Welcome to the third iteration of Vogue’s global spa guide, a compendium of the 100 best spas in the world, compiled based on first-person reviews and careful editing. This year, we’ve renewed our focus on establishments that have established a reputation for exceptional care of body and mind, though there is a great variety in the list. Whatever you are seeking when it comes to wellness, there is something here for you.
Why go here?
In addition to being Bali’s cultural hub, Ubud has also long been regarded as the island’s spiritual heart. In stark contrast to the rocky beaches at Nusa Dua, bumping Seminyak, and surfer’s paradise Canggu, Ubud is brimming with lush vegetation. And tucked away in a pristine corner of this town, just enough removed from the popular temples and bustling markets, is Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve.
What’s the vibe?
After 40 hours of door-to-door travel, arriving at Mandapa’s landing pavilion, perched at the resort’s highest point, was a breath of fresh air in every sense. The wild jungle stretches as far as the eye can see, and just below is Bali’s sacred Ayung River. The spa and its six treatment rooms, half of which are designed for couples, are located alongside the rushing waters, fostering a deep connection with nature. The facility also offers a relaxation lounge, saunas, a vitality pool, a yoga studio, and a sizeable fitness center.
The history?
Mandapa opened in 2015 as the third property within the Ritz-Carlton Reserve portfolio and has since maintained its position as one of the best resorts on Bali. Providing a more intimate experience and more personalized level of service than its namesake legacy brand, Reserve hotels are also often sanctuaries in unspoiled locations, bringing serenity to your doorstep.
What should you try?
The spa offers a nice mix of standard massages and facials, alternative practices, and ancient therapies. During my stay I tested out three treatments. The most intriguing by far took place with Ibu (a term of respect) Ketut Mursi, a local blind healer, and her assistant. Let me preface this by saying that energy modalities like Reiki have never resonated with me. Whether I believe in intuitive abilities is moot because I do recognize that such individuals are highly respected in certain cultures and communities. And in my endeavors to uncover the unique, I’m willing to try just about anything once, especially within the wellness space.
The healer uses a combination of bells and crystals to read your energy then executes what’s known as a prana kombi, a massage meant to restore balance to your mind and body with techniques that target your central nervous system and neural pathways. It’s important to note that this isn’t meant for someone who prefers a lighter touch or TLC; this is not the kind of massage where you ask for pressure adjustments. At times it’s uncomfortable, painful even. Interestingly enough, at the end she recommended that I seek a doctor’s opinion on my stomach (I have digestive issues), heart circulation (was recently told I need to improve my cardiovascular health), and upper spine (which is alarmingly straight from a couple of car accidents), without me having ever disclosed any information. But if you’re not open to the literal and figurative poking and prodding, I’d suggest going for the Mepijet massage, the spa’s signature to relieve post-travel tension.
Most impressive, though, is the spa’s recently launched Disconnect to Reconnect program, which offers an extensive range of complimentary daily activities that approach wellness from fitness, cultural, and holistic angles to feed the mind, body, and soul. Mornings kick off with training sessions, yoga, and even group watsu; additional experiences include incense making, chakra balancing, gong baths, and sleep therapy.
How environmentally friendly is it?
The property works with NGO Sungai Watch to clean and protect Bali’s rivers (especially from plastic pollution), has teamed up with Soap for Hope to recycle soap, and supports multiple community farms and local orphanages.
What else do you need to know?
If you’re looking to head out into Ubud to experience local wellness practices, have the team arrange a trip to nearby Pura Gunung Kawi Sebatu temple in the property’s vintage Volkswagen to participate in melukat, a Balinese Hindu water-purification ritual that’s believed to cleanse the mind, body, and spirit of negative energy. And while you’re staying here, make sure to dine at Kubu, a zero-waste dining concept that sources all of its ingredients from within 100 kilometers of the hotel.
Who can go?
The spa is typically reserved for hotel guests.
Booking details for Mandapa Spa at Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Address: Jl. Raya Kedewatan, Kedewatan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Read more from Vogue’s Global Spa Guide.
