The Island's Holistic Hoard
The term spa may not have been coined by the Balinese, but the Island has successfully established itself as among the world's best spa destinations.
 |
Photo by Hary Subastian |
 |
Photo courtesy Febri's Spa |
|
Indonesia's advanced spa products and delicate techniques were developed inside palaces, handed down from within local communities, and have now became island-wide traditions, when at the beginning it was all about "how to sexually please the princess and his majesty". The court's "beauty-competition" between local and foreign concubines produced exhilarating treatment methods unknown to many beauticians outside of the palaces. Floral baths and milk baths, lulur body wraps and scrubs, jamu herbal concoctions, all are part of the extensive list.
Bali, as the sole heir of the Javanese Hindu Empire, continues to live the way its ancestors did, promoting Hindu and Chinese traditions as an integral part of their cultural identity. Java, despite its failure to uphold Hinduism, still maintained the cultural wealth passed down through the generations. These two islands with two major influences, combined with their local geniuses, resulted in them being comfortable in combining for example, Indian Ayurvedic and Chinese therapy.
Nevertheless, Bali and Java remain a perfect combination that allows spas to blossom in this modern age. The latter, being the origin of the traditions, produces highly acclaimed spa products and all the handbooks and methods required to develop good treatments. Bali, home of eloquent dancers, produces incomparable therapists whose hands skilfully 'dance' in any massage treatment.
Substance wise, both original Indian and Chinese treatments are available in Bali. Ayurvedic, Shirodara, acupuncture/pressure, reflexology, not to mention yoga and meditation classes, all were here before the 'spa boom'.
While in Bali, its best experience the legacies. Following are some of the best treatments visitors to Indonesia should try… and many are those that have slipped through the court's walls.
The famous Balinese massage is always listed on spa menus throughout the island. The original versions though, are those provided by the Balinese women who wait on the beach for surfers to take a brief time-out between waves. Generally, spa-goers in Bali would feel like something is missing if they have not tried this widely popular healing and relaxing method - apart from their trip to the beach.
In its original recipe, massage oils of different types are used according to the medical condition being treated, either to heal fractures or aches or simply to bring total relaxation.
 |
Photo courtesy Waka di Ume |
 |
Photo by Nyoman Ari Gunadi |
|
Balinese and Javanese massages do not refer to different treatments, as both share the same roots. However, at most spas you'll be told that the Balinese is slightly stronger than the Javanese. As the fundamental choice of massage, both massages should be available at any spa.
Traditions passed down from generation to generation inside the court of the Solo sultanate in Central Java have established a thriving jamu heritage. Particularly in Java, jamu factories abound, as do warungs that sell the finished product.
Jamu owes its heritage to the broad knowledge of the various medicinal qualities of plants and spices such as ginger, pandan, tamarind, bethel, and turmeric, as well as aromatic plants such as rose, jasmine and frangipani, all commonly found around the typical Indonesian garden. These are popularly known as living pharmacies, and the contents can produce an amazing jamu concoction that will promote beauty, fight body odor, reduce and regulate menstrual pain, enhance physical strength, or heal illnesses.
Almost every spa offers its own version of a jamu herbal drink right after any treatment, each concocted for a specific purpose such as to help soothe the body and relax, especially after a massage session.
Body scrubs come in many variations also, with the Balinese being called boreh and the Javanese called lulur. While the Javanese lulur scrub is more designed for beautification, boreh uses rougher and stronger ingredients and is aimed at relieving muscle tension or exfoliation.
Real boreh is applied by the Balinese farming community to fight colds, relieve rheumatism, and warm the body after a hard days work in the wet rice fields. Spas usually combine a scrub and a massage to offer a unique spa experience.
Traditionally, a Javanese princess bride will undergo from a seven to forty day confinement prior to her wedding day, during which a set of treatments is given to ensure that she will be at her best condition physically and mentally at her wedding and with her prince.
The set of treatments includes a massage, wrap, and scrub and is executed with aromatic oils and fragrances. A fresh floral bath afterwards results in fresher skin.
Floral and milk baths are another beauty concept indigenous to Java. The lactic acid in the milk has the ability to lift dead skin cells and therefore stimulate new and healthier skin.
The floral bath, originally just for fragrance, is now a popular finishing touch in many treatments, as well as a romantic moment at the end. Best for couples.
No longer the monopoly of princes and princesses, these treatment variations are available at many spas. Discover all of the wealth of the island's holistic features, and experience this world's premier spa destination through the various choices of indigenous treatments and spa ingredients available. ■
Text by Nyoman Nirartha
|
