Balinese massage originates from the island of Bali. One of the traditional forms of Indonesian massage, it is a combination of acupressure, reflexology, and effleurage, and it owes its unique charm to this integration of different techniques. Balinese massage mainly involves pushing, pressing, and rolling motions. In contrast to the very firm Thai massage, which uses pushing, pulling, foot-pressure, rocking, treading, and even both feet together, Balinese massage employs the fingers, arms, wrists, and even knuckles. Balinese massage applies pressure all over the body, slowly and rhythmically rubbing in specially formulated essential oils to a background of musical accompaniment. Bali's reputation needs no special introduction here. This holiday island with an eclectic mix of customs, sitting amid blue-green seas and azure skies, boasts poetic and picturesque beauty. Balinese cuisine is as irresistible and full of passion as the plentiful, warming sun that shines all year round, and when the two come together, the result is the medley of clifftop ocean-view restaurants for which the island is renowned.

Lulur baths, which originated on Java, were the secret beauty prescription of the Indonesian princesses 100 years ago, and all new Indonesian brides also follow this ritual before their wedding. The name lulur means "sleek and soft skin" in the Indonesian language, and it is also a general term for keratin-removing powder. It involves massaging the entire body with floral-smelling essential oils to relax the muscles, then applying a moisturizing balm forming a herbal remedy of turmeric and fennel, until the whole body exudes a floral fragrance and you are left with the alluring aura of a princess. Who Its For. Ladies who want to improve a coarse complexion and eliminate toxins might like to try a lulur bath. After your treatment, you will be left smelling fragrant from head to toe, with your skin soft and sleek as a baby's. Recommended. Talan Air Spa The vast majority of Bali's spas offer lulur bath packages. We especially recommend the Talan Air Spa in the central district of Kuta, which specializes in lulur treatments. The fragrant, otherworldly beauty and serenity of the surroundings, combined with the completely natural, nutrient-rich products, make for a relaxing hydrotherapy experience.

Essential oil treatment is the most common type of spa treatment and is complemented by a Balinese massage. You lie on your front and the therapist warms the essential oil in their hands before slowly massaging it into your whole body, including hands, upper back, and waist, using their fingers and palms. Who It's For. An essential oil massage relaxes body and mind and relieves stress, so it is suitable for ladies who want to eradicate stress, promote their blood circulation, eradicate fatigue, and alleviate muscular aches and pains. Recommended. The essential oil used in the essential oil massage at L'Occitane Spa is... well, essential, and a key factor determining the efficacy of the treatment. The professional massage techniques used at L'Occitane Spa are complemented by pure, natural L'Occitane skincare products from the Mediterranean, and the healthy essential oils made by this quality brand leave your skin full of vitality. There is also the Mango Tree Spa on the banks of the Ayung River, unique in the whole of Bali, where you can look out on the blue-green mountains and verdant trees, and listen to the babble of running water and occasional chirruping of birds frolicking in the mango grove.

Hot stone treatments involve placing preheated stones over acupoints and then performing a massage, so that the heat slowly permeates the meridian, or energy channels, over an extended period, thereby stimulating the acupoints and activating the blood vessels. Its uniqueness lies in the use of organic ore with health-giving properties. The ore's excellent heat-storage capacity ensures the sustained, even release of the heat, and it also contains a rich supply of minerals and magnetic energy, which means that more often than not, you'll be sweating from head to toe by the time you're done. Who It's For. Hot stone treatments are suitable for those with aches and pains caused by imbalances in the body. These treatments are also suitable if you have general pains but cannot determine their origin. Hot stone treatments are also good for ladies who want some pampering around that time of the month! Recommended. The Zen Family Spa is a brand that originated in Bandung; there is only one outlet in Bali. The full name is Zen Family Spa, but rogue brands calling themselves Zen Spa pop up continually all over the island, so check it's the real deal before you book! Zen Spa offers numerous packages, of which the hot stone "Oscars" treatment stands out in particular. The interior decoration, with Zen-like white walls all around, has a somewhat Japanese style to it. Anyone coming in search of tranquility will surely have a uniquely purifying experience in this distinctly Zen-like place.

Everyone is always talking about Bali's first-rate hotels, so if you visit you mustn't pass up the experience of a top-quality afternoon tea in an upscale hotel. Blue Point Bay Villas & Spa is situated on a clifftop in the district of Uluwatu at the southwest end of the island. The restaurant is inside the hotel, facing the sea, which is spread wide before you: looking out you can see nothing but calm and peaceful blue skies and sea. The restaurant mainly serves afternoon tea, but also provides lunch. Apart from the breathtaking clifftop view of the ocean, there is also a super-popular infinity pool and a glass chapel here. After your meal, you can go for a splash in the pool for a stunning bird's-eye view of the ocean at Uluwatu or have a taste of romance in the completely white-decorated glass chapel. In short, every part of this hotel feels like you're on location for a travel film shoot. Location: Blue Point Bay Villas & Spa, Jl. Labuansait, Pecatu, Jimbaran Bay. Menu Recommendations: Coconut bread pudding, chocolate brownies. Opening Times: 10:00 - 18:00

The Edge Hotel is famous for hosting numerous celebrity weddings, but it also has one of Bali's best-known clifftop restaurants. Situated at the top of 80m-high cliffs at the southern end of Uluwatu, it gives you a spectacular 360-degree panorama over the ocean. Coming to The Edge is like stepping into the life of the 19th century British nobility, surrounded by the romance of what feels like a private garden. The most breathtaking sight is the glass-bottomed infinity pool overhanging the cliff edge, which gives you the thrill of seemingly floating above the precipice. Some parts of the restaurant are also fitted with glass flooring, so you can admire the clifftop views as you dine. Location: Jl. Pura Goa Lempeh, Banjar Dinas Kangin, Uluwatu, Bali. Menu Recommendations: Salmon bruschetta, seafood grill, nasi goreng (Indonesian fried rice). Opening Hours: 14:00 - 17:00