A rejuvenating trip to Indonesia is much more than just exploring hidden islands and sparkling beaches. The country is a melting pot of cultures, famous for its temples and cuisines, and a place where travellers can get the much-needed R&R with traditional Indonesian therapies at hotels and resorts steeped in luxury. You can find some of the best spas in Bali and other regions to make the most of your trip.
The spa therapies and wellness programmes offered at some of the most luxurious hotels and resorts are not just about healing oils, treatments, massage sessions, aromatherapy and cream baths, they also come with spectacular views of the Indian Ocean or a forest and bespoke services.
Various Indonesian therapies, including Javanese, Balinese and Madurese, and other unique offerings specific to each hotel spa form the core of these luxe experiences. You can also expect expert consultations and advice on nutritional diets, taking your holistic trip a notch higher.
Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia Hong Kong and Macau, recently held the Asia Pacific Luxury Awards where the best spas in Indonesia were chosen by the readers and these are the places that made the cut.
Related Stories
Bookmark these hotel spas in Bali and other regions of Indonesia
A haven for leisure travellers, AYANA Spa is located amid cliff-top gardens in Jimbaran, with picturesque surroundings. The spa offers several wellness therapies with a Balinese touch to ‘rest, rebalance and renew’ the body and mind. Each curated programme — A Sense of Place Rituals, Ocean Rituals, Rainforest Rituals and Marine Rituals — has specific healing methods and treatments. The Ocean Rituals takes place in two luxury spa villas perched atop large rocks overlooking the Indian Ocean. The Nakatsuji Method (developed by renowned Japanese osteopath and anti-ageing expert Tadashi Nakatsuji), Endermologie (for firm skin) and Thalassotherapy (the therapeutic use of marine products) are some of the other treatments offered by the spa.
How to reach: I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) is the main airport of Bali, about 12 km away from the resort
Email: reservation@ayanaresort.com
(Image credit: AYANA Resort Bali/Instagram)
- Address AYANA Resort and Spa, Bali, Jalan Karang Mas Sejahtera, Jimbaran
- Website Click here to know more
- Phone (+62) 361 702222
Resembling an open-air theatre, The Apurva Kempinski Bali is an urban sanctuary nestled on the white sandy beach of Nusa Dua. Its Apurva Spa is a quiet refuge where signature treatments are based on the ancient proverb ‘rupasampat wahyabiantara’ (harmony between outer and inner beauty). These special therapies are based on four stages of life (teenage, adult, married and post-adult) and involve varieties of oil and skin rituals. They are performed for over three hours, with sessions spread across two days. Guests can also choose from Mangir Enam, Bajang Patu and Wulung Wanito, which relax muscles and soothe nerves.
How to reach: The Apurva Kempinski Bali is about a 14-km drive from the international airport
Email: info.bali@kempinski.com
(Image credit: The Apurva Kempinski Bali/Instagram)
- Address The Apurva Kempinski Bali, Jalan Raya Nusa Dua Selatan, 80361
- Website Click here to know more
- Phone (+62) 361 209 2288
This luxury wellness resort is near Ubud town, located in a forest on the hilltops at the edge of the Ayung River. Their Integrated Wellness Programme follows a comprehensive and all-encompassing approach, involving a consultation, diet plan, spa treatments, accommodation and a personal assistant. The sessions take place in a jungle enclave by a gushing river with taps connected to a natural spring. The guests can pamper themselves with 12 different massage therapies and immerse in day-long wellness plans involving multiple treatments for targeted benefits.
How to reach: COMO Shambhala Estate is 41 km away from the international airport
Email: CSestate@comohotels.com
(Image credit: COMO Shambhala Estate)
- Address COMO Shambhala Estate, Banjar Begawan, Desa Melinggih Kelod, Payangan, Gianyar 80571
- Website Click here to know more
- Phone (+62) 361 978 888
This resort, built at a secluded beach in southern Bali, provides a personalised experience to its guests in this paradise, which reflects in their spa services as well. Its Raffles Spa has a Meditation Terrace, where you are treated with Reiki, sound healing therapies, and yoga and meditation classes. They also have a hillside suite, The Sanctuary, where one can receive a spa session in the open amid the sounds of birds, ruffling leaves and a cool breeze blowing across.
Their spa journey, Royal Javanese Lulur Experience, is curated after the body treatment meant for royals 400 years ago. It begins with a full body massage followed by exfoliation. The two-hour session is then concluded with a warm flower bath and the soothing application of hydrating body lotion. Other therapeutic massages are also available here on the menu.
How to reach: Raffles is just about nine km from the international airport
(Image credit: Raffles Bali)
- Address Raffles Bali, Jalan Karang Mas Sejahtera No. 1A 80361 Jimbaran
- Website Click here to know more
- Phone (+62) 361 2015800
Situated in Bukit Peninsula, Alila Villas Uluwatu is another cliff-top hideaway known for having large villas with contemporary and minimalist architecture. Its Spa Alila has Full Day and Half Day spa journeys that can transcend you to a sublime world. Guests can also consult experts and have a personalised spa experience in this resort in Bali. And, for a more private session, you can choose the Cliff Edge Spa Cabana that echoes the natural gurgling sounds of the waters. There is a spa menu for children too.
How to reach: Alila Villas Uluwatu is over 18 km from the international airport
Email: uluwatu@alilahotels.com
(Image credit: Alila Villas Uluwatu/Instagram)
- Address Alila Villas Uluwatu, Jl Belimbing Sari Banjar Tambiyak, Desa Pecatu, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali 80364
- Website Click here to know more
- Phone (+62) 361 848 2166
One of the best spas in Bali, The Asa Maia elicits creativity with a focus on the comfort of travellers. Although secluded, it is close to the beautiful beaches of Uluwatu. The wellness experience here includes deep tissue and restful Indonesian massages. The guests at the spa can also pamper themselves with vegan-friendly nail and hair services, preferably the cream bath, which is one of the best hair treatments to get at the spa.
How to reach: The Asa Maia is nearly 21 km from the international airport
(Image credit: The Asa Maia/Instagram)
- Address The Asa Maia, Br. Dinas Suluban, Jl. Pantai Padang-Padang, Pecatu, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung
- Website Click here to know more
- Phone (+62) 811 3811 885
Inside this riverside sanctuary in Ayung River Valley is the Sacred River Spa. It brings the idea of aligning ourselves with the earth alive as it evokes the sense of being aware and connected. Try their Nature Calls spa journey, which involves a little adventure too — river rafting, rice field, cycling tours and trekking. It is completed with a signature ritual, Riverstone Bathing. Besides massages and facial treatments, you can indulge in sessions with body scrubs, wraps and enhancers for a flawless glow.
How to reach: The Four Seasons Resort is about 33 km away from the international airport
Email: privacy.officer@fourseasons.com
(Image credit: Four Seasons Resort Bali At Sayan/Instagram)
- Address Four Seasons Resort Bali, Sayan, Ubud, 80571
- Website Click here to know more
- Phone (+62) 361 701010
Located on Sumba Island, which speaks of the traditional Indonesian culture with local tribes and scenic views surrounding it, NIHI Sumba is a little world of its own. Making the most of their locale, NIHI Sumba has developed a unique wellness experience around it — Spa Safari™. As the name suggests, this wellness programme partly takes place outdoors. It begins with rides on horses or jeeps amid the wilderness. This is followed by a swim in the sea and breakfast cooked over an open fire. You can go for their mud wraps, coconut water hair washes and signature NIHI massages. You can also go for the regular spa sessions, which begin with a calming foot soak in sea salt.
How to reach: The nearest airport to NIHI Sumba is Tambolaka Airport, which is about 43 km away
(Image credit: NIHI Sumba/Instagram)
- Address NIHI Sumba, Hoba Wawi, Wanokaka, West Sumba Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, 87272
- Website Click here to know more
- Phone (+62) 811 3978 550
A spa session inside a hilltop hut surrounded by the fragrance of greens is what defines the wellness experience at Banyan Tree on Bintan Island. With numerous awards to its credit, Banyan Tree Spa Bintan speaks of opulence coupled with wellness and offers authentic Balinese and Indonesian techniques. The menu has two signature experiences, Royal Banyan and Sense of Place, a select few classic therapies, full body massages and multiple skin treatments. For deep relaxation and rejuvenated skin, pick 120-min Sense of Palace, which works wonders on facial muscles with spoons made of coconut shells.
How to reach: The Raja Haji Fisabilillah International Airport is 53 km from Banyan Tree Bintan
Email: reservations-bintan@banyantree.com
(Image credit: Banyan Tree Bintan/Instagram)
- Address Banyan Tree Bintan, Laguna Bintan Resort, Jalan Teluk Berembang, Sebong Lagoi, Tlk. Sebong, Kabupaten Bintan, Kepulauan Riau 29155
- Website Click here to know more
- Phone (+62) 770 693 100
Centrally located with a view of Jakarta’s massive skyline lies The Langham. Its Chuan Spa is an oasis of tranquillity amid the bustling city. The treatments here are based on the theory of five elements (wood, fire, earth, metal and water), and the spa provides guests with a questionnaire to help decide the products to choose from.
In Chinese, the word ‘Chuan’ means a ‘serene course of water.’ And, some of their signature massages and body treatments include Chuan Harmony Massage, Chuan Balancing Massage, Chuan Stone Therapy Massage, Chuan Herban Salt Scrub and Chuan Yin and Yang. If you have limited time, opt for Chuan Neck, Back and Shoulder Massage, which will recharge you with a 30-minute deep acupressure oil massage on your upper body.
How to reach: The Langham is 28 km from the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport
Email: tljkt.info@langhamhotels.com
(Image credit: The Langham Jakarta/Instagram)
- Address The Langham is 28 km from the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport
- Website Click here to know more
- Phone The Langham Jakarta, District 8, SCBD, Lot 28, Jakarta 12190
(Hero and Featured Image credit: COMO Shambhala Estate)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Answer: Most luxury hotels and resorts have spas of their own which are less crowded. You can make private bookings depending on the availability of slots.
Answer: Always check the timings before booking a spa session to make sure that you have enough time to unwind after a hectic day out.
Answer: Most spas in Bali offer various amenities, including various therapies, oil massages, Reiki, jacuzzi and other similar services to relax and recharge your body and mind.
Answer: An authentic Balinese massage is one of the most famous ones in Bali, which incorporates traditional techniques and concoctions to calm your nerves.
Answer: Always remember to visit a spa with an open mind to imbibe the benefits of the treatment provided.
Written By
Pyusha Chatterjee
A journalist, Pyusha has previously worked with media organisations including The New Indian Express and Hindustan Times. A solo traveller by choice, she loves exploring life more than anything else, after food of course. When she isn't gardening, writing, reading, cooking or singing out loud, you can spot her watching films and series, debating with ..Read More
