spring spa
Rooftop Level, Seminyak Village, Jl. Kayu Jati Basangkasa,Seminyak, Bali 80361
+62 813 38627222
www.springspa.com/locations_area/seminyak-village/
7 days per week 10am to 9pm
+62 813 38627222
www.springspa.com/locations_area/seminyak-village/
7 days per week 10am to 9pm
As seasoned travellers to Bali we have tried every possible massage / day spa that this gorgeous island has to offer. From the overpriced hotel day spa to the ladies on the beach charging $7AUD for an hour massage to the thousands of little massage shops along every street offering hair braiding, pedicures, manicures and massage at a price we could only dream of paying in Australia.
Spring Spa located on the rooftop of Seminyak Village combines pure luxury and indulgence at a great price. Now don’t expect to pay $7AUD for a massage but at around $29AUD for a 90 minute massage this is definitely our pick for all your day spa needs.
Set high above Seminyak you step across large flat stones set in a pond to enter the beautiful reception and waiting area. The staff are friendly and accommodating as we changed our minds on what treatments we were going to have quite a number of times.
Spring Spa located on the rooftop of Seminyak Village combines pure luxury and indulgence at a great price. Now don’t expect to pay $7AUD for a massage but at around $29AUD for a 90 minute massage this is definitely our pick for all your day spa needs.
Set high above Seminyak you step across large flat stones set in a pond to enter the beautiful reception and waiting area. The staff are friendly and accommodating as we changed our minds on what treatments we were going to have quite a number of times.
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So what treatments did we have? Well, all 4 Travel Buddies have their own preferences when it comes to a day spa.
The Spring Signature Massage for 90 minutes was the male Travel Buddies treatment of choice. This was a massage tailored to his problem areas and the feedback was that the pressure was fantastic with the therapists checking that he was comfortable at appropriate intervals. The lighting in the massage room was calming with soothing music, beautifully scented and the temperature perfect for the Bali heat and humidity.
Our Gen Y Travel Buddie had the Spring Spa Manicure and Pedicure, which she has let us know on a number of occasions lasted for 6 weeks! Sitting in reclining white leather lounges you are treated to sea views of Seminyak beach whilst being pampered.
Both of the female Gen X Travel Buddies had the Spring Foot Massage for 45 minutes. This amazing treatment made you feel like you were walking on air when you left the sanctuary of the spa and faced the hustle and bustle of JL Kayu Aya.
The soothing foot massage finished with our feet being placed in a large tin bowl and warm water is gently poured from a large tin watering can. This was an amazing experience and set this foot massage way ahead of all the others.
One Gen X followed this with a pedicure whilst the other indulged in a neck and shoulder massage which made her want to fall asleep it was so relaxing.
We highly recommend you indulge in at least one treatment at Spring Spa on your next visit to Seminyak for that great Bali service in a luxurious setting at an affordable price.
The Spring Signature Massage for 90 minutes was the male Travel Buddies treatment of choice. This was a massage tailored to his problem areas and the feedback was that the pressure was fantastic with the therapists checking that he was comfortable at appropriate intervals. The lighting in the massage room was calming with soothing music, beautifully scented and the temperature perfect for the Bali heat and humidity.
Our Gen Y Travel Buddie had the Spring Spa Manicure and Pedicure, which she has let us know on a number of occasions lasted for 6 weeks! Sitting in reclining white leather lounges you are treated to sea views of Seminyak beach whilst being pampered.
Both of the female Gen X Travel Buddies had the Spring Foot Massage for 45 minutes. This amazing treatment made you feel like you were walking on air when you left the sanctuary of the spa and faced the hustle and bustle of JL Kayu Aya.
The soothing foot massage finished with our feet being placed in a large tin bowl and warm water is gently poured from a large tin watering can. This was an amazing experience and set this foot massage way ahead of all the others.
One Gen X followed this with a pedicure whilst the other indulged in a neck and shoulder massage which made her want to fall asleep it was so relaxing.
We highly recommend you indulge in at least one treatment at Spring Spa on your next visit to Seminyak for that great Bali service in a luxurious setting at an affordable price.
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Garuda indonesia
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When flying to Bali, Indonesia, 4 Travel Buddies preferred airline is Garuda Indonesia.
Voted World's Best Cabin Crew 2014 at the World Airline Awards 2014, Garuda Indonesia offers a truly pleasant and enjoyable flight experience. Cabin crew provide a warm hospitality and nothing is too much trouble. Females are immaculately dressed in bright colourful kebaya's of deep blue, tosca, orange and lilac with their hair swept up into a bee hive bun and male cabin crew professionally suited up in a grey single-breasted suit. Ticket prices are usually a little dearer than other airlines, but you are paying for what you get! With Garuda Indonesia its piece of mind that your flight has a smaller chance of cancellation and a higher guarantee of flights running on schedule. If you plan well in advance you also have the opportunity to secure special flight deals which knock the other airlines out of the park saving $300 AUD (departure from Melbourne), per ticket. If you are fortunate enough to see a deal on return flights to Bali, our suggestion to you is to not delay or hesitate about booking. Flight prices can fluctuate within the space of a couple of hours depending the traffic through their website looking for travel dates. |
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You are spoilt for choice with Indonesian or Western meals on your voyage. Breakfast meals include fresh fruit and yoghurt, rice or omelette, croissant and hot and cold beverages. Main meals include a salad, bread and butter, dessert and cheese and crackers during lunchtime and evening flights. You also receive nibbles of Mixed Nuts and other snacks between meals and in between fuel is a refreshing Weiss ice cream bar.
With ample leg room in economy the 5 1/2 hour flight from Melbourne is a comfortable one. 4TBs prefer to save the money that could be spent on premium economy tickets for our Bali adventures including staying at world class resorts, enjoying the amazing array of warungs, cafes and restaurants, sightseeing and shopping up a storm.
Our only criticism is travellers can't select their seats when purchasing the special deals. You have to arrive at your departing airport early (gates open 2 1/2 hours before flying time) to try your luck at securing a seat close to the front of the plane.
Next time you fly to Bali from Australia's capital cities consider flying Garuda Indonesia, you will not be disappointed.
With ample leg room in economy the 5 1/2 hour flight from Melbourne is a comfortable one. 4TBs prefer to save the money that could be spent on premium economy tickets for our Bali adventures including staying at world class resorts, enjoying the amazing array of warungs, cafes and restaurants, sightseeing and shopping up a storm.
Our only criticism is travellers can't select their seats when purchasing the special deals. You have to arrive at your departing airport early (gates open 2 1/2 hours before flying time) to try your luck at securing a seat close to the front of the plane.
Next time you fly to Bali from Australia's capital cities consider flying Garuda Indonesia, you will not be disappointed.
The rock bar
Ayana Resort, Jimbaran, Bali 80364
The are so many options for watching the fabulous Bali sunset and having been to Jimbaran Bay on our previous stay, the Rock Bar at the Ayana Resort was touted as the best place to experience the full effect of the sunset.
We arrived early as we had heard it gets busy and you can not book. The 45 minute drive from Legian heightened the anticipation and we were all excited to experience the Rock Bar and all it had to offer.
When we arrived at the Ayana Resort we were amazed at the beautiful grounds, the numerous pools and the magnificent foyer area. We were directed to the cable car that was to take us down to the Rock Bar. When we reached the cable car we were advised it would be about a 30 minute wait or we could walk down.
We decided to take the 10 minute walk down instead of waiting for the cable car. When we reached the Rock Bar we were seated in the “non hotel” guest section. This was on a lower level to the area reserved for hotel guests.
As it was December the humidity was high and so was the temperature, and so we were offered black umbrellas to shield us from the beating sun. As anyone could tell you black attracts the heat and so it was a lot hotter under these umbrellas. We were also seated in an area where the tables and chairs were on sand, this added to the discomfort.
The menu has a variety of tapas options. We chose the corn dogs with a delicious mango chutney, the calamari and the potatoes (3 ways). Although on the pricey side the food could not be faulted.
There is an extensive cocktails list both alcoholic and non alcoholic along with the usual suspects of beer spirits and soft drinks. The drinks were very expensive and Bintangs were double the price you would pay anywhere else. However, that wasn’t the most expensive item as bottled water was $7(Australian) and was really taking advantage of the customers sitting in this unbearable heat with no adequate shade.
Unfortunately for us the sunset was partially hidden by clouds and after sitting in the heat for well over three hours was a major let down. By 7pm we were heading back up the stairs as the cable car wait was now well over an hour and we were tired, dehydrated and let down by this experience.
The Rock Bar promised so much and the food along with the view did not let us down, however the area for “non hotel guests”, the poor setting and the overpriced beverages made the Rock Bar more of a miss than a hit. On our next trip to Bali we will look for somewhere else to enjoy the sunset.
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Eco Bike Ride
Jl. Raya Pengosekan Ubud, Indonesia
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Eco bike ride was by far the highlight of our
holiday. We were very worried about the bike ride and whether it would be too hard. Lucky for us it was
the total opposite - it was easy. There were a few hard up hill pedals but mostly
the ride was all downhill.
The day Started with the most disgusting breakfast. We were served with thin gooey pancakes and fried rice as well as vegetables. There was an upside with 2 of the Travel Buddies drinking what they have described as the "best coffee ever". We later found out this was the famous Luwak coffee.
Despite the horrible breakfast it was held on the top of a hill overlooking Mount Bator and Balinese Village below. (People should only go there for the view).
The bike ride took you on a tour to see the real bail. Going through the Balinese villages and through the rice paddies. The team who guided us through the ride were great fun supplying us with bananas on our half way mark followed with water and cool towels plus our gear.
After the bike ride we went to a restaurant where we were served with delicious traditional Balinese food. We were served a buffet that included fried rice, nasi goreng, tofu and scrumptious satay sticks, followed by refreshing fruit to top it off.
Overall it was a great experience!
The day Started with the most disgusting breakfast. We were served with thin gooey pancakes and fried rice as well as vegetables. There was an upside with 2 of the Travel Buddies drinking what they have described as the "best coffee ever". We later found out this was the famous Luwak coffee.
Despite the horrible breakfast it was held on the top of a hill overlooking Mount Bator and Balinese Village below. (People should only go there for the view).
The bike ride took you on a tour to see the real bail. Going through the Balinese villages and through the rice paddies. The team who guided us through the ride were great fun supplying us with bananas on our half way mark followed with water and cool towels plus our gear.
After the bike ride we went to a restaurant where we were served with delicious traditional Balinese food. We were served a buffet that included fried rice, nasi goreng, tofu and scrumptious satay sticks, followed by refreshing fruit to top it off.
Overall it was a great experience!
Bali Beach Shack - drag queen show
Jalan Sahadewa No. 7, Legian, Kuta, Bali 80227, Indonesia
Based in Jalan Sahadewa, Legian Kuta, we booked a table at Bail Beach Shack for a girl’s night out. We booked for dinner expecting a good meal followed by a night of entertainment.
Owned by Australians, the Bali Beach Shack was sending out good vibes. We ordered the steak with mash which was a big let down as the mash tasted as though it was out of a packet. You could tell the meat had been old and frozen. Calamari was chewy and fries weren’t cooked through. Ribs were all right but not worth ordering. Overall the food was terrible. If you are looking to visit the drag show with dinner, we suggest getting your own meal at a place where people know how to cook before you see the show.
The entertainment on the other hand was fabulous. Singing songs by Nicki Minaj, Pink, Beyoncé and Tina Turner followed by Rhianna got everyone up and grooving out of their seats.
The girls performing really got into it and gave everyone a well-rounded show. It was a hit with the show and a big miss with the food!
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niconico Mare - swimwear
Jl. Raya Seminyak No.12, Benoa, Kuta, Selatan Badung, Bali
Founded in Seminyak, Bali Indonesia in 2004, Niconico Mare is a swimwear company that offers a fun collection of bright funky bikini, swimwear and beachwear for men and women. With several swimwear boutique stores operating across Indonesia including Seminyak, Kuta and Jakarta Niconico swimwear offers creative designs and high quality material with 100% combed cotton with eye catching colour and design.
If you want to look your best when at the beach or sitting by the pool in Bali, then look no further than Niconico Mare. With a variety of prints these garments are comfortable, eye catching, colourful and sophisticated.
Having worn board shorts all my life when at the pool or swimming at the beach, these wide side trunks caught my eye when bikini shopping with my partner. l plucked up the courage to try on the striking print with single front panel, draw cord and elastic waist.
I was surprised at the exceptional comfortable fitting they provided when walking around in them. I had the courage to purchase the trunks as they offered more support than swim briefs. I am now building up a collection and visit Niconico stores when in Bali. Guaranteed good price and is worth the trip.
Best place to find swimwear, look no further than Niconico. To check there location please visit www.niconicointino.net
If you want to look your best when at the beach or sitting by the pool in Bali, then look no further than Niconico Mare. With a variety of prints these garments are comfortable, eye catching, colourful and sophisticated.
Having worn board shorts all my life when at the pool or swimming at the beach, these wide side trunks caught my eye when bikini shopping with my partner. l plucked up the courage to try on the striking print with single front panel, draw cord and elastic waist.
I was surprised at the exceptional comfortable fitting they provided when walking around in them. I had the courage to purchase the trunks as they offered more support than swim briefs. I am now building up a collection and visit Niconico stores when in Bali. Guaranteed good price and is worth the trip.
Best place to find swimwear, look no further than Niconico. To check there location please visit www.niconicointino.net
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Bali badaya tours
Jl. Raya Pengosekan Ubud, Indonesia
What
an experience riding 25km through traditional Balinese villages and cycling off
road through rice fields.
Rising at 5:30am we were picked up from our Resort at 6.00am for the hour's drive to our starting point and where we would have breakfast. This was an opportunity for those who aren't early risers to have a nap on the bus whilst others eagerly awaited breakfast. Five days earlier we had experienced sitting in a taxi for 2 hours to travel from Legian to Seminyak during the Christmas period. Today was an opportunity to sit back and watch darkness turn to day break and take in the scenery around us as there was little traffic around at this hour of the day!
Miss- Having risen at 5:30am it was a gruelling 1 1/2 hours till breakfast at The Lookout Resto & Bar, Kintamani (previously known as Lakeview Restaurant) overlooking the active volcano, Mt. Batur and its crater lake. Tummies grumbling we were all looking forward to fuelling our bodies with substance to sustain our energy for the 25km bike ride. Arriving at The Lookout Resto & Bar at 7:00am the clouds were still very low over the mountain and unfortunately we didn't get to experience the stunning views the crater lake has to offer before heading off on our bike ride.
We had been warned about the pitiful breakfast by friends who has been on the tour. Although not having high expectations and laughing it off; we were still optimistic that the food couldn't be that bad... The appearance of the building walking up the stairs to the entrance didn't give me a good feeling and the conversations with friends comes flooding back to you about how awful the food was. With the dew in the air, low clouds and grey overcast sky, The Lookout certainly didn't give a feeling of Balinese warmth . One could easily think they were somewhere else in the world it was that cold. Sitting down to our table we were pumped to see pancakes on the blackboard with a choice of Banana or Chocolate Pancakes and Fruit Platter. We all ordered pancakes as the buffet breakfast dishes of rice didn't look appetising in the bain maries.
One would be forgiving to think that you can't stuff up a pancake as they are so easy to make. Four basic ingredients of self-raising flour, egg, milk and sugar and you have yourself a nice plain fluffy golden pancake. Eagerly awaiting to fill up on as many pancakes as we could we couldn't believe what our eyes were seeing when the plates of Chocolate Pancakes arrived; flat rubbery lifeless pathetic excuse for a pancake. As the old saying goes 'You can't judge a book by its cover'; a couple tried the pancake. Fair to say they only took the smallest of bites and screwing up their faces. All we could do was laugh and hope that the coffee would give us the caffeine fix we needed to get us through the next several hours.
Coffee drinkers at the table were super impressed with the coffee; a far cry from the pancake disaster. Going back for a second cup we all commented it was the best coffee had on the island to date. It wasn't until after our tour of the coffee plantation, OKA agriculture plantation that we realised we had just had Luwak Coffee or as we now call it 'shit coffee'.
Luwak refers to the Asian plam civet (similiar looks to that of a possum in Australia). The animal eats the seeds from the coffee berries and defecated in clumps after being the the civet's digestive tract for a day. In short the beans pass through a civet's intestines and are then defecated with other fecal matter and collected. It is then washed and roasted to eliminate any remaining bacteria. It has been called one of the most expensive coffees in the world.
Who would've thought 'shit coffee' could taste so good!
Hit- We stopped half way into our tour in front of an enormous iconic Banyan tree at Padpadan Village to refuel our energy levels. While admiring the 'Bob Marley' tree characterised by its aerial prop roots that grow into thick woody trunks we enjoyed the local delights of a small banana looking over ripe with a bruised yellow skin. We were surprised again.. 'You can't judge a book by its cover', as these banana's packed a punch with their sweet taste and firm texture. After 3 hours of putting our body through 25km cycling, our stomaches were grumbling and in need of a good meal after our breakfast disaster. Making our way to the final stop on our tour we didn't hold high hopes that our Balinese buffet lunch at Ngajeng Resto, Pejeng built in the middle of a rice paddy would we edible.
We finally hit the jackpot... the Balinese buffet was fresh and hot, offering various stir-fry, noodles, rice and mild dishes. The pick for me was the noodle and stir-fry dishes from the buffet menu and Chicken Skewers from the a la carte menu which l could've eaten all day. Tiny skewers of chicken brought to our table on a small grill plate, the dish with hot coals underneath and the smell of smoke from the coals and marinated chicken was delectable. We finished our lunch with a fruit platter and honey sauce.
You are never too old to ride and experience the outdoors of Bali. Want an experience typical Balinese daily life and enjoy the beautiful Balinese countryside, then riding 25km through traditional Balinese villages and riding off road through various rice fields is one of the most rewarding and fun experiences to achieve this. With an experienced guide who is young and cheeky tour guide riding with you all the way explaining traditional Balinese culture and rituals this is an opportunity not to be missed; well aside from the pancakes!
Rising at 5:30am we were picked up from our Resort at 6.00am for the hour's drive to our starting point and where we would have breakfast. This was an opportunity for those who aren't early risers to have a nap on the bus whilst others eagerly awaited breakfast. Five days earlier we had experienced sitting in a taxi for 2 hours to travel from Legian to Seminyak during the Christmas period. Today was an opportunity to sit back and watch darkness turn to day break and take in the scenery around us as there was little traffic around at this hour of the day!
Miss- Having risen at 5:30am it was a gruelling 1 1/2 hours till breakfast at The Lookout Resto & Bar, Kintamani (previously known as Lakeview Restaurant) overlooking the active volcano, Mt. Batur and its crater lake. Tummies grumbling we were all looking forward to fuelling our bodies with substance to sustain our energy for the 25km bike ride. Arriving at The Lookout Resto & Bar at 7:00am the clouds were still very low over the mountain and unfortunately we didn't get to experience the stunning views the crater lake has to offer before heading off on our bike ride.
We had been warned about the pitiful breakfast by friends who has been on the tour. Although not having high expectations and laughing it off; we were still optimistic that the food couldn't be that bad... The appearance of the building walking up the stairs to the entrance didn't give me a good feeling and the conversations with friends comes flooding back to you about how awful the food was. With the dew in the air, low clouds and grey overcast sky, The Lookout certainly didn't give a feeling of Balinese warmth . One could easily think they were somewhere else in the world it was that cold. Sitting down to our table we were pumped to see pancakes on the blackboard with a choice of Banana or Chocolate Pancakes and Fruit Platter. We all ordered pancakes as the buffet breakfast dishes of rice didn't look appetising in the bain maries.
One would be forgiving to think that you can't stuff up a pancake as they are so easy to make. Four basic ingredients of self-raising flour, egg, milk and sugar and you have yourself a nice plain fluffy golden pancake. Eagerly awaiting to fill up on as many pancakes as we could we couldn't believe what our eyes were seeing when the plates of Chocolate Pancakes arrived; flat rubbery lifeless pathetic excuse for a pancake. As the old saying goes 'You can't judge a book by its cover'; a couple tried the pancake. Fair to say they only took the smallest of bites and screwing up their faces. All we could do was laugh and hope that the coffee would give us the caffeine fix we needed to get us through the next several hours.
Coffee drinkers at the table were super impressed with the coffee; a far cry from the pancake disaster. Going back for a second cup we all commented it was the best coffee had on the island to date. It wasn't until after our tour of the coffee plantation, OKA agriculture plantation that we realised we had just had Luwak Coffee or as we now call it 'shit coffee'.
Luwak refers to the Asian plam civet (similiar looks to that of a possum in Australia). The animal eats the seeds from the coffee berries and defecated in clumps after being the the civet's digestive tract for a day. In short the beans pass through a civet's intestines and are then defecated with other fecal matter and collected. It is then washed and roasted to eliminate any remaining bacteria. It has been called one of the most expensive coffees in the world.
Who would've thought 'shit coffee' could taste so good!
Hit- We stopped half way into our tour in front of an enormous iconic Banyan tree at Padpadan Village to refuel our energy levels. While admiring the 'Bob Marley' tree characterised by its aerial prop roots that grow into thick woody trunks we enjoyed the local delights of a small banana looking over ripe with a bruised yellow skin. We were surprised again.. 'You can't judge a book by its cover', as these banana's packed a punch with their sweet taste and firm texture. After 3 hours of putting our body through 25km cycling, our stomaches were grumbling and in need of a good meal after our breakfast disaster. Making our way to the final stop on our tour we didn't hold high hopes that our Balinese buffet lunch at Ngajeng Resto, Pejeng built in the middle of a rice paddy would we edible.
We finally hit the jackpot... the Balinese buffet was fresh and hot, offering various stir-fry, noodles, rice and mild dishes. The pick for me was the noodle and stir-fry dishes from the buffet menu and Chicken Skewers from the a la carte menu which l could've eaten all day. Tiny skewers of chicken brought to our table on a small grill plate, the dish with hot coals underneath and the smell of smoke from the coals and marinated chicken was delectable. We finished our lunch with a fruit platter and honey sauce.
You are never too old to ride and experience the outdoors of Bali. Want an experience typical Balinese daily life and enjoy the beautiful Balinese countryside, then riding 25km through traditional Balinese villages and riding off road through various rice fields is one of the most rewarding and fun experiences to achieve this. With an experienced guide who is young and cheeky tour guide riding with you all the way explaining traditional Balinese culture and rituals this is an opportunity not to be missed; well aside from the pancakes!
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