Experiencing ‘Sudajiva’

Eclectic detail: The decor of the rooms and attention to detail refresh the mind and soothe the senses. (Courtesy of Sudajiva Spa)

Experiencing a Balinese massage at the Sudajiva Spa in Sudamala Suites and Villas in Sanur is indeed a rich treat that evokes and teases all your senses: smell, touch, sight, hearing and taste.

Warmly welcomed by the staff of Sudajiva and seated in the waiting porch, you do not need to wait long to embark on a journey to rejuvenate all your senses.

A refreshing cold towel scented with mandarin essential oil awakens the facial nerves and the sense of smell, while the exotic tasting beverage of cold black tea, ginger, cinnamon and honey, served in a petite stylish clay pot, seems to vanquish your thirst and weariness in a single gulp.

Refreshing: All manicures and pedicures at Sudajiva Spa start with the hands or feet being washed and gently massaged. (Courtesy of Sudajiva Spa)

Meaning “water of life”, the Sudajiva Spa offers a variety of treatments, all of which are fusions of ancient and contemporary healing therapies that allow everyone to feel fresh and rejuvenated.

The Balinese massage technique serves as the foundation of most of the treatments on offer, such as the Sudajiva Signature Massage — performed by two therapists at once, the Jiva River Stone Massage with heated stones, and the Jetlag Anti-stress Massage, that uses volcanic minerals.

Similar to modern acupressure, the Balinese massage technique counts heavily on the therapist’s skillful thumbs and palms to deliver deep mindful pressure in a gentle and relaxing rhythm, as if keeping in sync with the lilting Balinese music heard faintly in the tranquil background.

Fruity treat: Fresh ingredients ensure the scrubs are fragrant and refreshing. (Courtesy of Sudajiva Spa)

For the whole two-hour treatment, the therapist’s skin-rolling, kneading and stroking, together with the ever-soothing aroma of the essential oils, are guaranteed to bring anyone into a state of deep relaxation and wellness.

Below the spa table, in view as you lay face down relaxing, a water-filled basin with floating red petals and a pretty yellow rose add to the attention to detail and the ambiance created to comfort the eyes. As the session comes to an end with an outdoor shower, there could not be any healthier or more refreshing close to seal the rejuvenating session than a glass of cold water and a platter of colorful fruit slices.

The Sudajiva Spa is located in the 6,800-square-meter compound of the recently opened art hotel Sudamala — owned by successful Indonesian entrepreneur Ben Subrata. The artistic estate, which blends Balinese, Chinese and European architectural styles, was designed by architect Putu Edi Semara. The 34-room Sudamala opened in

November last year on Jl. Sudamala in Sanur and has so far welcomed a growing number of visitors from Europe, Australia and other parts of Indonesia.