Where to find the best spas in Bali.

Updated September 2024

If you have read my post about the best spas in Thailand, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that I am a huge fan of massages especially when they are inexpensive enough to afford one every day. So it wasn’t exactly a hard task to do the necessary research and find the best spas in Bali for you as well. 

Bali is synonymous with beauty and wellness, and the options for good spas and treatments are quite endless. A highlight is, of course, a Balinese massage which works with oil and lots of kneading and acupressure. Another favorite treatment is a so-called cream bath, a nourishing hair treatment which comes with a head and scalp massage and of course, there is the Insta-famous flower bath. 

Whether you are looking for a quick fix to get the knots out from your back or a luxurious day of pampering, I am sharing my favorite massages in Bali with you and the best day and hotel spas for every budget and occasion. Whether you are looking for a fun getaway with your girlfriends, a romantic massage for two, or soak up all the bliss by yourself. 

Where to find the best massage in Bali? I will leave it up to you to answer this (and have fun while trying) but here are my favorites to get you started for your very own research. 

My personal favorites – The Best Spas in Bali

Seminyak
Ubud 
Canggu
Rest of Bali

 

Spas in Seminyak

Jari Menari

I am not sure where to start when telling you about Jari Menari – honestly, it is my favorite spa in Bali. The concept is so unique in that they only have male therapists who are personally trained by founder Susan Stein and her team. It started over 20 years ago as a way for men to learn a profession and offer customers who prefer stronger massages with the best service possible. Training includes not only massage techniques but also anatomy as well as English lessons and customer service.

Jari Menari translates to ‘Dancing Fingers’. They currently have one spa in Seminyak but are working on an expansion. I previously went to my first four-handed massage in their old location in Nusa Dua. I was initially skeptical if four hands would be very different to two hands and thus justifying the higher price but I am now officially converted.

My two therapists worked in incredible synchronicity with each other and with me, and my massage felt pleasantly choreographed as well as intuitive at the same time.

Recently I got to try the new Esalen Massage at Jari Menari. This massage is done by a California State Certified Esalen practitioner. The massage is best described as completely intuitive and meant to release serotonin in your body. Connection and wholeness is the goal. As someone who frequently complains if a therapist isn’t intuitive this was my kind of massage. There was rocking, stretching, and massaging with fingers, forearms, and elbows – it was absolute bliss. 

And for all women who might be nervous with a male therapist – don’t be. The therapists at Jari Menari are incredibly professional and my boobs were never uncovered for even a second, I was actually surprised by how smoothly I was covered at all times.

Potato Head Spa

If you are looking for one if not the best spa in Seminyak, head to Potato Head. Next to the famous beach club, beautiful suites, and some incredible restaurants, they also have a comprehensive wellness offer. From sound to ice baths, from fancy facials to energy balancing sessions, there is something for every taste on the menu. 

The Potato Head Spa itself feels both futuristic and organic at the same time. Treatment rooms are arranged around an open circle courtyard of sorts, each with a different name. The rooms feel like small, cozy cocoons, but each comes with a toilet, shower, and best of all soundproofing. I get easily distracted by people talking or walking around in open-plan spas and was so happy this wasn’t an issue here. 

I opted for the Beristirahat Package, which combines a massage of your choice and an essential facial. My massage was the signature Urut Bugar massage, which is both relaxing and energizing, and uses gentle strokes with oil as well as dynamic stretches. For facials, they use Sensatia Botanicals, a Balinese brand I really like. And while the facial part is only 30-minutes, my therapists used every single one – I even got my hand and arms massaged while my face mask was working its magic!

Once you are all blissed out and feeling pretty again I recommend you head to Kaum, one of Potato Head’s on-site restaurants for some of the best Indonesian food in Seminyak!

If you are looking for an ice bath in Bali, sound healing, and breathwork head to the Sanctuary while you are at Potato Head. The holistic center offers various sessions for your well-being and is well worth a visit.

Alila Seminyak

I have been to a lot of amazing spas in Bali but I will say that the Alila Seminyak Spa took the cake. To be honest, sometimes I feel like you are better off getting individual treatments than a whole spa package because even though they are cheaper you will spend a lot of time in steam rooms or with a foot bath – things that you don’t really want to pay for (at least I don’t!).

But the Mineral Ritual at the Alila Spa was nothing but jam-packed with greatness: a massage, acupressure reflexology, volcanic clay facial followed by a scrub with a Vichy shower. The latter was especially impressive as I didn’t have to do any showering myself but was placed on something resembling a stone altar with the shower coming from the top. I felt like a very fortunate wagyu beef.
Even my microbubble bath to end was fun and different and felt a bit like bathing in champagne.

After you have been massaged and pampered into a beautiful, relaxed piece of putty you even get fed at their stunning Seasalt restaurant overlooking the ocean. The lunch too didn’t feel like an afterthought but was an experience in itself – if you are looking for a seaside spot to eat in Seminyak, this is it!

If you go, ask for Mega at the spa because she lives up to her name – I haven’t had a massage that good in a while.

Read More:

A Foodie’s Guide to Seminyak.

Re Massage Studio

Re Massage Studio is one of my favorite day spas in Seminyak and is cheap enough to make it an everyday go-to place as well as fancy enough to make it feel like a treat. At the bottom, they have an open room for manicures and pedicures and cream baths which happen in their ultra-comfy lazyboy chairs.

Upstairs is for massages and while the setting is nice, there are no individual treatment rooms, but the massage beds are separated by curtains. This may or may not be an issue, but it can get a little noisy at times with people walking around or even talking. Yes, I mean, you weird lady next to me making sex noises!

This time around, I went for an Aromasense massage that merges Balinese, Aromatherapy and some Reiki – oil, stretches and deep strokes – amazing after a long flight! They also have some add-ons like an “Intuitive Head Pamper” (it wasn’t my cup of tea, but that is simplz because I dislike head massages as I have now confirmed once and for all!) and full treatment packages at amazing prices. 

Therapists do change, but for now, ask for Ani – she is incredible!

The Cottage Beauty House Bali

The Cottage Beauty House is a great place for a facial and a manicure/pedicure, and they also offer Microdermabrasion and waxing. While the nails area downstairs is super light and airy, the treatment area in the back is a little dark, so I am not sure if it is a place, I would go to for an entire day of pampering. Then again, I just went there for a wax, so I was happy it didn’t take the entire day. Waxing was quick and very painless alas, this is the second time a Balinese therapist didn’t quite understand the concept of a landing strip and I ended up having to go bald. 

Please note: they recently moved down the road, and some Grab/GoJek maps still seem to have the old location. Look out for the building’s facade – you can’t miss it – to make sure you are in the right place. 

Spas in Ubud

COMO Shambhala

If you are looking for the ultimate wellness experience in Bali, look no further than COMO Shambhala, the wellness concept of COMO Hotels & Resorts. While the Como Shambhala Estate in Ubud offers complete wellness retreats, workshops, and coaching, all of their properties in Bali have a beautiful spa on site. 

I visited the spa at COMO Uma Ubud, which is conveniently located close to Ubud’s center. The spa is surrounded by the most beautiful garden and jungle vibes, a proper little oasis. Luckily, my treatment room had a view of the garden, which just seems to be an extension of the surrounding jungle that is part of the Ubud landscape. 

Dewi my therapist was incredible, finding just the right touch between soft and firm where needed during my 90-minutes COMO Shambhala Massage. Something I very much appreciated – he checked with me beforehand if it was okay to massage my stomach (yes!) and head (hell, no!), and adjusted his massage plan accordingly. Another highlight was the oil used, a unique blend of camphor, nutmeg, and lavender. 

They also have a beautiful yoga shala overlooking the green valley. While there are many beautiful yoga studios in Ubud, I would definitely come back for a class if only for the views. Daily group classes are held at 4 pm and even non-hotel guests can join. 

Auriga at Capella Ubud

Capella is the new kid on the block when it comes to Ubud luxury hotels and it is a special one: glamping at its finest. So it comes at no surprise that the three spa rooms of the Auriga at Capella Ubud aren’t actually rooms but beautifully outfitted tents. Mine was called Hollandia named after the Dutch vessles which first came to Bali to conduct maritime trade and it even came with its own, living jackfruit tree – leaving all greenery untouched was one of the main concern when Capella was built.

I had a New Moon massage which offered 90 minutes of bliss on their ultra-comfortable massage beds (honestly, why are some massage beds so flimsy and uncomfortable?!). The massage is based on a Swedish Massage and is aptly timed for this time of the month to energize and rejuvenate.

The special thing about the canvas tent setting is that you are inside yet hearing all the jungle sounds – so soothing! Don’t miss using the loo. Yes, I know that sounds like a weird request but trust me on this – the toilets at Capella are a league of their own.

While spa guests cannot use the pool, you can stay for lunch and you definitely should – the food is amazing and the views are not too shabby either…Capella is a 20-minutes drive from Ubud center and they offer a free shuttle a few times throughout the day.

Read More:

A Foodie’s Guide to Ubud.

Karsa Spa

If you visit one spa in Ubud, it should be Karsa Spa! Getting there is a bit of an adventure by motorbike, but after all its location is part of its charm. 

The spa sits surrounded by rice paddies and has about 20 individual treatment rooms, a few of them for couples treatments. Mind you, when I say rooms, I mean roofed outdoor spaces surrounded by lots of greenery. In the center a massage table as well as a bath tub and an outdoor shower.

Karsa is definitely one of the most affordable spas in Bali but really, their main appeal is the menu: in addition to ‘regular’ massages and facials they also offer Reiki and my new favorite – the “Intuitive Heart Massage”. This 90-minute ritual combines various massage techniques as your therapist sees fit, with Reiki at the beginning and the end of your session. Perfect, if your body, mind and soul need a bit of pampering. 

Ask for Yono – he is incredible! 

Tamiang BALI Spa

I came across Tamiang Spa by pure coincidence as it was around the corner from my Airbnb in Penastanan in Ubud. I looked it up on Google afterward and was greeted by so many 5-star reviews that I couldn’t resist. The ones that aren’t 5 stars are less due to street noise, something that is really not their fault – you are in a residential area after all. 

Book early because Fitria is always booked out – it is just her at the moment and she is just that good! Also, the prices are incredible – you can get an amazing facial for only IDR 200k (about $12) with Sensatia Botanicals products. She will inform you beforehand that she doesn’t do extractions, her facials are pure bliss. Her massages are just as good, with perfect pressure and ultimate relaxation. 

The room itself is simple and it can get a bit hot as she doesn’t have aircon but honestly with these prices who cares? This is a spa in Bali you wouldn’t come across if you didn’t know it was there but now that I know I am so happy – I will travel far to go here!

You can either get her contact by walking past and grabbing a card for WhatsApp or book via Google Maps messenger. 

Alila Ubud

I was lucky enough to stay at the Alila Ubud before with my friend Julia, however, I wasn’t that fortunate to experience their amazing spa. Or rather one of their signature treatments as my Rainforest Experience was not in the spa but rather out in the jungle – welcome to the Bale bengong! 

Take the “Walkway to heaven” and you will find yourself in the jungle that surrounds the Alila and a little spa pavilion. The Rainforest Experience starts with a 90-minute massage which was truly heavenly as you are surrounded by jungle sounds and a breeze – perfect to do in Bali winter as it wasn’t too hot and humid. Next up was lunch with a view of the jungle – salad, followed by Thai green curry and parfait with poached snake fruit for dessert. Luckily I was allowed to spend the next hour napping laying on my back for a reflexology treatment on my feet. 

One of the best features of the Alila is its setting and if you get lucky some cheeky monkeys will join you for tea in the afternoon. I remember them fondly stealing snacks from me when I was here for the first time, alas I didn’t get so lucky this time around and got to enjoy my pumpkin cake without interruption. 

They also offer a “Spa Junkies Paradise Unlimited” which is valid for 48 hours and I am super keen to try next time – surely non-stop massages for two days are possible?!

Read MOre:

Alila Ubud – A Jungle Hotel in Bali.

Kayumanis Spa Ubud 

The Kayumanis Spa in Ubud is one of my favorite spas in Bali and not just for their amazing treatment but also for the setting. All treatment rooms have the best smelling Alang Alang roofs and are open to the sides so you can enjoy the jungle sounds (and some screams from people rafting in the valley) and a gentle breeze. 

They have a variety of signature spa treatments and I got to try their Spa Secrets. This includes a little stroll in their garden where you can learn all about herbs and plants used in Balinese beauty treatments and cooking. This is followed by a lulur making class. A lulur is a traditional Balinese scrub which is made out of rice, galanga, ginger, cloves, and turmeric. In this day and age, you can buy lulur at the shop but here at Kayumanis, they are still made by hand or rather thanks to lots of muscle.

After all this work (never mind, I will admit, I didn’t do a thing but my therapist did all the work), I got to sit down with a healthy drink and soak my feet in rose petals followed by a massage with lemongrass oil. Kayumanis is another Ubud spa that gets major points for their comfy massage tables – they are even heated! And if you think that isn’t necessary, I will remind you that it is winter in Bali and you are basically getting a massage outside and it can get breezy. I get cold easily and so this unique feature was most welcome. 

The massage was followed by the lulur scrub, a slightly messy affair and I was glad I didn’t have to clean up. Afterward, I got to soak in the bathtub and had a funny Instagram moment. Instagram has us believe that all Bali baths are full of flower petals while mine wasn’t. Typical Annika moment – everyone gets pretty flowers and I get leaves and twigs.
But of course, that wasn’t quite the case as this was meant to be a herbal bath with betel leaves which are good for your skin. So while it may not do well for the ‘gram, it does well for your body.

You can also book a spa treatment at the Kayumanis Spa in Nusa Dua

Putri Ubud Spa 2

But are you even in Bali if you are not having a flower bath? Probably not but the truth is, I don’t like bathing very much and sitting in tepid water surrounded by flower petals seems a waste of flower petals and my time. But when in Bali… I thought I should at least try it and see what all the fuss was about before making too much fun of Instagrammers in their flower baths.

With this intention set, I found the Putri Ubud Spa 2 which was just down the road from my Airbnb on Jalan Bisma and offers all sorts of packages at incredible prices. I booked a lulur package which included a one hour massage, lulur scrub, and a flower bath.

For this price, I didn’t have high hopes but was pleasantly surprised. My therapist was incredibly nice and found just the right amount of pressure and the lulur albeit not homemade left my skin really soft. Once it was bathtime I was given tea and fruit to snack on and my therapist actually offered to take my picture… lol. I politely declined. While I didn’t mind my flower bath so much I learned that the petals don’t do much in terms of beautifying, are quite sticky when it comes to showering them off, and flowers or not – having a stranger take a picture of you in the bathtub is just a tad bit weird.

That said, I would definitely go back for their great package deals!

Another spa in Ubud to try is the Karsa Spa in the middle of the rice paddies. I didn’t manage to go myself as they are always booked out far in advance but I hear that they are one of the best day spas in Bali – if you are heading to Ubud, book in advance!

Spas in Canggu

Merapu Svaasthya at Desa Seni 

Desa Seni is a gorgeous eco-lodge in the heart of Canggu. Mind you, if you stay here you will probably never leave and are far away from the hipster hustle and bustle of the area.
Their Merapu Svaasthya spa is housed in a beautiful old Balinese building, breezy and very zen. I was in the mood for something different and so I went for the Banana Leaf Body Wrap. Two hours of bliss and I didn’t mind feeling like a piece of fish waiting to be steamed.

The treatment starts with an oil massage followed by a coffee scrub. This came at just the right time as my back was peeling and in desperate need of a bit of TLC. After the exciting part started – the banana leaf wrap. Banana leaves have natural antioxidants and the application of papaya puree helps to nourish and moisturize skin. I didn’t even mind looking like a Balinese meal while I was wrapped and left with my skin feeling amazing.
Do make sure to shower thoroughly afterward, otherwise, you may or may not find yourself with a few leftover papaya bits on your foot the next day.

While the Merapu Svaasthya spa is beautiful, the prices are anything but hotel spa prices. Perfect so you can pamper yourself for an entire afternoon and even add a yoga class at Desa Seni.

HiSUGARS

I have been to HiSUGARS twice now and completely forgot to add it to this guide. I just didn’t consider it as Bali spa as such as I only went for sugaring and eyebrow lamination. Since I have had some not-so-pleasant waxing experiences in Bali before I was excited to find a place that offers sugaring and they do it so well. 

For eyebrows, I have previously been to Glo and it was okay but for some reason, I now prefer HiSUGARS – my eyebrows look done but more natural. HiSUGARS also does lash lifts, massages, and facials. 

A novelty is their Sugar Booty Facial which sounds equally weird and enticing. Considering that I spend much time in wet bikini bottoms and neoprene, my butt might be keen. 

They also have spas in Ubud and Seminyak.

GOLDUST Beauty Lounge

GOLDUST is located on Batu Bolong and a bit unassuming from the outside. Probably better to go with an understated look because inside it is all about the bling: GOLDUST is as the name implies all about gold. They are best known for their pure gold facials and sell various gold masks in their little shop.

As I am not a big facial person, I went for their signature massage which also incorporates hot stones. Wow. My therapist Dewi gave me one of the best massages in Bali and when she told me it was over, I told her I refused to leave. It is hard to describe but she was incredibly intuitive in her massage and found the right balance between getting my knots out while completely relaxing me.

Their treatment rooms for massages and facials are small and simple but the face donut was one of the most comfortable I have had and their linens are so soft I was very tempted to steal them. Even just writing about it all makes me want to book another appointment.

Book your spa treatment at GOLDUST here

Waroeng Djamoe Spa at the Hotel Tugu Bali

The Hotel Tugu Bali is one of the most unique hotels in Canggu and it has a spa to match. Full of history, they share ancient well-being secrets of Indonesia at their Waroeng Djamoe Spa. A holistic approach and harmony of mind, body, and soul are at the forefront of their offerings. 

While you can get a traditional Balinese massage and a nice hair cream bath, I recommend you come for something a bit more unique when visiting the spa. After all, you can book a pampering session of up to 5 hours to experience the best spa offerings the Indonesian archipelago has to offer. 

I went for a Kamar Mantra, a truly unique massage in Bali. They use virgin coconut oil that is blended with an ancient mix of herbs and spices and carefully heated. Don’t get this massage when you are hungry because it smells mouthwatering! The oil is applied in circular motions to the entire body while your therapist is chanting Eastern mantras. Happiness for your muscles and your subconscious mind. And yes, it does work when you fall asleep too!  

After your treatment, you can go to the little altar in the garden and get a Balinese blessing. 

Therapy

Therapy has been a long favorite of the spas in Canggu and seems to have been around for ages. I first came across it when I asked my Brazilian friend Natalie where I could get a decent Brazilian wax in Bali and she recommended them.

Their prices are reasonable and the procedure was quick and (almost) painless. I have since tried their cream bath and my friend got a massage at Therapy during our last holiday in Bali and we could agree that we would recommend either.

Unfortunately they closed their location down on Echo Beach but are now in Pererenan and also have a hair salon.

Spring Spa

Spring Spa is a great option if you are looking for a spa in Canggu or in Seminyak as they have a few locations in Bali. Choose between their Spring Signature Massage or a traditional Balinese massage, or go for something more unique like their “Rest and Balance” with a reflexologist or a Lymphatic Drainage Massage.

Their facials are especially cool as you can book a Codage Hydration facial based on French apothecary traditions or a “Glow-Getter”, a raw facial using raw fruit and vegetable. If you are looking for another plant-based option, you can also get the “From Farm to Face” treatment. It uses moringa and aloe vera and is one of the few completely vegan facials in Bali. 

I recently went for a Gua Sha Facial Contour as I am obsessed with facial massages. The facial was lovely though I wish the massage part would have been even longer (or maybe I shouldn’t have fallen asleep – again). 

They also have branches in Seminyak, Nusa Lembongan, and Uluwatu. I will say, while the Canggu spa is nice it can feel a bit busy and you will need reservations. Spring Spa also requires a 50% deposit. 

More Spas in Bali

Slow Spa – Gili Air

Oh man, as much as I loved Gili Air otherwise it was a wasteland when it came to spas and massages. It’s not that there aren’t any options but the existing spas are not very nice. And while I am not one to diss a quick, cheap massage on the beach and won’t expect 5-star spa service, the one and only time I tried I cut my massage down to half an hour and still left with bruises on my feet. 

But after days of diving and lugging around heavy equipment I really wanted a treat and so I made an appointment at Slow Spa, second-best as I couldn’t afford to stay there. 

The spa is everything you want from an island spa: beautiful outdoor/indoor rooms with lots of bamboo, tinkling music, and the softest massage beds. 

I had a simple aromatherapy massage and while it objectively wasn’t the best massage I have had, it was good enough to put me in a blissful state and at IDR 300k makes for a good deal for a hotel spa treatment. So if you are headed to Gili do yourself a favor, ignore the beach pavilions and head to Slow instead if you want a massage. 

Read More:

The best things to do in Gili Air.

Mu Bali – Bingin Beach

I stayed next door from Mu when I was in Bingin Beach and popped over one afternoon to check it out. Part of this reconnaissance was a look at their spa menu, and I was surprised by just how affordable it was. 

While Mu is an eco resort but on the fancy side, at least for the area, so I was incredibly happy to find a 2-hour spa package for 450k (ca. $ 30) on the menu. I booked for the next day and came back for a massage, Lulur scrub with yogurt wrap, and flower bath. 

The treatments itself were lovely (even the flower bath was fun!) though I will say the facilities are very small. You are perched on the cliff top overlooking the ocean and Bingin Beach, alas, you can’t really enjoy the views during any of your treatment. Also, the space between the three massage beds is tiny, and let’s just say some people have a louder voice than others. 

That said, what the Mu spa was lacking in tranquility, it definitely made up for with solid treatments and amazing prices. I wouldn’t consider it a destination spa in Bali, but if you are in the area – go for it!

To book, I would contact them via WhatsApp.

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