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.

We have been to several spas in Bali, and while there is a great disparity between the shabby ones and the ones with impressive architectures, there is also a differentiation between the ones with good and better architectures. The Spa at Four Seasons Resort Bali boasts of one that is easily the nicest in the Jimbaran area, and the sheer space imprinted nothing but a fond impression and memory. The grandeur of its in-house spa is almost at the level of a destination spa, and though it is within the Four Seasons Resort Bali itself, stepping into the spa feels like stepping into a separate arena of luxury; a sanctuary of peace, relaxation and tranquility.

We settled for a couple villa that was complete with an outdoor bath tub and rain shower. Our therapists brought us to our villa after having us fill up a comprehensive form to better understand our basic health conditions, problem area(s) and strength preference. Very thoughtful, because a simple gesture like this makes a big difference to the overall experience of our massage session.

The room was well-furbished to the garden theme, and the atmosphere was set right to retreat into the much needed comfort – lavender and a hint of geranium burning and filling the air with an invigorating scent and soft spa tracks tinkling to a repertoire. Our thoughtful therapists went through the various ingredients that were to be used for our couple treatment, and had us choose from a selection of body scrubs and massage oils – all these while we soaked our feet in pans of warm water sprinkled with aromatic sea salt.

To kickstart the luxurious couple treatment, we had an exfoliating scrub that left our skin feeling clean and fresh, after which we were given some private time to soak in the lush bath tub covered completely with red rose petals. The floral bath was simple yet so rewarding for it served as a quiet time to take in all the marvels of the pampering session as we stared at the floating rose petals and listened to the birds chirp freely, all around us.

And the second half of the treatment was a relatively relaxing massage that sent us both to slumber. Our usual preference for massage is that of a strong and firm one to hit every pressure point, but because the couple treatment was meant to be an energising one for the souls, we were treated to a round of slow but long-strokes massage by the skilful Balinese.

Indeed, when at Bali, it is well worth the splurge to indulge in a holistic spa treatment. Take a little time off your holiday timetable, and dedicate a morning to restoring your soul. Place your faith in a professional luxury spa, and enjoy Four Seasons Resort Bali Spa.

Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay
Kuta Selatan
Jimbaran Bali, Indonesia
Tel: +62 361 701010

Given the hectic lifestyle that most people lead, I have always believed that spa treatments are not an indulgence, but a necessity in life.

Bali is known for many things – white-sand beaches, amazing sunset spots, fantastic restaurants and bars. But Spa reigns the list as the top favourite. The next time you are in Bali, and in need of a pampering, head to Shine Spa at Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort for a wholesome spa treatment.

Like what you would expect from any good spa, Shine Spa for Sheraton encourages guests to arrive early to enjoy the sauna and whirlpool prior to the treatment.

Immediately upon entering the spa, I felt at ease with light and calming music lopping in the background. My therapist was attentive to my needs, and she managed to find and relieve the tensions effortlessly. To me, a good massage is when it sends you to slumber. And that was the case at Shine Spa. I fell asleep shortly after the start of the massage, and when I woke up, my body felt so much lighter.

Not only does Shine Spa has the traditional Balinese massages, but they also have a range of signature treatments – blending from the east to the west with local Balinese touches – which include the Shine Massage (Rp 400,000/S$52 for 60 min), Shine Facial (Rp 580,000/S$75 for 60 min), Shine Body Treatment (Rp 450,000/S$58 for 60 min), and if you are there with your partner for a romantic getaway, go for the Shine for Two (Rp 420,000/S$54 for 60 min).

What makes Shine Spa for Sheraton a place you can return to again and again is that you do not have to spend a bomb for a treatment here. For a luxurious 5 star hotel spa, the prices are very affordable. Shine Spa should be at the top of your list when you are staying in the Kuta area.

Shine Spa for Sheraton
Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort
Jalan Pantai, Kuta 80361, Indonesia.
Tel: +62 361 846 5555
Note: This was an invited media session