We had the most wonderful spa experience at Raffles Bali, where we enjoyed a one hour Balinese massage in absolutely beautiful surroundings. The experience started the moment we arrived and were served a cold tamarind welcome drink. It was slightly sweet and slightly tart, and incredibly refreshing after the heat outside. Before the treatment, we were also asked to fill out a small form where we could choose what we wanted the treatment to focus on. I think I picked balance and relaxation, along with a few areas where I wanted extra attention. I really like when spas give you the option to tailor the treatment a little more to what your body actually needs.
Next, we got to choose the oil for the massage. A lot of spas in Bali offer different oils, but it’s usually the standard coconut or lemongrass options. The massage oils at Raffles were in a completely different league. I chose one called Tropical Forest with spearmint, eucalyptus, and patchouli, and it smelled so good. Fresh and green with subtle floral notes. If they sold it as a perfume, I would buy it immediately. Steve went for a more calming blend with sandalwood and lavender.
We were then shown to our private spa area with changing facilities, lockers, bathrobes, and a beautiful bathroom where you could shower after the treatment if you wanted to. The massage room itself was gorgeous, overlooking a lush green garden.
Once we were settled in, the treatment began with a sound bowl ritual and a few breathing exercises to help us fully relax before the massage started. The massage itself was excellent. Not too hard, not too soft, and I felt completely relaxed after just a few minutes. Afterwards, they recommended leaving the oil on the skin for a while so it could continue to work its magic.
If you ask me, one of the best things about a really good massage is that feeling afterwards, where your whole body feels heavy and relaxed and you move through the world at half speed. After the treatment, warm ginger tea, nuts, and small snacks were served in the spa lounge. You could also sit outside on the veranda, and there was plenty of time to just sit and slowly come back to reality.
The spa at Raffles is definitely not cheap, but if you really want to treat yourself while you’re in Bali, I can absolutely recommend it. It’s much more than just a massage, and you leave feeling calmer and lighter, like you’ve done something genuinely good for yourself.
Visit the Raffles Bali website
