Experience Bali Botanica

Day 1

I arrived at the Bali Botanica day spa at 12pm, where I was welcomed by the staff with a cup of warm tea, and because the 3-day program includes one Ayurvedic meal, I was taken to the dining area to have lunch before the treatments began. Ayurveda has a strong focus on nutrition, affirming that we are what we eat, and therefore the food should be a means of balancing, healing and optimizing our health. The foods should be natural, colourful, easy to digest and properly seasoned.

THEY OFFER THE FOLLOWING PROGRAMS:

• SRI Skin Rejuvenation
• SAMAKAYA Weight Care
• SHANTHI Sleep & Stress Relief
• AGNI Digestive Fire Restoration
• NIRUJA Muscle & Joint Healing

After filling an online questionnaire and having a private online consultation with the Ayurvedic doctor, to whom I shared
detailed information about myself and my health concerns, I was told that my body constitution is Pitta-Vata, meaning that my digestion is prone to being imbalanced and my mind can easily become anxious (which was exactly what I was struggling with).

She then confirmed that the Digestive Fire Restoration program was the most suitable for me.

The doctor also suggested some Ayurvedic supplements to integrate daily and some lifestyle changes to help with my insomnia (e.g. avoid agitating activities after 6pm, drink calm herbal tea).

The 3-course meal at Bali Botanica included a small bowl of vegetable soup, a hearty wrap filled with vegetables, avocado and cashew cream, and a creamy mango-based dessert. The food was absolutely delicious and fresh, leaving me feeling satisfied, yet not overly full.

After the meal I changed into the provided sarong and robe, and was taken to the therapy room. From the moment I walked in, everything
that followed was nothing short of magical.

Initially, I told myself I’d refrain from being too cheesy when describing an experience, but I also promised to be totally honest; and the truth is – it was one of those moments that feel like a dream.

The view of the jungle greens from the window, the smell of Balinese flowers and burning incense, the sound of chirping birds and crickets from outside. Everything about the ambiance was hinting that this is more than just a massage; it targeted all of the senses in order to promote relaxation and forget everything else.

The therapy began with a foot wash, then the two therapists chanted a prayer as an initiation for the practice to begin.

In total there were three procedures, which lasted from 1pm to 3pm:

Abhyanga (a full body, 4-hand massage with medicated oil), a steam bath (relaxing in a wooden chamber for 10-15 minutes as the skin absorbs medicated steam and medicinal leaves) and Jambeera Pinda Sweda (application of medicated powder filled compresses on the whole body).

Each treatment is selected to support precisely the imbalances of each person depending on their selected program.

So in my case, all these treatments promoted the rejuvenation of my digestive fire (agni).

What really stood out for me were the therapists which conducted the treatment with so much care and kindness. I kind of felt like a child again, who was being lovingly spoiled by her aunties.

The treatments were very enjoyable, and the smell of herbs helped me relax like I haven’t in a long time. I left feeling very grateful and calm, and slept like a baby that night. 

Day 2

I arrived on the second day excited for the new experience, as each day consists of different treatments and meals. I had a small soup, vegetable dumplings and sushi rolls, and a cashew nut cake.

The diversity of tastes and fresh quality of the products was impressive and very enjoyable. After the meal, we proceeded to the therapy room through the little garden pathway.

Treatment began with a foot bath and the opening prayer, just like the day before, then the two therapists proceeded to a 30-minute full body oil massage. After that, they moved me into the copper bath tub which is located inside the therapy room.

It was filled with warm water and medicinal plants, and the therapists continued attending with careful massaging and continuous pouring of the healing water over my body.

This therapy is used to assist with digestion, nutrient absorption and elimination. Although I was trying to remember all the details and facts, my nervous system simply went into the parasympathetic mode and I realized: ‘it’s working’.

After this unique treatment there was a short tea break out in the garden, followed by the last procedure:

Shirodhara

This is a popular Ayurvedic treatment, where medicated oil is gently and continuously poured onto the forehead and flows down the scalp for about 30 minutes.

It is designed to help calm down the nervous system, to aid with disorders such as insomnia and anxiety, and to balance the digestive system. Within the first 5 minutes I was fast asleep, so I can say again – it worked!

Day 3

On the final day of the program, I was already feeling changes in my energy levels, mainly because I was finally getting proper sleep. I was reminded that even a couple of minutes of deep relaxation during the day can start deep processes of healing.

I could feel more excitement and creative ideas coming up.

The first two treatments were the same as on Day 1, and the final one was as exotic as its name:

Talapothichil

A medicinal herbal paste was applied to the top of my head, and then wrapped with a banana leaf crown. This is an effective stress-relieving method, which regulates hormone production and digestive wellbeing.

After about 20 minutes of sitting with the crown wrap and receiving a neck massage, one of the therapists took me to a special room for hair treatments and washed my hair with natural products. I left Bali Botanica feeling overall rejuvenated and enriched by the unique experience.

I’ve had the opportunity to experience high quality, authentic Ayurvedic treatments in a luxury-meets-nature style. The interactions with the doctor, the staff and the therapists was clear and pleasant, and I felt supported with all my needs.

The space itself is very tastefully arranged with attention to detail, promoting relaxation and comfort. The treatments are professionally conducted and truly effective.

I initially thought that 3 days of treatment would not be enough to make a difference, however I can confidently say that there have been positive transformations as a result of this experience. Following the doctor’s advice, I continue to take the herbal medicine that was prescribed and apply some of the tips given to me.

This experience was a gift for the body, mind and soul! 

Visit Bali Botanica by Oneworld Ayurveda:

Jl. Raya Sanggingan, Kedewatan, Ubud
Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571

Instagram: @BALIBOTANICADAYSPA
www.balibotanica.com