Discover Bali’s Sacred River Spa: Healing Rhythms & Luxurious Relaxation Awaits

by

You have two options for reaching the Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan, and the route you select usually shapes your encounter there.

SEE RATES & REVIEWS FOR FOUR SEASONS BALI

Our journey to the resort led us along the Ayung River, meandering through vibrant foliage and open cliffs, until the calm currents effortlessly guided our inflatable boat towards the resort’s tranquil shores. The Four Seasons Sayan was the first hotel globally to provide a river raft arrival experience, and during our latest stay, it marked the beginning of another memorable “first,” as the property showcased an expansion of its Sacred River Spa.

Originally launched as a part of the resort’s debut in Sayan back in 1998, the spa recently underwent a comprehensive renovation in October. The primary aim was to blend the tangible and spiritual aspects of Balinese culture into soothing, restorative treatments.

The newly constructed spa has become the resort’s most prestigious attraction, offering a harmonious blend of grandeur and subtlety. Its color scheme and materials are reminiscent of the earthy tones and textures found in the river valley below, while maintaining respect for traditional Balinese customs. Local artworks and Indonesian pottery adorn the interior, which sits elegantly on top of a pond adorned with lotus leaves, nestled under a lush jungle canopy.

The initial space, graced by stars such as Julia Roberts, Taraji P. Henson, and Michelle Obama, boasted two compact pavilions and a nail salon. The revamped spa now offers additional amenities like a relaxation area, retail shop, and post-treatment lounging spots, where guests can unwind with a cup of tea while enjoying the scenery and aromatic plants. The expanded space encompasses over 53,000 square feet, but maintains an intimate atmosphere, featuring seven private “Spa Villas,” each outfitted with contemporary massage beds, and individual outdoor changing rooms complete with Indonesian stone soaking tubs.

During your visit, you’ll find that our spa menu has been carefully designed to ensure maximum relaxation. It offers choices that encourage overall wellness, healing, and detoxification using traditional Balinese elements. For instance, each treatment begins with a soothing foot bath, and various elements like quartz crystal singing bowls, crystals, weighted coins, and even a gong (reminiscent of ancient temple bells) are skillfully incorporated into the treatments for your ultimate tranquility.

During our stay, the therapies encompassed the resort’s unique “Restu Bumi” massage, a two-hour session that employed Indonesian moss agate gemstones, fragrant herbs, and organic oils. As with all massages, this one was purposeful, though its goal wasn’t merely to loosen tense muscles. Instead, it aimed at inducing tranquility – lifting the spirits. Our therapist elucidated that for individuals to truly unwind, they must achieve peace not only in mind and body, but also in their souls.

Or more succinctly:

Our visit featured the “Restu Bumi” massage, a two-hour Indonesian moss agate gemstone therapy with aromatic herbs and oils. Unlike typical massages that focus on tension relief, this one aimed at serenity – rejuvenating spirits. Our therapist emphasized that complete relaxation requires quieting not just the mind and body, but also the soul.

Another time, we experienced the “Holistic Buccal Lift and Sculpt Facial” at the spa – a non-surgical facelift that instantly revitalized our complexion. Interestingly, these Synthesis Organics products used in this treatment were carefully selected by the Four Seasons Regional Spa Director, Luisa Anderson, from Australia for the property. I felt noticeably lighter and firmer after the facial and buccal massage, an unusual but ultimately calming experience that involved gentle stimulation inside the mouth, and since then, I’ve been eagerly recommending it to our guests.

During our stay at Four Seasons Sayan, the standout spa treatment we encountered was the “Tirta Ening” ritual, a purifying practice that harnesses the healing energy of Bali’s sacred waterways. As I reclined on a massage bed, a continuous flow of warm water gently poured up and down my spine, adjusting both its strength and pace. The synchronous massage from my therapist’s hands and the multiple water jets, combined with the soothing sounds of water and the spa’s carefully selected music, culminated in an extraordinary sensation that I had never before encountered. My senses were immersed, akin to being outdoors during a rainstorm, making it one of the most tranquil and freeing experiences I have ever had.

The Sacred River Spa claims its approach is influenced by the ancient Balinese belief in Niskala, an unseen energy, aiming to connect body and mind with nature’s rhythms and reestablish a fundamental harmony. Their water-focused therapies are claimed to utilize “the power flowing from the unseen realm into the physical world.” Regardless of your interest in energies, there’s no disputing the profound transformation you’ll undergo.

(Note: I have kept the original tone and intention but simplified some of the phrases for easier understanding.)

Absolutely, there are numerous activities at the resort beyond relaxation. You might consider starting your day with a sunrise yoga session at the brand new riverside pavilion or taking a leisurely “air nap” in hammocks suspended from aerial silks (an unexpectedly calming experience). The culinary offerings range from creative cocktails at the lobby Jati Bar, to the weekly Sokasi chef’s table, where Chef Wayan Sutariawan (also known as “Suta”) prepares a seven-course Balinese meal in front of you. If solitude is more your style, you can savor the peacefulness of your room, many of which feature private indoor-outdoor spaces and luxurious amenities.

Absolutely, you can reach the resort in two different ways – either by raft or by car. Taking the car route will take you directly from Denpasar International Airport to the Four Seasons within approximately two hours. This scenic drive offers a pleasant introduction to Ubud, the town closest to Sayan. Ubud is adorned with shops, cafes, bustling markets, as well as traditional rice paddies and local Hindu temples and shrines, all of which are only a stone’s throw away from each other.

SEE RATES & REVIEWS FOR FOUR SEASONS BALI

As I pulled up at the riverfront abode, it was time to leave, navigating the road instead. With our friendly chauffeur guiding us away from the tranquil hillside haven that had been our home for a week, he offered a thoughtful farewell: “Remember to set aside moments for contemplation and self-examination,” he advised, “The questions you should ask yourself are: What was your past like? And what’s your next move?

I couldn’t give him an immediate answer, but all I knew was that I wanted more of this.

Read More

2025-01-31 23:25