The best affordable spas in Bali, as tried by this editor
Bali has some of the best and affordable spa treatments to rejuvenate your mind, body and soul
By Reta Lee -
Bali, an island renowned for its natural beauty and spiritual energy, offers a haven for those seeking wellness and relaxation. Its traditional massage practices, deeply rooted in Balinese culture, provide a holistic approach to healing and rejuvenation. From invigorating deep tissue massages to soothing Balinese massages, the island’s spas offer a wide range of treatments designed to restore balance and promote overall well-being.
Through my travels, I’ve identified several affordable spas in Bali that provide excellent services without breaking the bank.
1. Mello Spa
Mello Spa is a newly opened oasis where self-care meets contemporary luxury in Seminyak, Bali. Founded by Australian entrepreneurs Mumtaz and Fatima, Mello offers a curated blend of indulgence and results-driven treatments in a meticulously designed environment.
Their treatments feature renowned cosmeceutical brands chosen for their efficacy and natural formulations sourced from Europe, the USA, Australia, and Indonesia, making their range of products one of the biggest of any spa on the island. From Oxygen Facials and LED Therapy using equipment from world-trusted brands to Signature Body Massages designed to combat the effects of travel and the tropical climate, delivering the best transformative experiences you can find in Bali.
To address my skin dryness, I opted for the Oxygen Facial (approx. S$109) and Gua Sha massage (approx. S$21), since they’ve been known as a game-changer in terms of hydration and toning. We first began with a quick filling up of a form and you can indicate the level of firmness and choose from three of relaxing music playlists to accompany your treatment.
Once dressed in their comfy robe, my therapist worked her magic with a double cleanse facial to remove oil, dirt and impurities from my skin. She then followed up with an exfoliant to clean congested pores. To begin the oxygen treatment, my therapist used a supercharged serum combined with the Oxygen machine to blast a stream of pressurised pure oxygen into my skin’s surface. It had a cool feeling and I was so relaxed throughout the whole process, I fell asleep.
To boost blood circulation and promote lymphatic drainage, the therapist used a small smooth-edged tool to stroke my face upwards in one direction. The 15-minute treatment didn’t ache at all and my therapist added a mask to seal in moisture as a last step.
You can see immediate glow and radiance just after one treatment and was pleasantly pleased with the results. If you’re not in a rush, there is a comfy lounge area where every Mello customer can use and enjoy protein balls and tea after their treatment.
2. Muka Concepts
I’ve been a frequent customer of Muka Concepts for two years now and their treatments are always impeccable. With their Pererenan spa undergoing renovations with re-opening due next year, their other spa at Sibang Kaya, just 30 minutes away from Canggu, is your next lush oasis getaway.
Equipped with a sauna and a plunge pool, you can spend a whole day here with your friends whilst enjoying the many treatments dreamed up by the founder, Armenian-born Iris van de Coevering, who’s now called Bali her home. Having worked for a few Miami-based spas, Iris has taken her extensive experience in the beauty industry and combined her knowledge using the Balinese traditional methods with natural herbs and spices to concoct the plethora of treatments that are now available at Muka Concepts.
My usual go-tos are the Guasha Face-lifting Massage (approx. S$50) and Muka Signature Facial (approx. S$67). The one-hour Guasha Face-lifting massage incorporates the scraping of the skin with a small tool to help lift and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. The treatment begins with a cleansing facial followed by guasha and it ends with a natural and calming turmeric mask which is made in-house.
The Muka Signature Facial is honestly one of the best facial treatments you could ever treat yourself. The one and a half hour treatment incorporates a deep cleansing step for clogged pores, facial steaming and extraction. Then, the therapist will follow up with a lymphatic drainage massage using targeted strokes around your cheeks, jawline and neck, before donning a pair of medical grade gloves before starting on the buccal massage, where she uses her fingers in your mouth to massage your facial muscles. Popularised by the likes of Jennifer Lopez and Meghan Markle, the buccal massage aims to reduce puffiness in the face and jaw for a more sculpted look. If you’re not keen on the use of botox and filler injections for a snatched look, this might be a better option for you.
3. Spring Spa
Stepping into this spa feels like a page taken out of a beautiful interior design magazine. A pioneer in the luxury spa and wellness industry, New Zealand businesswoman Ina Bajaj is the brains behind the concept of Spring Spa, with locations sprawled all over Bali, Auckland and Wellington.
Having visited both Uluwatu and Canggu’s spa locations, I find that the hospitality service is truly a hallmark of a luxury experience. There is an extensive menu here; from facials to massages, to your weekly hair and manicure appointments. Private treatment rooms can be booked ahead of time if you’re a couple.
There is also a unique retail focus with the spa offering exclusive luxurious products to take home by world-leading brands such as Augustinus Bader, U Beauty, Codage Paris, Votary, and Margaret Dabbs.
My favourite body treatment is the Spring Signature Massage (approx. S$26) where for an hour, the therapist will knead all the muscle aches and pain away using your desired pressure (I liked my pressure hard) and it always leaves me feeling like I had a good, fulfilling session.
4. Korra Spa
Don’t let this simple storefront facade fool you; Korra Spa’s simple and minimalist design is paired with impeccable service and treatments which you’ll end up making a second booking in a row. There is also a small retail section where you can stock on roll-on oils and scrubs for you to take home.
Whenever I’m in Canggu, I always try to book the Deep Tissue Massage (approx. S$27) or the Balinese Massage (approx. S$26) for a much needed relief, having spent hours of walking in the streets. The Deep Tissue Massage would definitely alleviate any muscle pain and stiffness using a combination of Balinese and Thai movement pressure. Whereas the Balinese massage sets you in a more relaxing mood, incorporating a unique method of Balinese and Hawaiian massage techniques known as the ‘loving hands’ massage. You’ll guarantee to fall into slumber in the hands of these trained masseuses!
If you have two hours to spare, book any of the spa packages (starting from approx. S$42) that combines a body massage with a foot reflexology massage or a body polish treatment, whichever you need the most.