner massaged into the scalp as a head massage) for 60 minutes at Rp. 120,000 ++. There is also a cute Mother & Daughter package: the daughter gets hair braided (full price) while Mum gets 10% off any 90 minute spa treatment. Also, there is a ‘Play Date & Pampering Package’. Kids can play at Cubby House for 2 hrs while mama gets a 90 minute massage at Rp. 350,000++ ~ so everyone is happy!
For more information, please call: +62 (361) 847 6661 http://www.semaraspa.com/spa-menu.html Found on Jalan Petitenget next to Potato Head.
VILLA MASSAGE
Ibu Nyoman gives lovely kid’s massages, manicures and pedicures and speaks English. If she’s not able to come personally she will send one of her ‘team’, all who have proved as good as she. They can also offer reflexology and children really relax (my son fell asleep). Cell number +62 81338789092.
REFLEXOLOGY
Many places offer reflexology to children, although it is imperative that your child can respect the ‘shhhh’ signs in most establishments and not talk during treatment. Here is a quick list below of places that allow children:
Suku on Jalan Raya Kerobokan is extremely reasonable and more casual than other spas. Children are always welcome. Info on 0361 731 187.
Chinese Dragon at Sampang Simpang Siur, near Kuta, is a large place with many rooms where kids can talk if you take the VIP room. It is not too expensive and treatments are fun, with personal TV screen. Call +6281337995676.
Amo Day Spa on Jalan Petitenget. Children can chat in the salon area, and the staff do amazing nail art, for girls and boys (my son had thunder bolts on his!). Info on 0361 275 3337 or 0361 275 3338 E: info@amospa.com.
With this your comments would be welcomed if you endeavour to follow the lead, or, if you have discovered something that you found particularly amazing. It’s important to spread the news on anything positive, as time and experiences are precious. Please forward to me on rubyinbali@gmail.com.
