Bali is a spiritual island, promoting harmony between the mind, body and soul. So what better way to treat yourself on vacation than relaxing at a hotel spa? We’ve rounded up the best Bali spas in Ubud, Seminyak and beyond so you can find total relaxation and rejuvenation. Namaste.
Best Local Experience: Amankila
Amankila is set on a hilltop surrounded by the dramatic backdrop of Mount Agung, a volcano referred to as the home of the gods by the Balinese. This year, the resort celebrates its 25th anniversary with a bevy of special events and cultural experiences such as 25-minute masterclasses of Kundalini yoga and kendang drumming, along with 25-minute specials, including foot massages and temple blessings.
Best Family-Friendly Spa: Soori Spa at Soori Bali
Perched atop a black volcanic beach, Soori Spa features a meditation pool surrounded by views of Mount Batukaru and offers treatments suited for the entire family. Women should try the Soori Signature Facial using soothing lemon and rose oils and lymphatic drainage massage techniques. Guys can opt for the Soori Facial for Men, a facial involving exfoliation with local rice bran and a detoxifying mask of volcanic clay. And don’t forget to treat your little ones! The Seriously Spoilt treatment includes a signature foot bath, full body massage and a mini facial, and will make your child feel like pampered royalty.
Best Pool: Spa Collection at Hanging Gardens of Bali
Unwind amongst the treetops at the Hanging Gardens of Bali’s expansive infinity pool suspended over the rainforest in Ubud. After a dip, grab your significant other and decompress in the Royal Spa Suite located near the Ayung River where you can both enjoy a rejuvenating body scrub, a facial, a 90-minute flower petal massage and a body bath treatment complemented with chocolate truffles, canapés and a bottle of champagne. Add-on options for the suite include a three-course healthy cuisine meal and a photo session with the resort’s in-house photographer.
Best View: Lembah Spa at Viceroy Bali
Set atop a ridge overlooking the Petanu River gorge, also known as “The Valley of Kings,” Lembah Spa at Viceroy Bali provides a secluded space of serenity for spa-goers. Enjoy these tranquil views even more from the spring-fed plunge pool or infinity pool on the spa’s relaxation decks. For treatments, we recommend a combo package that fuses both fitness and pampering. Choose from either yoga, cycling or trekking, paired with a two-hour spa session including a Balinese massage and body scrub, yogurt body mask and a flower and steam bath.
Best Wellness Program: Como Shambhala Estate Ubud
Como Shambhala Estate Ubud provides three-, five-, or seven-day wellness programs such as Cleanse (if you want to detox), Be Active (for fitness-fanatics), Stress Management (if you’re looking to release day-to-day tension), Rejuvenation (a combo of beauty and spa treatments), Oriental Medicine (balances the physical, emotional and energy systems of the body) and Ayurveda (one of the world’s oldest holistic healing systems). The resort also hosts seminars and workshops throughout the year led by yoga, spa and fitness experts, so you can learn everything you need to know about living a holistic lifestyle.
Best Rustic Vibe: The Spa at The Chedi Tanah Gajah, Ubud
Set on 12 acres of scenic rice paddy fields, The Chedi Tanah Gajah, Ubud provides a rustic yet luxe escape just outside of Ubud. Take a soothing dip in the 25-meter outdoor lap pool surrounded by lotus ponds or head to the spa pool villa with your significant other for a healing bath treatment. We recommend The Chedi Love Bath Ceremony complete with rose petals, “love potion,” champagne and canapés — let the romance begin.
Best Ambience: Away Spa at W Bali – Seminyak
Unplug in the healing-centric space of Away Spa. In typical W fashion, the spa boasts fluorescent-lit, modern treatment rooms with mediation platforms, a detox and oxygen room and a Chill bar where you can unwind between treatments and sip on mocktails. And when you’re ready for some fresh air, head to the Escape Cabana for a relaxing beachfront spa treatment. We recommend the “Morning After,” a detoxifying full-body massage infused with herbal oils that will help ease your muscle aches from a night out.
Best Holistic Experience: Mandapa Spa at Mandapa, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Mandapa, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve is a high-end private sanctuary along the Ayung River valley, surrounded by ancient temples and rice paddy fields. Indulge in an in-depth holistic experience based on Mandapa Spa’s six pillars: Balinese Spa, Detox, Nutrition, Alternative Therapy, Body Therapy and Healing. Traditional Balinese touch massages include holistic approaches like chakra healing and a treatment performed by an intuitive blind healer. The spa also offers personalized spiritual, wellness, health and detox programs guided by a full-time patih (butler).
Best Yoga Program: Sacred River Spa at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan
Awaken your soul at Sacred River Spa, set in the verdant jungle along the Ayung River valley. Melt away your tensions with a variety of yoga classes ranging from AntiGravity Yoga (combines the practice of flying with the motion of dance), to Laughter Yoga, which combines the health benefits of laughter with yogic breathing and poses. Don’t let the yogi-fun stop there, sign up for the Dharma Shanti half- or full-day program to receive a 60-minute AntiGravity Yoga class, a 30-minute Meditation class with former Buddhist Nun and resident wellbeing mentor Ibu Fera, a three-course lunch and a two-hour ila Chakra Ceremony.
Best Beachfront Spa: Kahyangan Spa at The Seminyak Beach Resort & Spa
Head to The Seminyak Beach Resort & Spa for an oceanside escape complete with traditional Balinese thatched pavilions, an expansive infinity pool and front row beach views. Get pampered with your significant other in one of the spa’s couples’ massage rooms where you can take a relaxing soak in the open-air bathtub while enjoying the surrounding views of the Indian Ocean. For treatments, we recommend The Kahyangan Delight, a 110-minute treatment including a massage and a body exfoliation of your choice.