In the early evening, when you are feeling quite rested, that memorable fragrance returns, and may well linger for hours. There is a reason we are called "human beings" not "human doings" and in destinations like the Mandara Spa at Alila Ubud in Bali you're bound to find out why.
The presence of water everywhere is designed to have a soothing and healing effect at Kirana. The upper pooi in the Spa Garden was created from natural river stones collected from Bali; gentle streams of water create a soothing backdrop.
Every evening around sunset, a therapist lights candles in the Spa Garden area.
KIRANA SPA
UBUD, BALI
Kirana Spa is one of the largest day spas in Bali, and one of the island's most exclusive. Its calm and sophistication blend to create an almost ashram-like ambience. The design of the spa subtly echoes a traditional Japanese temple, evoking a spiritual feeling of peace and tranquility. A meandering entry-way is filled with aromatic white jasmine trees, while walk-ways beneath trellises of scarlet passion flowers connect private villas. Humorous artworks and sculptures are placed around the bougainvillea gardens and lily ponds.
Kirana means "light" or "aura" in Sanskrit, and Kirana Spa is an open-air sanctuary situated above Bali's sacred Ayung River. Occupying 5 acres (2 hectares) of lush forest, it is a collaboration between the royal Sukawati family of Ubud and Japanese beauty company Shiseido. There are 15 villas in total (suite, treatment and presidential), all set in a garden filled with a variety of relaxation options. Nine of the villas have their own private plunge pool and herbal mist sauna, while outdoor showers, relaxation arbors and daybeds are the norm.
The philosophy at Kirana is simple and zen-like. There are just four special treatments: Relaxing Body Treatment, Revitalizing Body Treatment, Foot and Leg Treatment and Facial Treatment. During the preliminary consultation, treatments are chosen to best suit the guest's requirements. "We believe that the flow of ch'i or energy keeps us healthy," explains a spokesperson from the Shiseido Institute of Beauty Sciences. "So, all our treatments are focused on keeping the body and mind well balanced so our energy circulates."
Each treatment focuses on tokumyaku and nimyaku, processes believed to govern the flow of ch'i and keep energy circulating. The art of shoku (touch) and atsu (pressure) is also applied throughout each treatment to help reduce tension or stress held within the body. The combination of these two techniques helps to relieve any stiffness and instils new energy into both the body and mind. In addition, the "art of breath" is taught during treatments. Therapists encourage each guest to return to their own natural rhythm of breathing.
The Relaxing Body Treatment is a meditative rejuvenation experience, where the rhythm of the treatment is synchronized with the rhythm of the guest's respiration. The aim is to bring the guest into a state of sublime relaxation. Another soothing ritual is the Foot and Leg Treatment (see page 139).
A yoga session in the relaxation pavilion of the Presidential Villa. This is also where one would normally relax after a treatment and sip calming tea.
The design of Kirana's private villas draws its inspiration from traditional Balinese art and architecture, while the interior of the female dressing room in the Spa Garden area uses local woods and white river pebbles imported from Java for vernacular effect.
This amenities box is one example of the attention to detail that makes the Kirana experience so unique.
The lower pool in the Spa Garden overlooks the Ayung River, while the Villa Suite is like a private spa fitted out with a personal herbal mist sauna and Jacuzzi. Guests may order extended treatment time here.
One of the many paintings and sculptures found around the spa resort.
Kirana Spa was designed by architect Lek Bunnag and landscape designer Bill Bensley. The energy of the nearby area of central Bali seems to filter into the Spa Garden area creating a magic all of its own.
The view from the Jacuzzi pool in the Spa Garden is one of pure natural beauty and serenity.
Ceramic sculptures showing the simple daily life of Balinese girls playing a traditional game. The idea behind this is to remind us of the benefits of being playful and to enjoy the simplicity of life that in turn encourages relaxation.
A stairway in local stone leading from the upper level down to the lower area of the Spa Garden, where pools of water and relaxing pavilions beckon.
Ceramic goddesses frolic in a fountain at the Spa Garden plaza entrance.
MARTHA TILAAR EASTERN
REJUVENATING CENTER
SAYAN, UBUD, BALI
Dr Martha Tilaar is highly regarded all over the world as an ambassador for Indonesian beauty treatments, and deservedly so. Considered one of the leaders in reviving and preserving ancient jamu recipes and remedies, Dr Tilaar creates products using local aromatic essences, herbs and traditional medicines. Merging ancient jamu knowledge with modern-day research, they appeal to the contemporary market. Currently she owns and operates a number of spas throughout Indonesia and sells her products in literally thousands of outlets throughout the country. One of her newest spas is the Eastern Rejuvenating Center, a 15-room neocolonial-style property near Ubud in Bali. A private resort and spa, it is ideal for weddings and corporate retreats—in a location with a strong Indonesian flavor.
Most treatments are jamu-inspired, but Dr Tilaar borrows freely from other cultures too. The Chinese accusage facial and Indian marma facial, as well as the traditional Indonesian rebirth facial, are good examples of how her work crosses all national boundaries. Special treatments, such as the traditional Indonesian post-natal treatment given to new mothers to quicken the healing process after birth, are also offered. Here, ingredients including galangal, lime, turmeric, betel nut and rice starch are mixed into a warm paste and placed on the abdomen to relieve pains and colic after delivery, as well as to improve blood circulation and firm the abdomen to its former contours. Other ingredients are then placed over various parts of the body to relieve any discomfort. Another beautiful creation is the Grecian Ritual, where flowers wrapped in muslin cloth are placed on different parts of the body including the solar plexus, heart and third eye to harmonize the chakras.
Dr Tilaar also offers a series of unique Eastern Body Events that include the Chinese Empress Ritual and Eastern Princess Retreat: the former honors Chinese traditions with a pressure point massage and a herbal-rich, toning facial, while the latter is inspired by a 7th-century Javanese treatment dating from Majapahit times that includes a cleansing body smoking, a