The Balinese Hindu deity Dewi Sri, the beloved goddess of rice and fertility, is a decorative element, as are these fragrant offerings of jasmine and rose petals.
A scene from the Hindu Ramayama epic is depicted on the walls of the shower area in traditional Balinese temple relief style.
Tirta Puspa is the name of this private indoor bath area where guests are bathed in a variety of natural Indonesian herbs and botanicals.
The open-air bathing pavilion is known as the Tirta Amarta, This is a wonderful environment in which to receive the golden lulur, a spice-filled scrub based on a royal treatment from the Indonesian courts.
Martha Tilaar's signature massage oils are made from exotic ingredients like rice extract, ylang ylang, jasmine, rose, nutmeg, neroli and sandalwood.
Healing hands at work. In this "white energy" or daya putih treatment, the body is pulled and stretched into balance. A variety of techniques are used in this "laying of hands" healing session. Dr Martha Tilaar describes the Bio-Energy Massage as one that produces "radiant beauty from within." The intention is to re-energize the body and create overall harmony and flow of ch'i. The rubbing of hands to generate energy for healing is common in many traditional Asian massage treatments.
One of the most interesting aspects of Asian spa culture is that many of the therapists come from backgrounds where expressions such as "energy" and "healing" are a part of their daily existence. Healing hands are an integral feature of Asian cultures—and those with healing abilities often receive them from parents or teachers. Perhaps this is why many revered Western therapists have trained with Eastern masters in a variety of modalities—and continue to do so today
Many of the therapists at Dr Tilaar's spas come from generations of such healers—and many subscribe to the Javanese philosophy that sees beauty as a whole: known in Javanese as "Rupasampat Wahyablantara," it means "living in harmony with the natural cycles of life "In fact, all Dr Tilaar's products and therapies are based on this premise.
When visiting Asia's best spas, every now and then you come across a unique treatment such as the Bio-Energy Massage exclusively offered at the Martha Tilaar Eastern Rejuvenating Center. Developed by Dr Martha Tilaar and incorporating old Indonesian and Chinese traditions, it offers a profound healing experience. "One can fulfill life's desires through Bio-Energy Massage," says Dr Martha Tilaar. She describes it as a massage of "radiant beauty" utilizing day a putih or "white energy."
The massage looks like a dramatic combination of yoga, dance and Thai massage. It begins with deep breathing in unison. Then the therapist performs stretches and uses various methods to move energy and stimulate circulation within the guest's body. The movements work to unlock and release blockages along the body's meridian lines, creating overall inner harmony and flow of chi. The intention is to re-energize and re-vitalize.
During the exercise, Dr Tilaar assures that bakti will occur: this is "a self-submission to God vertically and to human beings horizontally." She says some of the benefits may include stress-relief, a rebalancing of mind and spirit, improved intuition and strengthened memory as well as vitality in the body.
The bathing pool area is a quiet, relaxing place for contemplation.
Ingredients used in the signature Cooling Mask treatment are pressed into small pill-like beads. They are then blended with rosewater and rose petals for added sensuality before being applied to the face. Other facial treatments at the Eastern Rejuvenating Center include Indonesian Rebirth and Chinese Acupressure Facials.
Couple's treatments are formulated to promote a connection between people. In the Rama-Sinta Room, couples are offered a retreat-like experience, with a shower, steam bath and aromatic body massage for two.
The Indonesian post-natal treatment known as bengkung is an external therapy believed to help flush out bacteria that gathers In the body after childbirth. Heat and herbs help to cleanse and stimulate the lymphatic system as well as reawaken the body's organs.
The Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan drops down vertically to the Ayung River valley. There are 18 suites and 42 villas with views across the ravine and the entrance is via a dramatic catwalk leading to a lotus pond on the roof of the hotel.
THE SPA
AT FOUR SEASONS RESORT BALI SAYAN
SAYAN, UBUD, BALI
With the scent of frangipani infusing the warm tropical air and a lotus pool floating above the treetops, the Four Seasons Resort at Sayan overlooks Bali's sacred Ayung River. It is a place of extraordinary natural beauty with rice fields and volcanic vistas—and a philosophy of living in harmony with the natural world. Accommodation is in the main block or in garden villas down below. The latter have outdoor bathing pavilions and private garden courtyards and are ideal for ayurvedic, herbal and couple's treatments. The villas beautifully reflect Bali-style architecture and are constructed with thatched roofs, hand-crafted Sulawesi textiles and hand-blown local glass.
The spa is located in a secluded environment and consists of four treatment rooms and three luxury spa villas. The village-like atmosphere reflects perfectly the communal spirit of the Balinese. The spa is surrounded by beautiful rice fields and vegetable gardens scented with lemongrass and features hot and cold plunge pools.
As Bali is predominantly Hindu, ayurveda resonates well here. Classic ayurvedic inspired treatments, adapted and refined to suit the Balinese temperature and lifestyle, are the first choice for many. One example is the Chakra Dhara Ritual designed to restore dosha (an individual's constitution) and chakra (energy point) imbalances: it begins with a back, scalp, hand and foot massage performed by two therapists to clear any toxic blockages, and is followed by herbal oil dripping on four key energy points along the central nervous system. It is a