LIFE
The relaxing spa at Four Seasons Bali at Sayan
High on
Bali From spas to candlelight dinners and spinning DJs, Bali has become a tropical paradise for urbanites seeking solace or a bop on the beach. Kenneth Goh and Shelley Travers discover various facets of the Island of the Gods
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t’s easy to be seduced by Bali and the mystical energy that pervades every inch of this island, not to forget the incredible Balinese—serene, kind and hospitable souls—who rarely, if ever, say no. While many come to sun, sea and surf, others come to seek their own piece of nirvana high in the hills of Ubud where yogic and alternative healers hold retreats that cleanse, purify and energise tired souls and spent bodies. To catch the last rays of the sun on a soft, white beach—pop by Amanusa’s Beach Club, or for a more hip and modern respite at the heart of all the action—the W Retreat & Spa in Seminyak is perfect to also give those Loubs a twirl on the dance floor. If on the path of indulgence, the massages at the Four Seasons Bali in Jimbaran Bay are perfect to knead your way back to health. Four Seasons Bali at Jimbaran Bay
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Fab for spiritual rejuvenation
Four Seasons Bali at Jimbaran Bay Blissfully tucked away and far from the madding crowds of Kuta, the resort’s 147 private, thatched-roof villas overlook Jimbaran Bay on the Indian Ocean. Mornings can be spent taking in the expansive gardens of the sprawling resort or at the sunrise yoga sessions—held at a breezy bale right at the edge of the cliff with mesmerising views of the vista while the waves crash underneath. For an energetic start to your day, opt for the Bamboo stretch classes. While dining under the stars at Coconut Grove will take the cake, the Italian indulgence of Parma ham amuse bouche, saffron risotto starters and slowcooked lobster tail mains at Chef’s Table will have you running for the treadmill the next day. However, your most favourite moments will be those lying face down while some of the best masseurs at the Four Seasons Jimbaran Bay—or at their sister resort at Sayan—give your work-battered body a good hour or two of spiritual love. n Sun & Sound This sound-based massage therapy begins with a 15-minute “sound bath” where you are immersed in the soothing sound of waves plus the reverberating tones from Balinese
gongs. A metal coin blanket is then placed over your body, which will, apparently, help open, clear and recharge your mind, body and spirit. Energised and wholly re-aligned, you are then treated to a sensual sun-lover’s ritual and a rejuvenating facial with a boost of wild basil and neroli serum. n Biorythmns Restoring Waters An ayurvedic healing treatment that works with the natural flow of the body’s bio-rhythm and magnetic energy, deeply relaxes the nervous system and restores your energy. The energy scrub and mud wrap in this treatment contain high levels of minerals, which emit large amounts of negative ions that charge the body’s energy field. The Kundalini Crystal Healing back massage that follows awakens the energy from within the body while the marma face massage stimulates the skin’s radiance and improves circulation. n Muladhara Combining a foot wash, Balinese sacred kemenyan smoke and the soothing sound of singing bowls, this treatment features a slow, deep massage using locally grown ginger and cinnamon in a grounding blend of vetiver, patchouli and jatamansi oils. But the crème de la crème is the cinnamon, a concentrate made with organic glycerine, which is infused for three months and chanted to every two days throughout the process. While this may sound terribly like hocus pocus, the actual experience is truly energising and refreshing.
Fab for cool hipsters
W Retreat & Spa Bali
The W Retreat & Spa Bali at Seminyak blends together the elements of a seaside getaway and a city break in an ultrachic resort that is both lively and laidback. From the W Lounge lobby—perfect for afternoon tea —to the three restaurants and Woo Bar, the experience of fresh seaside fare is coupled with sophisticated prime meats, artisan cheeses, wine and ice-cold cocktails. Inspired by rice fields, the outdoor pool spans 1,790 square metres and is accented by nests and loungers alongside brightly coloured floor cushions for sun worshipping. The Woo Bar disavows the need to leave with sunset views from the sky deck and international DJs regularly featured. For intimate groups, the resort also offers private dining for up to six in the Cellar while larger crowds of up to 16 guests can be catered for in Below. Suites at the W Retreat & Spa Bali offer Luxurious respite at the Amanusa Suites
ample space with balconies offering expansive sea views, deep soaking bathtubs, beds with goose down comforters and Egyptian cotton sheets. If you require a little more room, larger retreats face the lush greenery of the hotel’s landscaped gardens. In addition to the tranquillity of the outdoor spaces and rooms at the W Retreat & Spa, guests can enjoy the facilities of the Away Spa to further unwind or to get ready for another night of eating, drinking and dancing. If relaxing by the pool is a little too sedentary for your tastes, gym bunnies are also catered for with Sweat, a large fully integrated gym with state of the art facilities.
The expansive pool at the W Retreat & Spa Bali
Stylish suites at the W Retreat & Spa Bali
Fab for romantic getaways
Amanusa
Translating as “peaceful isle,” Amanusa is a coastal resort unlike others. The exclusivity and of this Indonesian hideaway coupled with the breathtaking vistas of the Indian Ocean make it a matchless location for a beachside break. Each of Amanusa’s suites has its own terrace—eight of them come with private swimming pools—an oversized day bed and canopy for lazing in the sun whilst taking in the resort’s lush gardens.
Whilst the resort is just a short ride from the local village with restaurants and bars, the resort features two restaurants and a bar for delectable sundowners and cuisine; a candlelit barbecue by the sea is a romantic pinnacle to any break. If you prefer to dine within the resort, poolside dining under tumbling bougainvilleas is another enticing option. Although perched on a hillside in southern Bali, guests have full access to the shore at Amanusa’s Beach Club, which can be reached by car or bicycle—complimentary from the resort. Here guests can enjoy lunch at the dining bale and an afternoon massage, or snorkel amongst the coral reef teeming with fish. ■ Swimsuit, Escada Sport
The serene setting at Amanusa, Bali
k to pac t a h w Bag, Marc Jacobs Sunglasses, Louis Vuitton
Necklace, Furla Espadrille, Chanel
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