Karma Spa - Top Draw

it’s not one of the highest-located spas on the island, but it’s definitely one with one of the best views. and indubitably, one of the most innovative

the look
One of the best things about living in a place like Bali is that you don’t actually have to leave the island to feel like you’re somewhere else. Over the years, thanks to its tourism industry, the island has developed many a facet. There are now its Buddhist side, Indian corner, cosmopolitan areas and many others. Just like other popular areas in the world, Bali is becoming global.

Karma Kandara provides an escape from an escape. The massive villa complex is built on a hilly area with the best view of the Indian Ocean. And everything in it is built to maximise that advantage. When the sky is clear blue, it looks like you’re somewhere in Greece, probably in a scene from “Mamma Mia!”. Yes, the movie musical.

The walk to Karma Spa involves a lot of steps. To get to the spa, it’s mostly downhill, but still not for those with acrophobia.

However, once you arrive at the spa, it’s worth all your blood, sweat and tears. The lobby is an open-plan concept that’s still cool and serene even on a hot sunny day. The Indian Ocean is still very much visible. Blue and majestic, but far enough even for the most heights-fearing of us to know it’s finally safe enough to enjoy the sight, and not afraid of falling off the cliff.

the touch
Just like how it looks, Karma Spa’s touches (at least the one I had) were out of this island. Living on an island with millions of Balinese-style massages, once you surrender your body on that treatment bed, it automatically expects pointed pressures from well-trained Balinese fingers. And similarly, I did. But once the therapist started working using other parts of her hands (palms, elbows, knuckles, etc), I knew I was going on a different kind of trip. On top of that, while most massages starts on your left leg and then moves to your light leg, this one is designed to thoroughly work on one particular side of your body first before moving on to the other side. So instead of right leg – left leg – right back, it is right leg and moving upwards to right shoulder and neck before moving to the left side.

the ingredients
The Himalayan crystal healing journey starts with a body scrub made of Himalayan salt infused with crushed rosehips, juniper berries and aromatherapy oils. Then the treatment moves to the steam room where you are allowed 15 minutes to have a conversation with yourself while inhaling herbal steam. After that, powder body wrap is applied all over you once again to work on your skin before the massage and the facial.

the exceptional
One of the highlights of this spa complex is their Jacuzzi. It’s set on the edge of a cliff with a sublime ocean view that would make you excusable if you tried to convince yourself that you were watching God.

Karma Spa (Karma Kandara, Jl. Villa Kandara Banjar Wijaya Kusuma Ungasan, T: 0361 848 2200, karmakandara)