Our Traditional Balinese Spa Day

This past April, my husband and I had the opportunity to visit Bali, and it was truly one of the most incredible trips we've ever taken. Travel by Angela planned the most amazing itinerary for us, and one of my favorite parts was the three-hour Balinese spa experience we had. 

Bali is well-known for its relaxing atmosphere, and we knew we wanted to experience a traditional Balinese spa treatment during our trip. Bali’s ancient culture is deeply intertwined with spirituality and a holistic approach to well-being. This philosophy is incorporated in their traditional healing practices, which often include curated ingredients, massage, and rituals aimed at balancing the body, mind, and spirit. While MNA might not replicate a Balinese spa, I also find it extremely important to integrate a whole body approach into my work and so I really appreciated learning more about the culture of Bali through this experience. 

We visited Hesa Spa in Ubud for their Balinese Bliss spa experience. The spa itself was beautiful. When we first arrived, we were greeted with cold tea and asked to pick essential oils for our treatment. We went with Plumeria, Jasmine, and Lemongrass for their aromatherapeutic properties. Plumeria and Jasmine are known for their deeply calming properties, while Lemongrass is often associated with mental clarity and stress relief, creating a balanced and relaxing aromatic experience.

Before the main treatments, the preparation involved about 30 minutes dedicated to hot and cold baths, alongside a steam room session. This hydrotherapy approach, alternating between hot and cold water, is designed to stimulate circulation, which can help detoxify the body and stimulate the skin. The steam room helped to open our pores, allowing for the deeper cleansing, and also warmed and relaxed our muscles for the massage.

Following this preparation, we got into robes and went to the treatment room for an hour-long Balinese massage. This traditional massage is known for its combination of gentle stretches, acupressure, and aromatherapy. The massage therapists actually got onto our massage beds to use their body weight to apply deeper, more sustained pressure, effectively releasing built-up muscular tension. That deep and sustained pressure also plays a significant role in supporting the body's natural detoxification processes. By effectively releasing deep-seated muscular tension, it helps to decongest the tissues, creating more space for fluids, including lymph, to flow freely and carry away metabolic waste. The improved blood circulation stimulated by this type of massage also works hand-in-hand with the lymphatic system, enhancing overall fluid exchange and the removal of toxins. 

Next was a 30-minute body scrub and cleanse to exfoliate our skin. This process removes dead skin cells, improves skin texture, and can stimulate circulation, leaving our skin feeling very soft and smooth after rinsing.

The final hour of our Balinese Bliss treatment started with a 30-minute scalp wash, which included a thorough and incredibly relaxing scalp massage. This was not only deeply cleansing for the hair and scalp but also fantastic for stimulating blood flow, which can promote healthier hair growth, and relieve any lingering tension held in the head and neck. The last 30 minutes consisted of a soothing facial, where the therapist performed a deep cleanse and a relaxing facial massage, leaving our skin feeling refreshed and super hydrated.

After three hours dedicated to this rejuvenation ritual, we were served hot tea and some fresh fruit. This is a common practice in Balinese spas, helping to gently rehydrate the body and allow a moment to fully absorb the benefits of the treatments before departing. 

This "Balinese Bliss" treatment at Hesa Spa felt like a genuine connection to Balinese culture. We feel so grateful to have been able to experience it for ourselves and a big thank you to Travel by Angela for finding this gem and planning a trip of a lifetime!!! 

Best, 

Maria