If I needed to think about an setting that mirrored a exact opposite of my every day London life, I in all probability would have dreamt up one thing like The 4 Seasons Sayan. Generally known as the ‘non secular heartland’ of Bali, Ubud is a spot of tranquillity, constructive energies and unfathomable pure magnificence. The minute I arrived I might really feel one thing within the air and practically 2 weeks after arriving again residence from Bali, it nonetheless hasn’t left me. Listed here are the highlights of my once-in-a-lifetime expertise at 4 Seasons Sayan…
Making an Entrance
After avidly following the @FSBali Instagram web page earlier than the journey, I assumed I had some thought of what the property might appear to be. However like most unbelievable sights, images can by no means fairly do it justice. No quantity of Instagramming might have ready me for a way I’d really feel on arrival; speechless, ecstatic and merely in awe of my environment.
It was essentially the most spectacular lodge entrance I’ve ever seen. We pulled as much as a looping driveway, which led to a picket footbridge that prolonged over treetops and an emerald inexperienced mass of jungle. The walkway ended at an infinity lotus pond with 360 diploma views of lush landscapes. Anyone pinch me?
After pulling myself collectively, I joined the group down 1 stage at reception stage of the principle resort constructing, which was equally as uncovered to the weather. We acquired a heat welcome and got chilly towels and a frozen watermelon juice to refresh us from our journey.
Amongst the Paddyfields
The resort is surrounded by acres of rural jungle and dealing paddy fields. The paddy fields you see are a part of the resort and are maintained and harvested by 4 Seasons farmers. All of the rice accessible within the resort has been grown proper on web site and their A Day within the lifetime of a Balinese rice farmer expertise permits visitor to delve in deeper into the traditional strategies of rice farming.
A Jungle Suite
4 Seasons Sayan has a complete of 60 suites and personal villas, however its considerate design makes you’re feeling such as you’re the one ones out within the wilderness. I spent 2 nights in one of many personal villas which boasted a personal entrance, expansive out of doors residing space and infinity pool overlooking the jungle. Inside, the villa featured a 4 poster mattress, his and hers sinks, enormous bathtub with scrubs and salts and an out of doors bathe space.
The bed room and toilet had been adorned in deep teak wooden and the 4 poster mattress was the central focus of the room. The white mostiquto curtain surrounding the mattress added a romantic ‘out of Africa’ contact and mendacity in there with the curtains drawn felt just like the most secure place on the planet.
I wished to profit from my villa, so on the primary night time I stayed by the pool till the solar went down and ordered an Indonesian feast to the villa through room service. I lit the out of doors candles and burnt one of many incense sticks accessible within the room. I felt myself unwind into my environment as I absorbed the smells, tastes and sights of my personal villa.
Inside therapeutic at The Sacred River Spa
To get a real sense of what the 4 Seasons Sayan is all about, a visit to The Sacred River Spa is an absolute should. The spa takes inspiration from historical Balinese beliefs and practises and channels them right into a collection of bespoke remedies that concentrate on thoughts, physique and soul.
Spa remedies can happen both in the principle spa inside the central constructing or in a collection of personal spa bungalows down by a lotus lake. I used to be fortunate sufficient to expertise my remedy within the largest spa bungalow that had its personal personal pool, bathe, Jacuzzi and altering areas.
My remedy was a chakra ceremony that lasted 120 minutes. After filling out fairly a private chakra questionnaire, I used to be assigned the Muladhara remedy. The Muladhara chakra is the foundation chakra that’s situated on the base of the backbone, so my remedy targeted on the decrease again particularly. The remedy began with an invigorating physique tapping ritual to faucet out unhealthy power adopted by a cleaning ritual with smoke and a deep, gradual full physique therapeutic massage.
No doubt, it was the finest spa remedy I’ve ever had in my life. I felt prefer it healed me from the within out and labored on my thoughts, physique and soul. Thanks to my amazingly gifted therapist Widi.
Anti-Gravity Yoga
In addition to my spa expertise, I bought to check out anti-gravity yoga within the resort’s model new yoga bale. Surrounded by a babbling stream, rice paddy fields and wild butterflies, it felt like one thing near nirvana. I’m on no account a yoga professional, however every time I give it a go I completely find it irresistible and inform myself I ought to do it extra. I did gymnastics all through all of my teenage years which has saved me actually versatile even in my 20s.
We had been taken by means of some primary motions and bought used to the cover taking our weight. In direction of the tip of the session we had been taught some barely extra adventurous strikes, together with ‘The Spider Man’ and a few improbable suspended stretches that had been nice for lengthening the backbone. Though the poses look stress-free, it was truly fairly painful to carry them for too lengthy.
Poolside by the Riverside
For an alternative choice to stress-free within the privateness of your jungle villa, the resort pool is the right hangout spot. An infinity pool overlooks an lively river that’s well-liked for white-water rafting and the connecting Riverside Café serves up European dishes for lunch and dinner. There may be additionally an ideal snack menu that may be served straight to your sunbed. I ordered the fish tacos and a virgin fruit cocktail, each of which had been indulgently scrumptious.
Eating in The Jungle
In addition to Riverside Café, visitors and guests can dine at Ayung Terrace which is situated in the principle constructing. A curved balcony lined with tables make it really feel as when you’re eating proper within the jungle (when you’re fortunate sufficient to witness a dramatic tropical downpour, sheltered tables are additionally available).
Ayung Terrace serves up conventional Indonesian dishes offered in a fantastically fashionable approach. I got here to the terrace for breakfast one morning and liked the detoxifying juice shot they provided me, in addition to their ‘juice of the day’ which was watermelon.
An Inclusive Programme
One other factor I liked in regards to the 4 Seasons Sayan was that it had a complimentary programme of actions accessible to all visitors. On arrival I discovered the programme in my suite, which included a collection of yoga lessons, guided walks, biking, life discuss collection, meditation lessons and Balinese dance performances. The actions fluctuate from everyday and I went alongside to a medicine class which challenged me to change off and refocus my thoughts.
The Verdict
The 4 Seasons Sayan is among the most particular properties I’ve ever seen. The resort is a vacation spot its personal proper, the place you’ll be able to immerse your self within the native cultures, customs and historical practises of Bali. It’s on the doorstep of Ubud, the place there’s additionally a lot to find. There’s something within the air right here that may contact even the coldest of hearts and every little thing you see, odor, style and contact can be unimaginable to neglect. While the much less tranquil environment of London life might make the meditation slightly more durable to take care of, I actually have taken away learnings from the 4 Seasons Sayan that may stick with me for all times.
Thanks to the entire workforce for creating such an unforgettable journey.
Excellent for; honeymoons, wellbeing retreats, digital detoxes and a luxurious base for exploring Ubud.
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