As many countries remain closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, the tourism sector has all but ground to a halt.

According to data from the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association, the pandemic had, as of July, wiped out an estimated Rp 85 trillion (US$5.9 billion) in tourism revenue in the nation.

But despite the slowdown, Indonesian tourism, at least in Bali, has not come to a complete standstill. Many of the island’s hotels have announced new initiatives, especially in the realm of health and wellness, a growing focus around the world amid the global health crisis.

From virtual events to outstanding spa services and new country clubs, Bali’s hotels have let us know that they are surviving the pandemic quite well through their health and wellness activities and services.

We know that physical exercise is a great immunity booster.

To encourage a healthy lifestyle hand-in-hand with charity initiatives, the 55 Marriott International hotels and resorts in Indonesia recently joined forces to hold their first virtual Run to Give event.

Run for a cause: Virtual Run to Give Indonesia 2020 is Marriott Indonesia’s first ever virtual charity run, where runners are encouraged to run solo or in a team between Oct. 1 and 31, whether in their own neighborhood, local park or even in the living room, whilst continuing to practice social distancing. (Courtesy of/Marriott)

Proceeds from the event have been donated to the Bali Children’s Foundation, as well as to the brand’s associates, whose businesses had been significantly impacted by the pandemic.

Held from Oct. 1 to Oct. 31, the virtual run was joined by the management of the hotel chain and the general public. The event raised nearly Rp 850 million (US$59,978).

“Our associates, brands and partners have shown overwhelming support for this cause. We are proud to help raise awareness and funds not only for our associates but also for the foundation, supporting the underprivileged children of Bali,” said Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort General Manager Marie Browne, who also chaired the virtual Run to Give event.

Many people have become more aware of the need to maintain their health during the pandemic. In addition to exercising, such as joining Run to Give, they are also paying more attention to wellness.

Speaking of wellness, when one thinks of Bali, the island’s inimitable spa treatments usually come to mind. The Apurva Kempinski Bali hotel in Nusa Dua recently won the Best Hotel Spa distinction at the 2020 Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence by the prestigious travel publication Condé Nast.

The publication awarded the title to the hotel’s spa on the basis of reviews and feedback from a number of travelers.

The spa bases its wellness experience on the philosophy of rupasampat wahyabiantara – that true beauty is achieved when outer beauty is in harmony with inner beauty. The spa uses traditional ointments such as lulur, a body scrub made of herbs and spices, helping guests feel more confident about their appearance.

To help guests nurture their inner beauty, the spa organizes activities such as sunrise yoga and chakra meditation.

So if you’re planning a vacation in Bali for this year-end holiday, why not visit the hotel’s spa?

Finally, it is best to maintain wellness in a social setting because social interactions are incredibly healthy for us. The Tlaga Singha River Country Club in Ubud has opened its doors to families and friends alike to spend time doing outdoors activities on the new club’s pristine and lush grounds.

A day by the pool: An aerial view of a split-level swimming pool at Tlaga Singha, a newly opened river country club at Singapadu district in Gianyar regency, Ubud, Bali. The pool mimics the flow of a lagoon cascading into a waterfall to the second level below, where a swim-up pool bar is nestled underneath a rocky grotto. (Courtesy of/Tlaga Singha)

“As you can see, the Tlaga Singha is a truly one-of-a-kind venue, offering guests a unique experience in the heart of the Balinese countryside,” said Agung Darma Suyasa, chief operating officer of FreshWater Asia, which manages the country club.

He added that the country club was ready to welcome visitors from across the archipelago with exciting packages and activities.

“Guests can expect an extraordinary five-star experience amid strict health and safety protocols,” he said.

So if you want to rejuvenate yourself and improve your health and well-being on your next trip, keep Bali in mind.