A spectacular place to relax and reflect
Despite the long journey time to get to Bali, KATE FIELDER finds it’s the perfect, tranquil setting for some unwinding
AFTER nearly 20 hours of travelling, the thought of a three-hour transfer to The Spa Village in Tembok in Bali did not send the pulses racing.
But the journey on winding roads along the beautiful coast, through quiet villages – passing by temple after temple – lifted my weary spirits.
Colourful offerings to the gods were everywhere, scattered on the pavements and roadside.
Once at the village, it’s not difficult to see why anyone would fall deeply in love with this seemingly secret slice of paradise, regardless of factoring in masses of travelling time. It’s an unrivalled experience.
With only 31 (not overly-impressive but very comfortable rooms) it’s a quaint resort. Most guests and staff know your name after a little while. Many of the guests talk about returning year after year. It’s a very tranquil secret escape.
The spa retreat begins to work its magic and eases your stresses from the second you arrive – there’s a welcome neck-and-back massage and black sand foot-scrub during check-in.
Every guest receives an itinerary – with no expectation or pressure to follow the schedule.
It’s surprising how much fun making an organic body scrub can be, or a break from the mid-day heat can be had with a candle-making class in the shade.
Another huge indulgence which I’m not sure I’ll ever get over is every resident is scheduled to receive one complimentary 50-minute treatment per day by one of the therapists.
On one visit to the spa, I was spoilt with a special signature pre-treatment ritual using black volcanic sand to cleanse and steam the feet – also considered a way to purify the individual – and more importantly for me, a cure for jetlag.
The 30-minute ritual concluded with a foot wash, then I was led to day-beds to relax with infused water and frozen strawberries before a massage and soak left my skin feeling delightful.
All treatments within the spa use completely natural and locallysourced ingredients.
The coconut oil is made by hand by one of the serving staff and his wife. The spa is 100 per cent natural and preservative free.
Although it is amazing, the Spa Village won’t be to all tastes. No bar and limited wifi could be a deal breaker for some.
Drinks are available to order with healthy and tasty set meals at The Wantilan open-air restaurant, but alcohol isn’t a necessity here at this haven.
And for all those vital emails, there is wifi in the lobby.
My only desire to venture out of the resort was for a trek to the nearby Les Waterfall.
A short drive and a brisk walk took us to the foot of the spectacular waterfall where we had a lovely breakfast – all for around £35.
The ‘spiritual’ side to the resort is evident with several types of yoga, and meditation classes.
And there is even flotation star-gazing taking place in the pool at night. Well-being is taken very seriously.
If holistic and spiritual escapes aren’t your thing, I can wholeheartedly recommend relaxing while listening to the sounds of the ocean crashing within the lush landscapes, or by the beautiful black-sand beach.
Relaxing by the infinity pool, you experience top-notch service.
You don’t realise your glass is running empty of cool iced water, until you notice staff on hand cheerily topping you up.
Towards the end of my stay, I was booked on a Ju kong sunset cruise – chasing the sun in a beautiful traditional wooden narrow boat.
It’s only when at sea that you see the magnitude and beauty of Bali – the volcanoes and mountains that stand proudly on the skyline, with picturesque palms gently swaying in the breeze. It was a most amazing sunset, in a most spectacular place.