This âcenterâ of Bali has long been seen as the party capital, while Ubud is more of a retreat destination
his 'center' of Bali has long been seen as the party capital, while Ubud is more of a retreat destination.
However, Seminyak seems to be bucking that trend and offering ways to detox while in the area. It also seems more tourists want to have a cleansing experience while still close to the beach and entertainment.
Now more than ever, it is possible to balance the hedonistic and the healthy down in the busy south.
Spa
The Cocoon Medical Spa has attracted attention as one of the best spas in Bali for aesthetic treatments.
Set on Sunset Road, this is a modern Zen space that balances comfort and clinic harmoniously to create a very tranquil space.
Offering competitive prices on Botox, peels and lasers, tourists have been flocking here to have an added boost before returning home. In addition, they also offer treatments more designed for cleansing.
One of the more intense practices of cleansing is colonic irrigation.
This practice has actually been around since Ancient Egyptian times; the first recorded colonic hydrotherapy is found from a medical papyrus dated 1500 BC.
Shamans in Central America, Africa and remote parts of Asia have used it for centuries for purification. Hippocrates, one of the founding fathers of modern medicine, was a firm believer and said 'all diseases begin in the gut'.
It continued to be a standard practice until the 1920s in health spas and then decreased in popularity, but is now enjoying a resurgence.
Methods have now evolved and the Cocoon is one of the few places that offers it in the south of Bali with a state-of-the-art colon hydrotherapy system that means water moves through a machine and there is no need to see or smell anything!
The procedure is carried out by incredibly professional and friendly staff, who will talk you through the process and massage your abdomen while it is taking place.
The treatment lasts half an hour and then you can relax in an infrared sauna.
Unlike other saunas, the infrared can penetrate human tissue and, thus, warms you inside as well as out, helping to eliminate toxins, lower blood pressure and increase circulation.
It emanates the same waves as sunlight but without UV radiation, so you can enjoy the benefits without the risk of burning.
This is a relaxing little booth where you can relax or read, and your consultant will bring you a tray with a coconut oil and wheatgrass shot, coconut water and water to rehydrate and support your system after the treatment.
To complete the detox, relaxation and healing process, the therapy can be finished off with a relaxing massage in the salt room upstairs.
This is the only salt room in Bali and is a calming space with walls literally made of salt bricks in pink- and champagne-tinged hues of Himalayan salt, while dry salt is sprayed into the room to recreate the microclimate of a salt cave.
This is also known as Halotherapy, derived from the Greek word halo, meaning salt. This relieves a host of respiratory illnesses as well as skin problems and has been used as a successful treatment in Russia and Europe for hundreds of years. The spa is a wonderfully relaxing way to finish off your detox and reap extra health benefits.
Healthy restaurants
Dietis essential during a detox, whether preparing for a colonic or not. Thankfully, there is a now a choice of places that can help you stick to it no matter what level of nutritional detox you are after.
Squeeze is a juice bar, which is part of the Townhouse Café & Lounge and occupies the lower floor.
It offers a juice detox package that spans from one to 10 days depending on your level of dedication and courage.
Eight freshly made juices use high-tech equipment and the freshest ingredients, delivered daily, so you can resist temptation.
For Rp 400,000 a day, you can experience some wholesome and delicious concoctions that keep things interesting, while removing the need for you to try new flavors.
Naturally, they also cater to people's individual tastes.
There are also a few healthy restaurants that can keep you on track if you are not into fasting or have completed a fast.
Earth Café and Zula are part of the Down to Earth franchise, which has a great vegetarian menu with raw options to keep you on track.
Its Tofu Basil Spring Rolls, Falafel Pouch and Coconut Quinoa Curry are all nutritious and delicious options.
There are also great wheat-free desserts, such as the Caramel Kanten and Raw Chocolate Cup.
The great thing about these two restaurants is that they have health-food shops inside them so you can stock up on healthy homemade fare, as well as organic vegetables and supplements, making it easy to continue with your healthy resolutions.
Another great dining option is Watercress in Batu Belig,famed for its fresh and healthy food and drawing in the crowds every day.
Its breakfast options are fantastic, especially the omelet with salmon and asparagus whisked up with free-range eggs.
Lunchtime favorites include the Marinated Tofu Burger, which is mouthwateringly good, and the Moroccan Cous Cous Salad with roasted vegetables.
There is also a local counter, where you can choose your lunch from a different selection of quiches, vegetables, salads and other main courses every day.
They also offer pre-packed, freshly made take aways if you are in a rush.
Seminyak is no longer just the party center of Bali, as more and more people are seeking detox choices and healthy cuisine.
With more options regularly opening up, it is the ideal place to kick-start a detox and maintain it.
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This story was originally published in jakpost.travel.
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