Having holidayed frequently at the other hotels in the YTL chain - the famed Pangkor Laut and the Cameron Highland Resort, my husband and I decided to visit the Spa Village Resort, Tembok Bali tucked away on the tip of the northeastern coast of Bali, regardless of the long journey by road. We bought a 4D3N full board Malaysian package. With a re-timing of our flight schedule , to our disappointment, we would reach our destination only at 9p.m. But that did not dismay us because our destination was a Spa Village!


To our surprise, we were greeted with "I'm Sharron" . The resort manager did indeed surprise us with her presence at this late hour. Even during our 3-hour road journey, the resort was in constant contact with us to know our whereabouts . That was real concern. If you are concerned about the long road ride, please don't because the moment you reach the long line of tall bamboos on either side of the road and drive in, all your anxieties are suddenly over. Within minutes, we had the experience of a good massage and foot washing ritual as we comfortably sat in the lobby. Thus began our journey of discovery and an abundance of pamperings by the Spa Village Tembok Bali Resort. The management and the team had already made an immediate impact on us. This was certainly different from other resorts and we knew we were in the right place. We were here just to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet to be one with Mother Nature!

Those visitors who want to be kept busy if they want to, have plenty to beguile their time. The extraordinary star light gazing as you lie on a man-made float and the star gazing massage on the beach were two out of the world experiences which were on our itinerary, to our surprise. The morning started with the yoga swing for those who were into yoga; then was the “boreh” making (the Balinese Traditional Body Scrub) class," lontar" drawing, wood carving, "segara giri" experience, weaving class, the sunset cruise , to name a few. While others did the yoga, I practised my Nordic Walking on the black volcanic sand with the waves giving me the rhythm to walk faster and faster. As for me, all I wanted to do was gaze at the stars and listen to the sound of the waves breaking incessantly against the shore while enjoying the spectacular scene before my eyes that God had blessed this resort with. I had come here to relax - the tranquillity enveloped me instantly and I sat there looking at the motion of the waves for a long time.

Nowhere had I seen and felt deep within me such a serene ambience. Even as I had all the meals in its only restaurant, the Wantilan Restaurant , the different fish preparations concocted by Made Siharta and his ever-smiling team amazed me. We had fresh fish from the ocean for almost every meal – because that was what I liked. I particularly enjoyed the morning fresh home-made juices especially the concoction of mango, orange and strawberry. Also try out the avocado blended with coco and honey! You could ask for coconut juice if you take a fancy to coconuts like we did.

The personal notes in the Kamar Room , my spacious bedroom, were special. I liked this one,"Dear Bapak and Ibu Singh - With each sunrise, comes hope for a new beginning. " Thanks to room attendants Suryana, Sujanta and Budaya.

To put it in a nutshell, the different spas were rejuvenating and relaxing. I tried the Balinese and the traditional Malay massages. You have a whole variety to choose from. I suggest you try the Balinese massage!

I recommend the Massage under the Stars which is 50 mins at the ocean's edge under the heavenly stars and the growing darkness of the night. Candles lit a sandy path leading all the way to the two beds on the black sand to give us a celestial experience of stargazing, relaxation enveloping us with every breaking wave. It was heavenly! Specially prepared herbal oils were used to release tension from the head, neck, shoulders, feet and hands while balancing male and female energy. The gentle feel of the cool breeze, the soft sweet fragrant smell of the colourful flowers, the dazzling view of the stars in the heavens, and the loud sound of the sea crystallized to create a powerful deeply relaxing natural journey .

We both enjoyed our stay very much doing almost nothing because that's what we were here for. As the theme of the resort spelt it, tranquillity was the philosophy here and we had plenty of it. I have many to thank for – the team that worked with a smile to make our stay a perfect holiday - beginning with the Head : Sharron, Adrian, Gede, Made Siharta, Rimbawan, Wayan, Kori, Yuyun, Fauzi, Yani, and our spa experts Sari, Surat Mini and Andre.

Yes, we both felt inner peace and were most relaxed as we heard the sound of the huge gong resonating with our one final look at a magical resort. Yes, like the clichéd statement by many in the reviews , I too say ,”I will certainly come back – this time it will be a longer holiday!”