Samantha’s Review of Spa Village Tembok

 

Located on the North East coast of Bali, is the secluded haven of Spa Village Tembok around 3 hours by luxury transfer presents the ideal opportunity to experience the ever changing Balinese scenery and to take many photos; with your own private tour guide.

Spa Village Tembok, a luxury spa holiday is located under a majestic dormant volcano and right on the ocean overlooking the black sand beach and the indulgence begins on arrival with a soothing foot wash, and neck and shoulder massage during which time the attentive team takes care of my check in (I can also use this time to access the complimentary Wi-Fi in the lobby and let everyone at home know I arrived safely before shutting down my phone for maximum relaxation).

I am shown to my 'Kamar room' featuring a huge marble bathroom and its own private balcony overlooking the immaculate grounds; I am presented with an itinerary for my stay based on the questionnaire I completed prior to my stay and I am pleased to see I have a Balinese massage scheduled for the afternoon. In the room I find a comfortable pair of Balinese fisherman's pants and top in the closet which I am encouraged to wear and relax in during my stay.

I wander across the grounds for my massage and am welcomed with a lychee drink and some frozen berries popsicles before heading to my treatment room, the ambient music and an excellent firm massage have me at another level of relaxation in no time, my therapist is very attentive to my needs and dims the lights during the massage and sits with me afterwards while I drink a special drink to aid my digestion.

I take some time by the pool before heading to the open-air Wantilan Restaurant, breakfast, lunch and dinner are served here daily as an à la carte menu and features both Indonesian and Western options. Seafood is fresh from the ocean daily and where possible the fresh ingredients are purchased from local farmers. I take a seat overlooking the sea and thoroughly enjoy my three course dinner, topped off with the most delicious lemongrass ice-cream.

Before bed I have the chance to take part in Stargazing, I lie on a floating air mattress on top of the pool, wrapped in a light blanket listening to meditation music whilst observing the stars, it is a brilliant experience as out here you are able to observe the stars away from the city lights and I almost fall asleep before I am gently brought to the pools edge and safely sent on my way to bed.

The infinity pool and relaxation area overlooking the ocean 

In the morning I am taking part in Yoga Swing, the activities list mentioned that it is not for beginners and it has my interest peaked as I have never taken part in this before. I meet the other participant Sandra from Singapore and our Personal Trainer, Gade (pronounced G'day and very easy for Australian's to remember).

After some warm up exercises Gade demonstrated the movement on the Yoga Swing and Sandra and I take turns in attempting to recreate it, Gade explains to use that using a swing gives you the ability to rotate your trunk or flex while being inverted and these types of stretches strengthen your muscles, and increase your mobility, not surprisingly some of the poses are quite intense but we are given breaks often and shown alternative poses if we can't quite flip ourselves upside down, perfect for the yoga holiday enthusiast.

Following a delicious healthy breakfast I join the Spa team in the Gathering place known as Taman Gili as they show us how to make a traditional 'Boreh' – a body treatment made from Ginger and cloves, I pound the ingredients into a paste mixed with rice and am able to take my connection back to my room to use later.

I jump in the infinity pool and swim some laps and enjoy some sunshine before a light lunch, and in the afternoon I enjoy another fabulous spa treatment, the Penhanten Mulakut, 100 minutes of pure bliss.

In the late afternoon I head out for a sunset cruise in a Jukong, a traditional Balinese boat, I can see the whole of Mount Agung and it is a very special way to experience the sunset as the Jukong, bobs along the calm waves of the Bali Sea.

  

I am joined by some of the other solo travellers that evening over dinner and we chat easily over our shared experiences and love of healthy breaks and I am advised to ask my driver to take me through Ubud on the way home as this is an excellent spot to buy some gifts. I made some new friends before I went to bed that night.

On my last day I join Gade to try Pencak Silat, a form of martial arts that is believed to have been introduced to the island from Java. It is also used as a form of dance and Gade and I have a one-on one class where I learn a few moves to defend myself and also entertain (I am certainly laughing).

I stop back by my favourite day bed once I am packed, overlooking the pool and ocean to enjoy those last moments as I have done my whole time at Spa Village, a great destination spa where happiness can most certainly be found! Highly recommended for couple or friends traveling together, and those who enjoy their own company, come for the wide range of wellness activities, spa treatments and enjoy the Balinese hospitality and stunning property.

How to Book

To request a quote or for more information visit our Spa Village Tembok page

Talk to one of our Travel Specialists on 0203 397 8891 or contact us here to discuss tailor-making your perfect wellness holiday.