Tips To Avoid A Disappointing Experience...

If you want to experience Bali, then a visit to a Bali spa should be on your list of things to do. Spas are not only popular for travelers who are looking for a moment of pampering, but many treatments have been used by the Balinese for many generations as well.

This is all part of the Balinese life too.

Of course with the arrival of tourism large numbers of spas opened their doors offering massage- and other beauty treatments ranging from half an hour, to a couple of hours to even a whole day. Spas come is a large variety, from salons with a massage table in the back to huge spa villa complexes which are more luxurious and beautifully set then the other.

You will soon discover that there is basically a ‘spa’ for everybody, whether it’s on the beach, in a spa in town or in a 5 star resort. There is always something for every Bali traveller.

To decide which type of spa-visitor you are, here are brief descriptions of the three kinds of spas you can find on Bali.

Resort, villa and hotel spas
Resorts, villas and hotels have wonderful and professional in-house spas, some even award winning. Not surprisingly many travelers specifically choose their accommodation based on the in-house spa possibilities of as villa spa complexes such as Villa Air Bali in Seminyak, Villa Semana in Ubud and Bali Hyatt in Nusa Dua.

Besides the traditional ones, these spas usually have the newest forms of treatments such as yoga massages and crystal healing hot stones. On top of that all therapists have been professionally trained by the spa themselves to maintain high standards.

The location is often set along a beautiful river, or overlooking a valley or ocean. The small details of flowing water, flowers, scent of aroma brings everything to a level of ultimate luxury...



As expected these spas are the most expensive but this is a classic example of “getting what you are paying for”. The prices are always in dollars and are in most cases about USD 100 for a 1.5 hour treatment. But don’t be surprised to see a Bali spa offering treatment for USD200 as well.

Independent Spas in town
The spas that are found in town are the most diverse when it comes to quality, setting and price. As such, if you want to visit this type of spa you should try to make sure that you know what to expect.

Of course, there are many luxury and designer spas in town that offer the same ‘royal’ experience as the hotel, resort or villas spas. These are the spas which will amaze you with their beauty the minute you walk into the door. Naturally you can expect the same quality and price as the first type of spa mentioned earlier.

However there are many spa complexes that offer treatments for a little bit less. These are the spas that lack the modern contemporary design and little details, but still remain the open air feeling and luxury with a more traditional Balinese character.

You can expect professionally trained therapists here too, a large choice of body and other treatments ranging from $15 to $60.

But before you decide to jump on the massage table there are few things that you should check out first. First of all determine if the treatment rooms are semi-open (a view on the rice-fields, mountains or sea is of course always nice) because you wouldn’t want to find your self in a dark unventilated room with the airco blowing full blast.

Additionally, if you are planning a treatment for two that ends with a flower bath, check if the bathtub will actually fit for two. I think you will agree that it’s no fun if you are both sitting half out of the water...

Finally never confuse a salon with a spa. Salons are the places where you can get your haircut but in Bali they also offer body, head and foot massages too. In most cases the treatments often feel like they are improvised and you wonder if the person actually knows what he/she is doing.

Spa on the beach
This type of ‘spa’ only offers body and foot massages but also manicure and pedicures right on the beach. Obviously they are cheap and sometimes you even have to bargain. You won’t have to worry about looking for a right spa here though; the women will approach you once you have spread your towel.

Anyway, as you can imagine, this is the most simple and basic spa experience you can have. On top of that you won’t have any privacy and before you know it there will be more masseurs pinching you in hope you will pay them as well.

Either way...Happy spa-indulging!

By: Matt Verbaan

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In his travel website Matt Verbaan gives you practical tips and insights on traveling trough Bali. Besides information on hotels, accommodation, restaurants and destinations he also describes the great things you can do on this wonderful island including visits to the spa. Check out his reviews on www.bali-travel-life.com