One of our valued clients, Sylvia, headed to Svarga Loka Resort in Bali to discover what it has to offer and reports back to us:
What were your first impressions when you arrived?
Drive from Denpasar airport took about 90 minutes. After this crazy drive (Balines drivers knows no rules!) I came to Svarga Loka. Retreat is literally in the middle of the rainforest and totally surrounded by nature in all its glory. It's so peaceful and quiet - a real 'luxury' in fact as it's such a treat to really get away from it all and have no distractions. It was just the antidote I needed from my busy job and home life. My bedroom was a real haven with Balinese touches combined with a contemporary feel. I had a lovely balcony with seating area overlooking the rainforest and I whiled away many happy hours with my books. It also had a rather clever bathroom solution which was a glass wall to reflect light and a view into the bedroom and a sliding wooden door for privacy. Some of the other rooms have a semi-open bathroom with shower so I think I'll stay in one of those on my next visit as there is nothing nicer than showering outside!
What was your favourite aspect of the resort?
I did like the fact that I could easily stroll to Ubud and I wandered in a few times to look round the handicraft stores and enjoy a healthy juice. Also the therapists sing you a mantra before and after your massage which I found very moving and uplifting. I also had a great conversation with Nigel (who runs the wellbeing centre) - he asked me some gently probing questions and gave me some excellent insights into how I could look after myself better. I loved that the treatments rooms overlooked the lush greenery outside and that I could hear hear the sounds of the forest through the open windows as I had my massages.
What was your favourite spa treatment?
I loved the 'Mantra Massage' which releases tension and certainly had me floating by the end of it. I also had really enjoyed my Balinese massage which was a deep-tissue fully body massage. The therapist stretched me out and used various techniques to stimulate the flow of 'qi' (energy) around my body. Again, it did as promised and I slept like a baby afterwards.
What was your favourite activity?
There are a number of yoga studios dotted around the resort and they all have those wonderful forest views. Ideal when you're trying to stay in your yoga pose and looking for some distraction! There's sunrise yoga and late afternoon Kundalini yoga on various days during the week as well. I enjoyed trying the latter for the first time. All the classes were very inclusive - every level was welcome and the teachers were good at correcting me but in a friendly way. There are other activities during the day too. I tried my hand at making offerings for the temple (an integral part of Balinese culture) and also did a few 'white crane' martial arts classes. I have never done anything like that so was rather fascinated by the moves but I think I'll have to practise for a while longer before I even get the basics right. I also had a private meditation session with Savitri who taught me how to breathe properly - so immensely powerful that I wish that I'd tried one sooner in my life.
How was the food?
Wow, the food was delicious and I'd describe it as healthy without being extreme. It's also very attractively presented - a real feast for the eyes. There are vegan options but there's also meat and seafood as well. The restaurant team explained that the chefs use healthy cooking techniques such as steaming and poaching and prefer natural oils and natural sweetners such as honey. I had lots of colourful salads and fish dishes and my stomach started getting flatter by the day which was a nice bonus.
Who would you recommend Svarga Loka to?
I think solo travellers who are into their yoga or need some time for themselves to think and meditate. This truly is an 'Eat, pay, love' destination. Also anyone who wish to explore lush Bali, this is a great starting point. And couples who want to escape and spend some quality time together might find Svarga Loka attractive.
If you have any questions or would like to book your stay at Svarga Loka, please call our wellbeing specialist on 020 3735 7555 or email info@wellbeingescapes.com
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