Massages and Spas
Beach Massage
I had a few beach massages out the front of the Inna Hotel in Kuta. I paid 40 000Rp for myself and 30 000Rp for my children. Massages were generally about 1 hour long – but I didn't actually time them. The massage was good – but on one of them I was plagued with hawkers trying to paint my nails, sell me sarongs or necklaces – when all I wanted to do was relax. The second massage I had – was undisturbed and therefore much nicer.
Ubud – Verona Spa
This was my best find in this trip. Located down an alley off Monkey Forrest Rd in Ubud – opposite the Graha Hotel in Ubud. This little spa was wonderful. The spa treatments were divine and were cheaper than Zen spa!!! Their price and treatment list was extensive with lots more variety than Zen Spa. I paid 95 000Rp for the best massage and spice bath I have had in Bali. The rooms were nice and the one I was in overlooked the rice fields. My daughter had a 'Fruit Bath' that involved her being massaged then coated in Papaya and wrapped in plastic – before reclining in a flower bath with the mandatory ginger tea and fruit kebabs. On my second visit I had a honey and lime massage, which was quite and experience, we had these treatments at night and as I reclined in the bath I was looking at the stars – it was blissful.
If you are into spas – then Ubud is the place to go – it surpases what is available in Kuta in both service and price.
Green Garden
The Green Garden is quite a renowned Bali spa service. I had a free massage as a result of our stay at their hotel. There resort was most pleasant – we enjoyed our day spent swimming, enjoying the sauna and spa and indulging in the poolside food. The massage I had was adequate – but as I was in a twin room the experience was spoilt by the constant chatter of the two masseuses. I watched as one satisfied customer left her spa cottage and declared to her husband that it had been the best day of her life. I think this is a glowing endorsement. However, my review would be that if you are serious about experiencing a great spa then Zen or Verona in Ubud is a must – if you are short on time or money is no object then go for the Green Garden. This basic massage I received was $22US cost price or 99 000Rp for hotel guests.
Cristy's Beauty Salon
This small beauty salon was situated off an alley from Legian Street – near the Melasti intersection. The rooms were ordinary but they had made an effort with flowing pink curtains. The massage was 40 000Rp for the hour – very enjoyable. The only down side to this one was the mosi who bit me relentlessly while my arms hung down beside the massage table. I would recommend wearing rid before going to any of these smaller salons as I noticed lots of mosquitos hanging around under the dark tables etc. While I would recommend this place for many of their treatments – the hair treatment was not good. Was also pretty reasonably priced alround.