Overlooking the sea in Tanjung Benoa, Thalasso Bali, at the Grand Mirage Resort, is ideally located to harness the seawater, of which is believed to have beneficial effects upon the skin.

the look
Walking into the lobby feels like entering an upmarket airport lounge: empty and expansive, it feels rather characterless. Fortunately though, this is not an indication of the spa itself, which is full of personality with the warren-like complex of individually designed rooms, replete with natural elements. Going through the changing rooms, the connection with the ocean is immediately apparent as you emerge onto a sandy walkway decorated with seashells.
The treatment rooms all have a different style and character, although they are unified by the connection with nature. The Pressotherapy room, for example, has walls made up of wooden blocks and a pebbled floor, while the Affusion Shower Massage takes place in a cave! The real rock was transported especially and creates a unique atmosphere for the treatment. Ah the wonders of artificial nature.

the touch
The fifty-minute Affusion Shower Massage begins with an aromatic serum face massage to stimulate circulation and relax the mind. The therapist uses circular strokes and applies pressure to key points on the forehead, chin, cheeks and nose, before continuing the massage on the front of the body. After turning over for the back massage, the jets of cool-to-warm seawater above are switched on, and as they spray over the body the massage continues with legs, arms, back and shoulders. It’s a new sensation, this water-plus-oil-plus-massage, but it’s not unpleasant and after a few minutes, the relaxation really starts to set in.

This treatment is designed to replenish vital minerals (such as copper, iron, manganese, cobalt and iodine) and improve circulation, muscle tone and the immune system, although such results are fairly intangible. What is apparent, however, is that the skin feels soft and hydrated and the mind calm.

the ingredients
The facial serum used during the Affusion Shower Massage treatment contains a special blend of vitamins and collagen, chosen for their moisturising and nutrient replenishing properties. Massage oils are based on soy or sunflower, to which selected pure essential oils are added. For the other treatments on the menu, products change regularly as more effective or suitable ones become available, apart from of course the treatments which use specific brands (such as the Phytomer facials).

the exceptional
Perhaps the most appealing feature of Thalasso Bali is the balance between well being and medicinal values in their treatments. The elements found in seawater and seaweed are believed to cure many ailments, from rheumatism to the physiological effects of stress, while massage relaxes and pampers. The large aqua medic pool can accommodate up to 18 people at a time, so it’s an ideal place for groups to take simultaneous treatments.

The range of spa packages must be one of the best in Bali, with seven, ten, twelve and fourteen day packages available. Each day includes a different treatment, so guests will move around a number of different treatment rooms and experience the unique aspects of each.

the unusual
While the quality of the treatments is superb, it might be nice to have more time to settle into the place and get comfortable before stripping off for the treatment itself.

Prices start from IDR 250,000 to 3,000,000.

Thalasso Bali, Grand Mirage Resort,
Jl Pratama 74, Tanjung Benoa,
T: 0361 773883, thalassobali