Reviewed by Spa-beach-vacations.com
We arrived at The Source spa resort at Begawan Giri Estate, Como Shambhala at 10:30 am in the morning. This is an extraordinary spa hideaway named after the natural spring gushing from dramatic Begawan Giri, affectionately known as "wise man’s mountain".
| We check-in at the reception for our massage treatments. While waiting for our guide, we had a look at the treatment menu. The treatment menu is a long one, and includes Javanese Lulur and Balinese Spice body treatments, volcanic clay and homegrown loofah wraps, yogurt rubdowns and picturesque flower baths, all done outdoors. A popular treatment is the stimulating "Balinese Spice Body Mask" treatment, which uses delicious local herbs of cinnamon, clove, ginger, rice powder, tumeric, nutmeg and sandalwood. |
Follow up with the COMO Shambhala signature massage, which uses soothing body-rocking to relieve stiffness, nurture the mind and lull the body and your senses will come alive at this centre for holistic lifestyles. Indulge in the Balinese, Thai, Taksu and Indian massages.
Treat yourselves to a Javanese Lulur bath, based on a beauty ritual from the Royal Palaces of Java. Or try the complete range of ayurvedic programs, including "Abhyanga" (using warm herbal oils), "Shirodhara" (a stream of herbal oil over the forehead), "Pizichilli" (a stream of oil over the entire body) or "Swedana" (herbal steam).
Shortly after, our guide arrived. He walked us to the water garden pavilion.
Begawan Giri is actually a collection of five estates (22 suites in total) spread out over eight hectares amidst thickets of broad-leaf shrubs and succulents beneath a thick forest. At virtually every glance walking throughout the property, our eyes met with something beautiful at every corner, where things will be given fastidious and soothing detail. The simple lines of Balinese architecture and touches of colonial Java worked well with reflecting pools and terra cotta pots, Chinese antiques, woven Filipino leather, and swags of Thai silk, a richness that is more implied than declared.
The Source is located in a lush ravine several kilometers from Ubud, is ALL location, set deep in a private valley near the Ayung River. Hence, to get there, we will need to make our way down to the riverside, climbing down hundreds of steps. We began our way down the sharp decent of hundreds of steps to the spa. As we descended further, we could hear the rushing river water echoing off the valley's steep, craggy walls. With the exception of a few groundskeepers sweeping leaves from the pathway, the entire valley seemed without people.
By the time we reached the pavilions, both of us were panting away. It was a good 20 minutes from the top. A word of warning to those that may not be physically fit that the Source may not be suitable for you, if you are there only for the spa. However, for those who plan to stay at the Estate, they can bring most treatment to you, if you are unable or unwilling to make the walk to the riverside pavilion. The Source consists of several balé and open-air treatment buildings set on three different levels of the valley, each with huge terrazzo tubs and serene rock swimming pools fed by spring water and enveloped by wild tropical ferns. It was surely a spot designed by some dangerous hedonist.
View of Pavilions of The Source Spa, Begawan Giri Spa Resort
The view of the river and the lush rainforest is gorgeous, but not as good as the one at Maya Ubud Spa resort, mainly due to the height that the pavilions are built at. Here, the view is not as far and wide as that of Maya Ubud Spa resort and thus is not able to give you the gush of freedom.
| We changed and made ourselves comfortable on the massage table. My masseur started with a pressure that was too light, probably because I look too small size and too young to be a frequent spa goer. I requested for a heavier pressure and after some adjustment, she managed to it right. Soon, I was totally relax and was thoroughly enjoying myself with being rubdown in this cool climate and lovely valley cum riverside setting. If not for the interruption of the yelping of the rafters riding the rapids by the property, the massage would have brought me to heaven. |
The Massage Bed of The Source Spa, Begawan Giri Spa Resort
The massage ended with a superb head and shoulder massage. We had a quick shower in the open-air riverside environment, another superb experience that should not be missed. We went into the oversized, petals laden bathtub and were served a cup of ginger tea. As compared to the flower bath that we had at Maya Ubud Spa resort, we feel that it would be a much better experience if the bathtub is elevated such that we can have a view of the rivers and the valley. Some improvement needed in this area.
The Interior and Bathtub of The Source Spa, Begawan Giri Spa Resort