We spent an afternoon at the spa at Raffles Bali, where we had a traditional Balinese massage in really beautiful, peaceful surroundings.
The whole experience started the moment we arrived and were served a cold tamarind welcome drink. Slightly sweet, slightly tart, and really refreshing after the heat outside. Before the treatment, we also filled out a small form about what we wanted the massage to focus on. I think I picked balance and relaxation, along with a couple of areas where I wanted extra attention. I always appreciate when spas do that because it makes the treatment feel a little more personal and tailored to what you actually need.
Then it was time to choose the massage oil. A lot of spas in Bali offer different oils, but it’s usually the classic coconut or lemongrass options. The oils at Raffles felt much more special. I chose one called Tropical Forest with spearmint, eucalyptus, and patchouli, and it smelled amazing. Fresh and green with soft floral notes. Honestly, if they sold it as a perfume, I would buy it. Steve picked a more calming blend with sandalwood and lavender.
After that, we were shown to our private spa area with lockers, bathrobes, and a really beautiful bathroom where you could shower after the treatment if you wanted to. The massage room overlooked a lush green garden, and the whole place just felt very peaceful.
Before the massage started, there was a short sound bowl ritual and a few breathing exercises to help us relax. It sounds a little woo-woo maybe, but it actually worked really well. The massage itself was so good. 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 instead of showering right away, so we went to the lounge area where they served ginger tea, nuts, and small snacks. There was also a terrace outside, so we just sat there for a while and slowly eased back into the real world.
The spa at Raffles is more expensive than most other spas in Bali, but it’s also Raffles, and the whole experience is very luxurious from start to finish. It didn’t just feel like going for a massage, it felt like a little escape for the afternoon where every detail was carefully thought through. And while it’s definitely a treat, the prices are actually pretty similar to what you would pay at a nice spa back home, just with a much more indulgent overall experience.
You can find the full spa menu on the Raffles Bali website, and you don’t need to stay at the hotel to book a treatment at the spa.
My blog post about dinner at Rumari, the fine dining restaurant at Raffles Bali
Read more about Bali on my Bali Blog
Book your stay at Raffles Bali
