A Day at the Laguna Beach Spa, Sheraton Senggigi Beach Resort
I am prepared to admit this right now …. I am not one of those people who drool over the idea of having a massage, so although a little reluctant, I decided I would be brave and give it a go.
The Laguna Beach Spa is housed in traditional buildings, in a tranquil garden setting, with water features, at the garden-side of the Sheraton Senggigi Beach Resort Hotel. Guests are welcomed at reception, with lemon tea to drink and a registration form to fill in, and introduced to the therapist who will provide the treatment they have chosen. They are shown to the treatment room, which has a berugaq (a traditional sitting area), and a wonderful view of the sands and the sea.
The first stage is a foot treatment - a soak in warm water, scented with essential oils, and then a salt scrub. Then, with happy feet encased in slippers, it’s off to the ensuite changing room, where clothing is exchanged for a robe (and disposable underwear, for modesty).
The spa offers a range of health and beauty treatments, with various massages and body scrubs, as well as manicures and pedicures. It caters for all ages; there is even a ‘teen’ package.
On my visit, I agreed to try the Sasak Massage, which had been recommended to me. The therapist explains what is involved. It is an ancient form of massage therapy, which evolved on the island of Lombok. It is classed as a strong-pressure, full body massage, where the therapist uses a variety of techniques, including skin rolling, acupressure, and gentle stretching, and a combination of scented oils.
In the treatment room, guests are invited to lie, face down, on the comfortable massage table. My therapist, Eli, suggested we leave the doors open, which proved to be a good idea. The lovely sea breeze and the sound of the waves add to the experience. With traditional Lombok music playing in the background, the effect is calming and pleasant.
A deep tissue massage should be robust – hard enough to feel the effects, but not to the point of being painful. The therapist will make sure that clients are comfortable with the level of pressure. There is a choice of massage oils, with a variety of oil and spice combinations: the Spices of Lombok blend, which has Black Pepper, Orange, Cinnamon, and Coconut Oil, helps to stimulate blood circulation and therefore oxygen flow to the body tissues.
After the back treatment, it’s time to turn over, and, with cooling cucumber slices applied to the eyes, the massage continues. It’s recommended that after the massage it’s best to wait at least two hours, but preferably a day, before taking a shower. This is so that the oils can soak into the skin and continue to do their work.
The Sasak Massage is designed to have a rejuvenating effect on the body and the mind, and to relieve tiredness and nervous stress, leaving one energised, refreshed and relaxed.
The spa offers a clean and attractive environment with all amenities for safety, privacy and comfort. The open-plan treatment areas are pleasant and relaxing – the only slight disadvantage being that the sounds of voices and the phone ringing are occasional disturbances.
The therapist, on this occasion, was professional in her manner, knowledgeable and well groomed. She was happy to explain what she was going to do, and what oils or salts she was using, and to answer any questions confidently, without unnecessary conversation.
One tip for those considering a visit: a sunset treatment would be magnificent, as the manicure and pedicure chairs face the waves and the setting sun.
After dressing, I sat outside for some time, looking out over the ocean and drinking the warm tea I was offered....
And the verdict? Yes. It felt great and I would do it again!
Laguna Beach Spa
Sheraton Senggigi Beach Resort
Laguna Spa - Sheraton Senggigi
