I’ve never been to nature spa, nor do I know much about one – until I went to the spa at Kayumanis Private Estate & Villa in Ubud, Bali. Perched atop the hills is a tranquil paradise that oversees the Ayung River and Lauh River of Ubud. And it truly reflects the essence of this traditional part of Bali.
Balinese spa is all about spiritual healing. The focus of Kayumanis spa is to embrace its roots and culture and brings to the world a true Balinese experience.
We began our spiritual journey with a welcome drink of rosella flower tea, and the affable spa manager did a run through of the spa itinerary for the day. Set for a 3-hour indulgence, quite aptly named ‘Spa Secrets’, we started with a tour around the in-house garden where they grow their own plants and herbs used in all the spa treatments. It was enriching to say the least.
Leading up to our pavilion is a stroll through nature so soul-healing that it brought much peace to us; just the perfect pre-spa prep. The pavilion is a designated couple room with shelter, complete with a toilet and shower facilities, and overlooks the lush greenery of Ubud.
And as our therapists cleansed our tired feet with sea salt scrub, we had a chat with them and found out that they are both villagers from the indigenous neighborhood. It surprised us to know that they are open to the cultural difference, and how they are grateful for the opportunities given to them at the spa. To help them progress upwards, the spa implements a Progressive Wage Model which helps the therapists improve along four ladders: wage, productivity, skills and career.
The therapists are given skills training to understand the various benefits of the treatments and how to serve each customer better. Therapists who cultivate good repeat customers are considered more productive and stand a better chance to get a promotion and pay raise.
And when we asked if they enjoy working for the company, they were all smiles and we got our answer. Kayumanis values every worker by having them feel like they work as a family, and are assets to the company. Most of the staff we spoke to have been in the company for incredible number of years – quite otherwise unheard of in Singapore – and this can only be achieved through cultivation of a healthy and happy working environment, coupled with quality staff welfare and appreciation.
This really stands in contrast to Singapore where some businesses still don’t have a Progressive Wage Model for their workers, but gladly they will soon have to implement this model in order to get their business licence.
Our hour-long Balinese massage was a relaxing one, with a combination of long strokes and pressure points focus to heal and recharge. Following which was a round of freshly-pounded scrub which comprised rice, lemongrass, turmeric, white ginger and candlenut. Exfoliation at its best, we’d say. And this was succeeded with a layer of fresh yogurt masque to deeply moisturise and soothe the skin.
Enjoying a spa treatment “in the outdoors” while relishing the sound of rain drops splattering gently was indeed an unparalleled delight. And we ended the ritual with a 30mins herbal bath where we soaked in a bath tub generously filled with fragrant herbs freshly hand-picked from the in-house garden.
This is the kind of experience that will be etched in our memories, for the sheer indulgence lies in the very simplicity of Mother Nature and people who truly love to render what they believe in.
This message is part of a ladyironchef x Labour Movement project where we seek to share with you insights on the different initiatives by the Labour Movement to give workers in Singapore better jobs, better pay and better work-life balance.
Kayumanis Private Villa & Estate Ubud
Sayan Village
Ubud, Bali
Tel: +62 361 972 777
Note: This was an invited media session.