Water: Vital, Life Giving and Balancing

The Ritz-Carlton Bali

It’s all about the visual and physical healing elements of seawater at The Ritz-Carlton. Wake up to a yoga session, performing the sun salutation in a pavilion perched high over the sea, then continue the workout at the Aquatonic pool full of mineral-rich seawater, where an assault course of jets, bubbles and currents pummel your muscles and mind into complete submission. For the most luxurious treatment in the resort you’ll have to move to the Spa on the Rocks. An enclosed pavilion built out on a rock in the sea, here you are surrounded by waves at every turn. Settle on the Thai spa bed and your body, mind and spirit will be soothed by the therapist, Crème de la Mer products and the sound of the waves. In the afternoon relax at the new Ocean Beach pool, where water beds within the pool keep you seawater cool while sipping your sundowner cocktail. And back at your luxurious Cliff Villa a plunge pool awaits, putting the finishing touches to your mental and spiritual wellbeing.

COMO Shambhala Estate at Begawan Giri

Continuing to lead the wellness field in Bali, today the resort is all about the holistic health of its guests, with several retreats (the most popular are detox and stress management) answering the needs of those of us overwhelmed by urban life. Consultants cover nutrition and naturopathy, Ayurveda, acupuncture and physiotherapy, while visiting experts hold learning seminars including life coaching, yoga and meditation and much more. The goal is to immerse yourself in a learning experience, spa treatments and the new vitality pool, emerging at the end of your stay a butterfly of freedom compared with your sluggish caterpillarlike arrival. Activities, expeditions and the sweet sound of nothing but nature are of course also high on the agenda.

Grand Hyatt Bali

Based on a traditional Balinese water palace, the new Kriya Spa (meaning 'ritual' in Sanskrit) at the Grand Hyatt Bali is a sanctuary of tropical garden, water courtyard and 24 spa villas – all at the height of luxury with twin beds, wet areas, relaxation bale, tub and plunge pool. The philosophy here is natural, holistic health through rituals: Moksha (harmony and calm), Aanand (bliss and nourishment), Yowanna (rejuvenation and inner radiance) and Nirmala (purification and preservation). Ayurvedic treatments also feature, and while you can cherry pick one or two of these, if you are staying for a week or more resident Dr Sanjay Khanzode will create an entire Ayurvedic program for you. Yoga, meditation, consultations, counseling and spa cuisine are all part and parcel of sending you home a new and improved you.