In Reply to: How to get a peaceful beach massage.... posted by Hillary on Saturday, 1. April 2006 at 09:54 Bali Time:
I've had beach massages since first going to Bali a long time ago and wouldn't have it any other way.
My massage lady always works under the shade of hibiscus trees that line the beach at Legian. I love laying there watching the sparrows flying in and out of the tree branches, checking out the surf, smelling the food from the nearest food stall/kaki lima, listening to and talking with the local women, hearing tourists bargaining nearby, feeling the warm air mixing in with the massage oil (yes, you can ask for sunscreen added to the oil)and asking for a cold drink from the local esky when finished.
You don't experience these things in a spa or health centre.
Many people are worried about sand being on the hands of the massage lady or on the towel (or sarong) or on you but a good beach massage lady will get the sand off you (and her hands) with a dry sponge and, with your help, give the towel/sarong a good shake before starting.
Ask your beach massage lady for a rice massage a few days before you want it. Rice is soaked in a special mix of oil and cream. They rub it in and it removes all the dead skin and any build up of dirt or grime from walking the streets, etc. Your skin is super smooth, clean and tingling.