Author: olaf

Nestled in the lush natural beauty of Sayan, Spa at The Samaya Ubud is an elegant retreat for those seeking a little R&R away from the hectic rush of city life. Spa at The Samaya Ubud is set ajust a few steps from the Ayung River where it provides a selection of pampering spa treatments that will rejuvenate both body and mind. I decided to have the eternal bliss, a 2.5-hour head-to-toe treatment, which began with a Samaya foot ritual that cleansed with warm lemon water then a rub with cinnamon salt and followed with a peppermint spray. Next came the spa’s warm lime lemongrass oil and rose petal massage. This medium pressure massage worked well to ease away muscle fatigue and diminish tension. The treatment continued on with a Royal Javanese Lulur (scrub) comprising of rice, turm...

A haven where purity, stillness and silence, create a refuge for body and mind.   With the plethora of extravagant spas in Bangkok, one may wonder which of the many are best able to live up the promises made. The Grande Spa has a trusted reputation as one of the finest hotel spas in Bangkok and assures guests life enriching, rejuvenating and healing treatments. The Grande Spa features an extensive menu of spa treatments including holistic aromatherapy, hydrotherapy, Swedish and traditional Thai massage, facials, wraps and beauty treatments, performed by professional therapists with gracious Thai hospitality in a calming environment to ensure an unforgettable spa experience. The spa uses its own spa and beauty products under the Comfort Zone brand. Amongst the variety of the sig...

Naturally enveloped in the serene environs of Mengwi, around 30 minutes drive from Denpasar, is the Sukhavati Ayurvedic Retreat & Spa. This is a boutique retreat offering a comprehensive wellness program employing traditional Ayurveda treatments. The property is surrounded by verdant tropical gardens and comprised of 8 beautiful villas. The One Day Taste of Ayurveda was my choice for an indulging treatment program. The introduction to this treatment was a consultation with the Resident Ayurvedic Doctor. After this I was escorted to one of the villas that was to be my resting place for the day. My first treatment was the Abhyanga, performed in the semi open-air treatment room located close to the villa and overlooking the river. This particular treatment involved long strokes and ...

There is an abundance of excellent plush spa venues on Bali and COMO Shambala Retreat at Uma Ubud is amongst the most impressive of these. Uma provides an array of holistic and Asian-inspired treatments. Tucked conveniently on the outskirts of Ubud, the spa takes peace and quiet seriously by utilizing its serene environment while letting white dominate the building’s colour scheme so allowing for a clean and relaxed atmosphere. I was welcomed by the receptionist at the spa lobby and was soon guided to a spacious treatment room complete with small garden. The Como Shambhala Massage was my choice of pampering and this began with a warm towel foot cleaning. This 60-minute massage uses Uma’s signature blended massage oil that produces a calming of the mind and a bodily rejuvenation. A comb...