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but it’s time for my massage and word is that my therapist is a master of his craft…

I’m holidaying with my partner at Karma Kandara, the glorious all-villa resort in Ungasan, the most southern point of Bali. With its smooth, white stone walls, bridges and pathways, it’s easy to imagine we have landed in the Greek Islands, but stepping into the spacious villas we are pleased to see that the beautiful Balinese aesthetic prevails.

Privacy is treasured here and the villas allow you to shut off from the rest of the world, while also offering immediate access to world class restaurants and one of Bali’s finest beaches, which is reached by an inclinator (or you can take the steps, but there are 350 of them). Open plan and set over two stories, our pool villa is a stylish oasis of peace that overlooks lush gardens and gives us the space in which to banish all thoughts of routine and responsibility.

Before arriving here, I had heard that Karma Spa is one of Bali’s best. It offers a perfect blend of Eastern and Western therapies and is presided over by Australian Spa guru Judy Chapman. The focus is on curative massages, fabulous facials and strengthening yoga sessions, which are incorporated into a range of inspired retreat packages, such as the enticing Night Martini & Manicure Retreats, designed for up to eight people.

“Because massage makes up the majority of our treatments, we employ the very best senior masseuses,” Judy explains. “We also use local healing ingredients and base our treatments on the traditional Balinese philosophy that no two massages are ever the same.”

This philosophy is exemplified by the Intuitive Balinese Massage, whereby a range of massage techniques are applied according to the needs of your body. My masterful bodyworker is Alid – like all Karma Spa therapists, he has reached level 2 Reiki training. He is also the Spa’s trainer. “You will be in the very best hands,” Judy adds knowingly.

For the next hour, my body is rubbed down with organic Virgin Coconut Oil and expertly massaged and adjusted where necessary. Alid is strong, yet gentle, and his massage is indeed intuitive. He immediately determined my sore points (neck and shoulders) and completely eliminated the tension in my thighs and calves (no doubt a little tighter after walking down those 350 steps). As I take a post-massage stretch, I can’t feel a single ache anywhere and I swear I feel two inches taller.

Feeling dreamy and beyond relaxed, I’m led to a small, but perfectly formed, white room to experience the final phase of my treatment – Karma Spa’s renowned Ultimate Oxygen Infusion facial. For 90 minutes, my face is gently fed with soothing blasts of oxygen and an invigorating reflexology treatment draws any residual brain chatter down and out through the soles of my feet. It’s hard to imagine that I could ever feel – or look – any better than I do right now.

Sitting in the lovely reception after almost three hours of pure heaven, I sip on herbal tea and think to myself that some places are just so special you have no choice but to make a pact with yourself to visit again.

Karma Spa @ Karma Kandara

Jalan Villa Kandara, Banjar Wijaya Kusuma Ungasan, Bali

Ph +62 361 848 2200

www.karmakandara.com/karma-wellness

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