"Create your own retreat" is the motto of Prana (whose name is not just based on the Sanskrit word for "vital force" but was also the name of owner Jim Elliott's great friend). Some guests have been known to book a morning helicopter ride to have breakfast on a remote island followed by horse riding along the Indian Ocean followed by three hours of solid pampering in the evening. Others simply kick back and relax in the quiet compound.
Within the theatrical spa enclave are complimentary hot and cold plunge pools to dip in before, during or after your treatments. Signature treatments reflect an ayurvedic approach with Prana Rebalance being one of the most popular. This is a therapeutic ayurvedic treatment from Southern India that appeals to those seeking more than mere pampering. The philosophy is to restore the body's natural balance by first cleansing the circulatory system and then nurturing it with concoctions to heal and nourish.
The session takes place in the Ayurveda Room where you are welcomed by two therapists with an Indian-style namaste greeting. A synchronized massage known as pizichil is performed with warm medicated oils, then the udgharshana takes place. This involves healing powders and herbs being massaged over oiled skin to help stimulate circulation. Next is mavarakizhl, in which steaming hot poultices filled with curative herbs and powders are rubbed in circular motions over the body to help alleviate fatigue, improve digestion and relax any stiffness within the body. The final pina sweda session involves steaming hot towels infused with herbs that are draped over the body. An all-over detoxifier, this has a warming effect, so expect to depart feeling grounded and nurtured.
The baroque design of the Prana Spa is all about fantasy and escape from worldly cares. Prana Spa manufactures its own line of spa products so guests have the pleasure of soaking in the fragrances of the East with exotic oils and herbs.
Many of the treatments at Prana Spa integrate traditional ayurvedic practices—including yoga.
Barefoot Shiatsu massages are given in daybeds set in alcoves facing a central courtyard.
Indian silk and gold-painted archways are just some of the fantastic details that make Prana Spa so memorable.
Indian inspiration can be seen in the herbal-infused steam room, where warm aromatic essences ease away tension, and this bathroom with elaborate mosaics.
One of the best treatments for your day of departure is the three-and-a-half hour Divine Renewal ritual that starts with a sea salt body exfoliation followed by a shower rain massage to cleanse and stimulate. Your choice of either creamy clay or pure seaweed mud is then massaged into the skin and further detoxification takes place in the steam room. The middle section consists of an hour-long soothing full body massage and a hydrating seaweed facial, while the traditional Indonesian creme bath to nourish the hair and scalp is given at the end.
For those who love a stronger massage, the Prana barefoot Shiatsu comes highly recommended. It especially caters to those who are physically strong and require treatments that work deeply on the body tissues and muscles.
THE SPA
AT FOUR SEASONS RESORT BALI JIMBARAN BAY
JIMBARAN, BALI
The Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay perches elegantly above the Indian Ocean and draws up cool energy from the waters that flow throughout its confines. Built to resemble a traditional Balinese village, it is lushly planted; accommodation is in an extensive complex of private villas, each with its own private compound and oversized outdoor soaking tubs. The experience is an exclusive one, with all amenities thoughtfully provided.
The spa at the Four Seasons embraces the natural beauty of Bali and is intended to be "mystical, tropical and spiritual." Treatments employ local spices, flowers and herbs and, combined with the healing touch of experienced therapists' hands, epitomize the essence of Bali. The spa includes spacious relaxation lounges with juices and magazines on hand. In the Royal Spa Suite you are treated like a goddess (or god): this is the perfect place to experience the Four Seasons signature Rainshower Ritual. This begins with a sea salt scrub, and is followed by a gentle Vichy shower, a soothing lavender bath and ends with a lavender lotion moisturizer.
Many treatments at Jimbaran are inspired by the nearby ocean and use water, sea crystals and plants found and grown locally. One signature treatment that reflects the oceanic beauty of Bali is the Sea Mint Detoxifying Ritual, where sand, sea salt and minerals are used as exfoliants before an icy mint purifying mousse is applied. This is finished with a scalp massage using a blend of mint, tangerine and rosemary. A peppermint rose milk bath with a refreshing cup of herbal petal tea serves as both a tonic and elixir. Detoxified and refreshed, the balance of the skin is restored with a lemongrass and mint body lotion, plus a hydrating facial gel of lavender and geranium.
Reflecting the water element that is so sacred in Bali, a variety of pools are dotted throughout the resort. Particularly striking is an infinity-edge pool where water cascades over a 22-foot (7-meter) waterfall into another soaking pool below.
Four Seasons Resort at Jimbaran Bay comprises 147 thatched-roof villas all with private compounds and plunge pools overlooking the Indian Ocean.
Many facials include a hand or foot massage during the mask portion, and whoever created the Four Seasons' Island Fruit Ritual was certainly in a joyous mood! This delicious sequence encourages the shedding of skin layers and is also a beautiful mood-lifter. It begins with a papaya and hibiscus scrub followed by a papaya and passion fruit body mask and then a wild fruit bath where fresh fruit tea is served. Passion fruit, papaya, blackberries, raspberries and strawberries are all used in abundance. And in keeping with the Balinese philosophy of living in balance, many treatments incorporate a beautiful hand massage—firm, yet soothing, which brings the guest back to center.
It is the small things that count: these aromatherapy diffusers sweeten the spa's air with essential fragrances from Bali and the surrounding area.
The Coconilla Skin Scrub is an exfoliating treatment that uses shredded coconut, vanilla beans and coconut milk—all geared to cooling down and nourishing the body.
The Sari Jimbaran Facial is one of four facial treatments on the menu here. Part of the sequence is a mask that uses local herbs and flowers.
Spas are all about connecting with others, and bonding with friends can be deepened when in beautiful surroundings. The spirit here is all about blending a human touch with natural tropical spices and flowers to create a profound sense of peace and wellbeing.