So much has been written about SPAS over recent years, particularly here in Bali, which is now considered the destination for Spa lovers the world over. What is it with SPAS? Is it the massage, the flower baths, the slathering of yoghurt or the dripping of oils over body? Not only this but it seems obvious that people (both male & female) feel the need for constant pampering that has become a holiday pastime considered high priority on a visitors ‘to do’ list when they come to Bali. Some are simply wonderful and provide the ultimate pampering experience, some are just ho hum (& there are lots of these) but some are hidden gems & that ís what Bali Botanica Day Spa located in Ubud is!
bali botanica day spa - set in unspoiled nature, off the busy road (between the well known Museum Neka & Mozaic Restaurant) walk down the small gang and here you will find a paradise - a haven to spend a few hours or a well deserved day away from it all.
Iyan Yaspriyana is the professional trainer who spends considerable time tutoring the therapists (who are far more focused in their work than most) they also spend time working in the field of both yoga and meditation so that they really do understand what the business is all about and what a client expects. Training is the number one priority here and it definitely shows when you enjoy and experience a treatment at the spa.
Ayurvedic treatments are gaining popularity here in Bali, but again it ís a specialized field of work and only the SPECIALLY TRAINED THERAPISTS can really undertake such a treatment on a client. Bali Botanica Spa have trained some of their therapists who can perform this type of spiritual therapy, its one treatment that will provide you with the ultimate experience!
For instance, you can enjoy an Ayurvedic Massage (Chakra Dhara) a treatment that lasts two & a half hours. I am sure we all understand the seven Chakra points within the body, that is key energy points that are universal. (All who inhabit physical bodies on this earth have energy vortexes - channels through which spiritual energy flow to manifest in the physical) The Ayurvedic Chakra Dhara Massage is both sensual and spiritual, it includes the dripping of a fair amount of warm herbal oil onto the charka points, this oil ritual is to balance the energy flow & to purify the body, mind & spirit. This would have to be the most holistic experience one can have.
Another one is the Ayurvedic Shirodara, a treatment for the face, neck & scalp, used by Indian yogis to enhance self-awareness (apparently great for insomnia) This is where warm herbal oil is poured slowly & in a continuous stream over the Ajna chakra point which is located in the centre of your forehead (your ‘third eye’) a state of meditation or a drifting sensation will be experienced with this treatment (forget the world, I am off & out of it!)
There are herbal massages based on the Ayurvedic principles which use warm oil, you can enjoy a famous Java Mandí treatment, an Ayurvedic Crown massage, a Pondecheri foot massage, facial treatments, manicure & pedicure & hand spa & hair treatments.
My personal recommendation is to book a day with bali botanica spa incredible value for just under US$100 where you will be collected from your villa or hotel (if you are staying in the Ubud area) a fresh welcome drink, morning treatments, partake in a healthy lunch, more treatments in the afternoon and then back to your hotel or villa. This is the ultimate SPA experience not only for your body but a journey for your soul.
Iyan Yaspriyana, the master therapist trainer at Bali Botanica also conduct bi-monthly retreats called ‘Escape the World’ that take place in a small hotel within the hills of Ubud. Yoga & Meditation along with Body Rejuvenation Spa treatments & Balinese discoveries. These 6 day retreats are very popular (you must book as there ís a waiting list) not only for visitors to the isle but for residents too.
BALI BOTANICA DAY SPA, JL RAYA SANGGINGAN, UBUD
T: 976 739 W: www.balibotanica.com
Escape the World - Yoga & Spa Retreat - www.oneworldretreats.com
For comments & enquiries, email: retailtherapym@yahoo.com.au
