NORTHERN LIGHT

There are two ways to the northeast coast of Bali and Spa Village Resort, Tembok. Drive east, following Bali’s coastal road past the riotous bougainvillea and mango groves of Amed and Tulamben’s dive resort and the salt panning beaches of Tianyar, or drive due north over the misty ridge of the Batur crater and through the scented clove and coffee plantations.

Descend to sea level and arrive at one of the island’s prettiest properties. Set in a coconut grove accented with pungent frangipani and a manicured lawn, the Bali sea laps along the length of its black sand shoreline. Twenty-seven rooms, two signature suites and two villas – each with private plunge pool and pavilion – create the hardscape of this wellness resort, alongside the separate room, ideal for couples, is tailor-made with flowing curtained verandahs and interiors individually themed around wood, coconut, glass, ceramic or sandstone.

Ensuring its name – Spa Village Resort, Tembok – the spa experience starts on entering the lobby, as guests are greeted with a refreshing foot scrub and a relaxing neck and shoulder massage before being escorted to the rooms. Once unpacked, these health devotees enjoy the pre-treatment cleansing ritual – Segara Diri – between mountains and see. Seated, feet are sunk into gently steaming black sand – detoxifiying – and covered with a towel, then comes the cleansing in the form of a mountain water fountain footbath, completing the link between mountain and sea.

Their signature oils (Purifying, Relaxing and Create) and treatments combine Malaysian, Chinese and Balinese therapies – this is the uniqueness that the YTL Hotels bring to Bali. Body wraps use herbs, papaya or cucumber and aloe; body scrubs use ground rice and coffee and a myriad of roots and barks.

The next experience is dining which can be enjoyed in the Wantilan Restaurant, by the pool or in a private gazebo. Even as individual dietary needs can be discussed with the chef in residence, the menu offers a wide range of Asian and European favourites and delicacies during using fresh imported and local ingredients. And though the accent is on health (an Australian herbologist was consulted to create the delicious blended juice menu that cleanses, energizes and boosts the immune system) wine and alcohol is also available.

There are a couple of pointers, however: no smoking is permitted in the resort – if needed the beach or the car park is suggested – the only television is in the library and you must enquire prior to your arrival if you are accompanied by children of under 16 years of age.

Bringing a closer understanding and a more intimate experience of the island, the resort also offers a number of special daily activities.

The garden’s Taman Gili pavilion hosts Balinese crafts such as offering making, lontar writing (ancient palm leaf texts) even traditional weaving; then, in addition, there are cooking classes, yoga with the onsite yoga teacher, gymnasium workouts, treks and excursions to the nearby hot springs. Visits to other local sites are also part of the programme.

Occasionally artists in residence are on hand to release the creative side of those looking for a complete wind-me-down.

Many guests also come to partake in the Spa Academy, which imparts massage classes and instructs in the art of boreh (body scrubs) and jamu (Indonesian health drinks)-making. All activities are individually tailor-made for each guest on request.

The uniqueness of Spa Villa Resort is that each experience available at this exclusive retreat imparts wellness of mind and body, and by being located in Bali, soothes the soul.

Jl. Singaraja-Amlapura No.100
Desa Tembok, Tejakula, Buleleng, North Bali.
Tel/Fax: +62 362 32033