bali
The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali
Right opposite the Bali International Convention Centre, the Westin Bali's lobby area is vast, but as soon as you walk
towards the sea the resort gets quieter and more intimate. The Westin Spa is small, but their treatment rooms are added
to by the Balinese gazebo within the grounds, meaning you can have a sublime massage to the sound of the waves of the
sea, the distant playing of children and splashing in the pool. Royal Beach Club rooms and suites somehow combine a villa
feel: think terraces, balconies, some with plunge pools, all with the perks you'd normally associate with an executive
floor. The spa concentrates on natural and indigenous treatments including boreh wraps and mandi soaks,
as well as massages, scrubs, facials and natural cream baths for your hair.
www.westin.com/ba
Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan
For a stunning hideaway stretching from the river's edge all the way up into the treetops, the Four Seasons Bali at
Sayan is a feat of engineering, architecture, beauty and relaxation.
Private villas within the forest or at the stream's edge include plunge pools and spacious interiors that it almost
seems a pity to leave. But the sunrise yoga looking over the branches of the trees, full of birds in song, has to be experienced,
whether you are a morning person or not. The spa and fitness has comfortable treatment rooms, but for a luxurious pampering
session the villa looks out over a pond, surrounded by silence. For serious mind-numbing, the shirodhara followed
by a massage and soak will reduce you to a delightfully spineless, snoozing shadow of your former tense self.
www.fourseasons.com/sayan
Villa Simona
Of course the way to do it when you're in Bali is to book a private villa. These days they come with not only private
chefs and staff, but also spa areas and therapists at your beck and call. Villa Simona is one such villa near Canggu,
built into the land that lies between two forks of a sacred stream. Stunning design of the five bedrooms, breezy living
area, chequerboard terrace, pool and sundeck is more than equaled by the petite alfresco spa where bale bengong (meaning
a place to relax) has two massage beds, and nearby are the his and hers baths and a changing and shower area. They've
really thought of everything.
www.simona-oasis.com