Spa Queen of Asia: ‘This is the life’

My choice of fabulous Spas in Bali, Indonesia

by wrensrambles@gmail.com

I do like a fabulous spa, they don’t call me the Spa Queen of Asia for nothing!

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So when this Crazy Soccer Mum is Bali bound, it is exciting to discover that my ‘Zen Mum’ yoga retreat includes several spa treatments. There is a special healing energy that I find whenever I’m in Bali which comes from its spiritual and cultural heart.

A day at a gorgeous spa has been a long, long time coming…

Gotta love an outdoor bath!

It’s a combination of the warm air on your skin, the calm smiles of the Balinese people and the lotus ponds, and all the herbal smells. It’s a full-on sensory journey which I love. I mean just look at the view from my hot spice bath, what’s not to love!

Maya Ubud Resort & Spa

When my life took me to Australia and no longer living in affordable Asia, access to a spa day was reserved either for special treats, or a bargain coupon deal.

Karsa Spa, Ubud

To our delight, we find in Bali the average cost of a local massage is $10 USD. In Australia, we’re talking $70-$100, and that’s way out of my budget…

TIP: If you are going for a cheap and cheerful local massage, take your own aromatherapy massage oil which will turn an average Balinese baby oil massage into a way better experience.

Bliss Spa pedicures in the garden

My Favourite Bali Spa experiences near Ubud.

Karsa Spa

At Karsa Spa, a perfect spa experience starts with a lovely setting. We enjoyed our treatments in the lovely Balinese-style rooms amidst the paddy fields.

You can walk across the fields from Ubud as we did to find this gem of a peaceful village called Bangkiang Sidem. It takes about 30 minutes and really is a divine start.

Reception and Spa rooms at Karsa Spa, Ubud

Spa at Maya, Ubud

At the Spa at Maya, Ubud we wander through a jaw-dropping spectacular resort, with over 10 hectares of lush tropical landscape to explore. We find an elevator taking us to the hidden river valley below. Our treatments are to the music of the swirling river waters outside the most amazing treatment pavilions.

Maya, Ubud in the lush rainforest setting

The Spa knicker game!

There is however one thing I need to work on as all Spa treatments start the same way. The clock is ticking, and your beauty therapist has indicated she’ll wait outside.

You have approximately two minutes to undress, hang up your clothes, AND wiggle your way into the navy blue paper knickers. It’s the spa version of the TV show ‘Ready, Steady, Cook!’

The clock counts down. All three holes in your undies look the same size.

You have no idea which two holes are for your legs. Too fast and you rip the paper,

and you end up looking like a half-wrapped chicken, your therapist walks in and looks slightly startled, but is a professional and says nothing…

Take too long, and the door springs open. You’re caught completely stark naked and you look like a right floozie. You’re like a naked rabbit caught in the headlights.

Your therapist again looks slightly startled, yet is a professional and says nothing…

Question: Why are all spa undies made for small Asian bottoms?

If you nail it, congratulations! You leap onto the bed to admire the view on the floor! Pretty flowers are a must!