Tag Archives: Indonesia

Four Seasons at Sayan, Ubud: Amazing Luxury Spa

Four Seasons Sayan-Bali-Ubud-Spa-1-Photo Mademoiselle Le K-copyright 2014

For my first visit to Ubud and its surroundings,

I stopped by the luxurious Villas Spa of Four Seasons Bali at Sayan to discover the famous Muladhara treatment, especially recommended for travelers and those who have back problems.      

The resort is huge. At the entrance, I cross a bridge leading to a large pool with water lilies overlooking a jungle crossed by a river (picture 6). The view is stunning!     

Very quickly a kart drops me to the spa (picture 1). Down the stairs, I saw the wooden villa with a traditional roof in the middle of a pond covered with water lilies and lined by lush nature, where my treatment will take place (picture below)!

Four Seasons Sayan-Bali-Ubud-Spa-4-Photo Mademoiselle Le K-copyright 2014

A beautiful villa for my spa! 

After a ginger-lemon tea, I take a shower to get ready to the treatment. The sliding doors of the villa open onto a lush natural environment. It is xtremely relaxing!       

Before starting the 2 hour Muladhara treatment, my therapist, Widiani shows me the different products and accessories that will be used (pictures below).         

Pink Himalayan salt scrub for energizing and detoxifying foot, benzoin resin (Far Eastern tree) and incense burning.        

The “Muladhara / Earth” Oil massage composed of argan, vetiver, ginger and jatamansi oils. Poultices. Quartz crystals (with a heart shape, photo 4). The singing bowl and Pengasapan utensil.

Four Seasons Sayan-Bali-Ubud-Spa-2-Photo Mademoiselle Le K-copyright 2014Four Seasons Sayan-Bali-Ubud-Spa-5-Photo Mademoiselle Le K-copyright 2014

Tibetan techniques for a treatment designed in London              

Once my feet washed, I sit with my bathrobe on this strange stool which escapes smoke benzoin resin and incense to cleanse and purify the Muladhara chakr : the “chakra of the essence of being located at the base of the spine (picture below).

This chakra governs instincts, mental balance and sensuality. Balance the Muladhara, calm the mind and body.”  While the therapist vigorously  massages my neck and shoulders, I look at the garden.

The following is more “conventional” with the kunye massage, a  Tibetan massage style with pats, pressures more or less strong and a technique of kneading the body.

Taps are made along the meridians once to get the negative vibes out and a second time to restore confidence and tranquility.”

Then Widiani puts on my body hot small quartz crystal stones. She also applies and a warm poultice of Himalayan salt. And I felt asleep to the sound of singing bowl (vibrations) that stimulates the Muladhara chakra.

Four Seasons Sayan-Bali-Ubud-Spa-3A-Photo Mademoiselle Le K-copyright 2014

When I wake up, the massage is finished.

I feel deeply rested, and filled with an Olympian calm. The whole body is relaxed, completely relaxed! I feel refocused, as after a heavy session of Tai Chi. Susksma Widiani!

Through beautiful gardens, I slowly head to the lounge of the Four Seasons Bali at Sayan. Enjoying the amber light of late afternoon, I sit on one of the armchair facing the lush jungle. Thinking of nothing (photo below).

YES, you have to try this amazing treatment! I recommend the Muladhara treatment for the thoroughness and professionalism of the therapist who treats each part of the body in depth and for the combination of complementary techniques and of course for the unique setting! One of my best treatments!

Four Seasons Sayan-Bali-Ubud-Spa-6-Photo Mademoiselle Le K-copyright 2014

Photos : Mademoiselle Le K – copyright 2014, tous droits réservés

Informations 

Four Seasons Bali at Sayan Ubud 

To go to Bali with Qatar Aiways, for more informations how to prepare your travel, click here.      

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BEAUTEHOTEL REVIEWS & DESTINATIONS  

I was a guest of the Four Seasons Resort at Sayan, Ubud. As always these are my opinions! Many thanks to the Four Seasons Resort at Sayan, Ubud, the spa team and Qatar Airways.  

Sungai Gold, Bali: A Luxury Villa in The Countryside

Sungai Gold-Bali-Cepaka-5-Photo Mademoiselle Le K-Tous droits réservés

The VIP Treatment       

organized by the Sungai Gold, started from my landing in Bali. Very quickly, I found myself sitting in a mini van just for me towards the villa.        

We are blocked by congestion in Kuta that I will  meticulously avoid throughout my stay! For my first time in the island of gods, I wanted a meeting with an intimate authentic Bali.      

It’s dark but I can see decorations on the side of the road. My driver told me that the island has recently celebrated an important Hindu celebration. I’m lucky to see these decorations which will be removed soon.

Sungai Gold-Bali-Cepaka-1-Photo Mademoiselle Le K-Tous droits réservés

Now we drive on a narrow road lined with paddy fields.      

First  we cross a sleepy village and another one equally quiet. Then the van bypasses a temple and stops. We arrived at Villa Sungai and Sungai Gold, two luxury villa rentals (picture 8: the input to the two properties).        

After a warm welcome, I go down a flight of stairs lined with lush vegetation and lit by torches leading to the Sungai Gold villa. Instant effect: the unreal feeling of being somewhere else, like teleported into a magical setting!   

Nothing compared to my surprise when I discovered the villa lighted by candle lamps around the pool. A chic and intimate villa! I entrust to Made, the manager who came up to me that the villa is even more beautiful in real life than in pictures (picture 2: the entrance of the villa).

Sungai Gold-Bali-Cepaka-2-Photo Mademoiselle Le K-Tous droits réservés

Above: the best place to chill out. Selfies facing the pool and the lush vegetation around the house and pool.

Sungai Gold-Bali-Cepaka-3-Photo Mademoiselle Le K-Tous droits réservésSungai Gold-Bali-Cepaka-4-Photo Mademoiselle Le K-Tous droits réservés

Photos above: the wide Balinese bed became our headquarters, for my laptop and me (lol). Every detail is chosen with taste: beautiful traditional Balinese roof made ​​of dried herbs. Unfortunately it is no longer used in current constructions.

Sungai Gold-Bali-Cepaka-8-Photo Mademoiselle Le K-Tous droits réservés

Photo above: the very nice outdoor dining area, where I’ve never eaten! I prefer staying by the pool.

Sungai Gold-Bali-Cepaka-6-Photo Mademoiselle Le K-Tous droits réservés

The omnipresence of trees. The Black and white checkerboard fabric represents the colors of Bali. Surround a tree of this fabric allows to symbolically express one’s attachment to the tree and nature.

Sungai Gold-Bali-Cepaka-7-Photo Mademoiselle Le K-Tous droits réservésSungai Gold-Bali-Cepaka-11-Photo Mademoiselle Le K-Tous droits réservés

Photo taken from my favorite angle. The glass door opens onto one of the two bedrooms (the one where I slept. You can see more in a coming up post).   

Last picture: the life of the villa. The big difference of the Sungai Gold is the incredible kindness and efficiency of its smiling staff.

Sungai Gold-Bali-Cepaka-9-Photo Mademoiselle Le K-Tous droits réservés

Photos : Mademoiselle Le K – copyright 2014, tous droits réservés.

Informations :

Sungai Gold & Villa Sungai      

Fly to Bali : Qatar airways  

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HOTEL REVIEWS & DESTINATIONS  

I was invited at the Sungai Gold Bali where I had an amazing stay! As you know, being invited does not change my opinion. SUKSMA to the Sungai Gold team and Qatar Airways!  

Qatar Airways: My Flights to Asia in Business Class

Qatar Airways-Deamliner-Business Class-1-Photo Mademoiselle Le K-copyright 2014

I fell in love with the Dreamliner,

the Boeing 787-8: what a fantastic flying experience in both directions! Qatar Airways offered me a round ticket Brussels-Denpasar/Bali in Business class.

The one way trip includes two stops: a first trip with the famous Dreamliner aircraft to the Hamad International Airport (Doha), where is the hub of the ailine. Then a second trip from Singapore to Denpasar in another plane more “conventional”.

My first impressions of the flight from Brussels to Denpasar: great cabin with a minimalist design that inspires comfort, wide windows and especially the amazing LED lighting (pictures 1 & 2). The service on board is also excellent: discreet, friendly and efficient.

Qatar Airways-Deamliner-Business Class-Photo Mademoiselle Le K-copyright 2014Qatar Airways-Deamliner-Business Class-3-Photo Mademoiselle Le K-copyright 2014

Comfort, high tech & gastronomy

As always the day before departure I slept little (3h!). That morning, there were still details to finalize this express presstrip to Bali, “tailor made” for the blog.

Do I need to add that a Business class on a long haul – more than 20 hours one way trip (including stops) – is not a luxury but a fantastic way to not feel jetlag and to be optimum at the destination arrival!  

Quickly I got familiar with the different audiovisual and seat remotes (picture above and pictures 5 and 1). What a pleasure to watch a program on the large TV touchscreen! And the seat combining comfort and intimacy (without feeling confined in a box), is difficult to leave! Believe me!

You can also use the Internet, I did not. On my Twitter (@ Mademoisellelek), I was against the Internet in flight. Why? By peace! But now, not so sure, LOL … For me the most important: I could recharge my electronic devices in my seat during the flight. I’ve also found the best sound proof cabin.

Icing on the cake: the food presentation and quality of meals. Foodies, famous international chefs have especially designed or adapted some of their specialties for the menu. Picture below: main dish with rice, lentils, fish, asparagus and spices of the Indian chef, Vineet Bhatia.

Qatar Airways-Deamliner-Business Class-Food-2-Photo Mademoiselle Le K-copyright 2014Qatar Airways-Deamliner-Business Class-4-Photo Mademoiselle Le K-copyright 2014

First stopover at Hamad International Airport (Doha)

Arrived at 11.30 p.m., I leave at 2:25 a.m. to Denpasar via Singapore. Not really the time to visit the airport, even if  the shops and restaurants are open (pictures below).

After the security check, I head straight to the Qatar Airways lounge for the First and Business travelers, where I quietly rest. 

The lounge space is quite small, but it seems that the new (huge) lounge will be operational in a few days. Good point: I’m five minutes from the gate of my second flight.

Another aircraft (Boeing 777-300ER) with a much greater capacity than the Dreamliner. Another design more conventional, but the comfort and service of the Business class remain excellent! As soon as I received my pajamas, I wore it! It always amuses me (sorry I’m not a fashionista anymore)! 

To reduce the jelag effects, you have to set up the hours the destination where you are going. Drink plenty of water and sleep a maximum. I opted for a very light dinner, with a fisrt meal of the Japanese chef Nobu Matsuhira and a salad. And in bed (picture 7)! 

Qatar Airways-Lounge-Business Class-Doha Airport-Photo Mademoiselle Le K-copyright 2014.Qatar Airways-Business Class-1-Doha to Singapore-Photo Mademoiselle Le K-copyright 2014

Second stopover at Changi Airport (Singapore)

I was really excited by a stopover in Changi Airport (Singapore), the most awarded airport in the world: 420 awards since 1981 (Le Figaro)! But the stopover is too short (1:30) to visit at least one of the airport’s gardens.

In fact, passengers to Denpasar must also leave the plane. Pass the security check and wait to board again. So it is recommended to stay close to the boarding gate. The second image (right) of the photo below: the lounge.              

If the Changi Airport is huge, everything seems to have been designed to make the traveler’s experience easier and enjoyable. As I haven’t had time to visit, It’s just my first impression. 

Back on board, in the same aircraft, sitting on the same place. Denpasar Arrival at 7 p.m. local time. Time for a lunch and then we land! 

And guess who comes out of the plane fresh and smiling? Of course me! Another pleasant surprise after being pampered by the crews of my different flights, I enjoy the VIP treatment on arrival at Denpasar. To be continued… Selamat datang di Bali, welcome in  Bali!

Qatar Airways-Business Class-Singapore to Bali-Photo Mademoiselle Le K-copyright 2014Qatar Airways-Business Class-Denpasar Airport-Photo Mademoiselle Le K-copyright 2014

Photos : Mademoiselle Le K – copyright 2014, tous droits réservés.

Informations  

Qatar airways 

More informations about how to organize your travel, here.  

Related posts :

  

How To Prepare Your Travel & DESTINATIONS

Many thanks to Qatar Airways. As always all my opinions are mine!