In a time before meditation workshops and communal cold plunges, the act of recharging and recalibrating felt synonymous with isolation. It’s right there in its name, after all: self-care. Veterans in the wellness space can attest to this movement—solitary expeditions centering self-discovery were all the rage thanks to books in the vein of Eat, Pray, Love and Wild. Retreats were highly-bespoke and catered for one. Healing and rejuvenation had to be done in the privacy of an open-air villa, ensconced by trees and hidden away by the influences of the outside world. Naturally, things took a turn in recent years. A renewed focus on mental health led to the commercialisation of wellness practices, which thus meant a heightened accessibility to specific amenities and resources. In this regard, the Regent Bali Canggu is a prime example.
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A serene sanctuary in the heart of chaos
Located directly on the shores of one of Bali’s most populated beaches, the grounds of Regent Bali Canggu stretches out to a busy intersection that is sandwiched between two TikTok viral food joints. Bearing this in mind, foot traffic is at a constant—which, typically, would make unplugging and unwinding an issue. Thankfully, intuitive design and the clever use of land mitigates this. An extended driveway gives off the impression that you’re entering a hallowed space, giving way to sprawling grounds that encompasses 150 rooms and suites; four dining establishments; as well as a spa equipped with a comprehensive menu of services.
The spa is a key point of interest for anyone looking to fully detox from the upheaval of daily life. My stay there was peppered with treatments and classes meant to showcase the establishment’s expertise in bringing forth a state of calm and clarity. Each procedure—no matter your selection—begins with a soothing ritual. Guests are escorted to individual outdoor pods embellished with cylindrical frond-like structures. Within, a pair of noise-cancelling headphones to guide you through a meditation session. Once that is done, your journey can truly begin.
Crystal clear
Of the numerous therapies available, the 90-minute Crystal Cure appealed to me the most for its spiritual and physical benefits. This is bolstered along by the presence of a Balinese energy healing expert at Regent Bali Canggu—according to insight from the hotel staff, Mbok Ayu and her team specialise in treatments that help ensure a positive realignment of the body’s natural energy. Designed exclusively for The Regent Spas, the whole process kicked off with a wide selection of crystals for me to choose from. I opted for pink quartz, which I am told is a beacon for inviting love in your life. A salt scrub soon follows, alongside a thorough rub-down and kneading utilising a bespoke oil blend crafted by my therapist.
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It has to be said that the Regent Bali Canggu is no slouch in the skincare department either. Amongst their extensive menu of facials, the Facial Revolution with Skin Tech proves the most noteworthy; a 90-minute session that comprises a skin scan to identify problem areas, LED light therapy as well as radio frequency technology. Beyond the nourishing blend of actives and skin-calming ingredients that are imbued into your visage, it’s safe to say that the gentle and skilled massage, too, makes for a deeply memorable experience, helping loosen up tightness and tension in the jaw and neck area.
Feeling well-rested and rejuvenated is a given. To top it all off, be sure to indulge at one of the many restaurants at Regent Bali Canggu. A personal favourite is Taru, which offers up hearty Indonesian fare in the vein of beef rendang, ayam bakur madu as well as sate campur. Nothing incites comfort quite like rich, deep flavours, of which Taru has in spades; a fitting accompaniment to a body—and mind—that is now at ease.
