Bali's Sacred River Spa harnesses 'unseen energy'
December 2, 2024
The relaunched Sacred River Spa at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan helps guests restore 'primal balance' next to the island's most revered body of water. Rose Dykins reports
Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan has relaunched its Sacred River Spa with cutting-edge facilities and treatments based on Balinese traditions and culture.
The 4,970 sqm Sacred River Spa is bordered by Bali’s longest, widest and most revered river. The energy of River Ayung's flowing water and the lush foliage of the Ayung valley have inspired the spa’s soulful healing rituals, designed to align the mind and body with nature.
Each wall, terrace, entrance and planted area of Sacred River Spa has been curated to enhance the light, sounds and natural beauty of the surrounding river valley. Artwork from Indonesian artists and ceramic masters is incorporated throughout, and the spa’s design concept combines natural materials with calming colours.The look and feel of the spa is a collaboration between Australian architects The Fulcrum Agency, Japanese interior designers Design Studio SPIN and Indonesian landscape consultants Bukit Kembar Permai.
The treatment menu at Sacred River Spa is inspired but the ancient Balinese philosophy of Niskala (unseen energy). Its water-centric treatments are said to harness the power of the “energetic flow from the intangible realm into the physical realm.”
There are six signature Balinese healing rituals based on traditional wisdom, including Restu Bumi - a spiritual cleansing featuring local instruments, herbs and a warm gemstone massage - and the purifying Tirta Ening, which channels the healing power of Bali’s water element.
Treatments also use skincare and aromatherapy products from Synthesis Organics, which uses holistic plant-powered, energy-imbued ingredients.Highlights include chakra ceremonies that maximise the free flow of energy in pursuit of spiritual, physical, mental and emotional balance. There is also a wide range of massages, facials and face and body therapies to choose from.
All treatments at Sacred River Spa begin and end with quartz crystal singing bowls that are tuned to nature's intonation, of 432 hertz, to harness the powerful effect sound can have on wellbeing. In addition to a sound healing room, bespoke playlists by Sayan Music add a further layer of healing vibration, with their positivity-inducing Solfeggio frequencies (specific tones that support a healthy mind) and Ayung valley sounds.
There are seven new private spa villas that are named after sacred Balinese elements - including Sejuk (water), Gending (sound) and Teja (fire) - that promote healing and detoxification. Situated beneath the jungle canopy, each villa has a bathtub hand-chiselled from Indonesian stone, as well as state-of-the-art Lemi Portofino electric massage beds.
Other spa facilities include a new yoga pavilion adjacent to the river, a hybrid infrared and Swedish sauna treatment villa, a nail studio, retail space, and a relaxation pavilion.
Sacred River Spa also has a resident wellness mentor to help incorporated traditional knowledge into the resort’s contemporary luxury experience. Ibu Fera is a former Buddhist nun who studied the Dharma (a set of Buddhist teachings) in monasteries across Asia. Fera leads free meditation classes twice daily at the spa, and hosts a series of Life Talks each week. In addition, she hosts a daily “sacred nap”, an experience that invites guests to awaken their inner peace.
Luisa Anderson, regional director of Spa at Four Seasons Asia Pacific, says: "There are few places in Bali where the 'unseen' energies are as powerful as here in the Ayung River basin. It has been such a privilege to connect to these energies during this relaunch, not only through the ritualistic elements of many of the treatments but through the sensitivities of the architecture, intent and spiritual practices. By integrating such ancient wisdom with cutting-edge wellbeing practices, The Sacred River Spa truly flows into a new era of holistic care."Randy Shimabuku, general manager of Four Seasons Resorts Bali, adds: “We are delighted to present the new-look Sacred River Spa. This tranquil retreat embodies our commitment to exceptional, personalised experiences that are deeply rooted in timeless Balinese traditions and culture. We are proud to aid guests in the discovery of their unique path to serenity and renewal in the heart of the Sayan valley.”
