Bali and Spa are almost synonymous – a trip to Bali is not complete without having opted for a session of Balinese massage. But what is the difference between a Balinese and a Thai massage actual? The short explanation? Go with a Thai massage if you like hard pressure but if you like relaxing treatments like yours truly, a Balinese massage will hit it just right!
Whereas the Thai version uses hard pressure with fingers and elbows to give you a rough bone-cracking enjoyment, Balinese massage focuses on gentle yet firm stretching in combination with acupressure to release tension throughout the body. To me, Balinese massage is the better choice because of its stress relieving feature. I’m always able to fall into a deep sleep while having a Balinese massage, which is not really possible during a Thai massage where I really feel the pain. However, some people enjoy that!
Mövenpick Resort & Spa is located in Jimbaran and although we didn’t stay at resort but wished that we had because the minute we entered the lobby, our breaths were taken away. The large and open lobby gives you a gorgeous view as soon you step into the resort.
Arkipela Spa & Wellness
Arkipela is the name of Mövenpick’s spa. The name derives from the word “archipelago” meaning a group of island. Arkipela Spa & Wellness invites its guests to a journey across the ancient wisdom and wellness of Indonesian culture.
The interior reflects Indonesian heritage and pays homage to the diverse cultures of the different islands with a mixture of traditional textiles, patterns, and artworks. Although inspired by traditional interior, everything looks super modern and minimalistic, which I absolutely love.
Massage and Service
We started the spa session out in the relaxing room where we could lie down, have a cold glass of detox water, and select an oil for the massage. This was a nice way to calm down the body and mind before going in for the main action. The chairs were so comfortable that I almost fell asleep in there already. After a good 15 min, we were led to our private spa room by two therapists.
The massage started out in a classic way. Our feet were washed before going to the massage table. Calming music was turned on and off we went with a few drops of lemon grass oil on our back. The therapists were extremely attentive and asked us if the pressure and room temperature were okay. Remember to say something if you want more or less press or simply want to focus more on a specific area! Even the best massage therapists cannot read your mind, so just tell them your wishes instead of leaving it and not get your full satisfaction afterwards. I told them a to adjust the pressure 2 times to get it just right and with that, 1.5 hours felt like half an hour.
You can easily find places that offer $15 or $20 massages in Bali but this was an memorable experience and something that my partner and I still talk about from time to time. If you’re in the Jimbaran area or staying at Mövenpick Resort & Spa then definitely consider spending a day here cause it will be worth it!
