A New Age paradise, Bali (and Ubud, in particular) hosts an ever-growing business of catering for the body and soul of the traveler, from hedonistic spas in five-star hotels to faith healers hidden in the back of a family compound. This is a unique chance to let West meet East and discover yoga, meditation, or the art of Balinese massage.

Spa Hati – pamper yourself and support a good cause at Spa Hati. Treat yourself to a lavish massage, pedicure, or manicure and tone up your body with the “Looking Good” program which allows you to use the gym, salt water Jacuzzi, and steam room. All this in a relaxing setting.

Ubud Sari – built on a waste lot turned into a green Eden in the heart of Ubud, this health resort welcomes hedonists in Balinese-style open pavilions, with a modern spa and beauty salon hidden amidst dense gardens. It’s the most serious, and expensive, of Ubud’s health and beauty centers, with an on-site swimming pool and health restaurant.

Ubud Sari offers a wide choice of beauty and relaxing programs, such as: massage, aromatherapy, reflexology, shiatsu, reiki, sports massage, yoga and session with a chiropractor. You can also stay at the resort’s tranquil bungalows.

Body Works Centre – an institution in Ubud, Body Works was founded by Ketut Arsana, who learned spiritual healing from his grandfather, and later combined Balinese wisdom with massage techniques taught by Western friends. A great masseur and healer with an international reputation, he often gets called to soothe the muscles and minds of the many start visiting Bali. He has trained more than thirty staff in his Body Works Centre, which provides a variety of health cures such as milk, seaweed, salt or spice baths, and massage using traditional Balinese oils.

Bali Spirit – Jl Hanoman 44b. A spacious yoga studio and holistic information center that holds regular yoga classes in various disciplines and levels (phone for schedules). Also sells yoga mats.

Ibah Spa – Jl Raya Campuhan. The treatment rooms at this luxury boutique hotel are among the most indulgent in Ubud, and the spa menu includes the Mandara massage where each client is massaged by two therapists at the same time, using five different massage styles. Advance booking essential. Reassuringly expensive.

Meditation Shop – Jl Monkey Forest. The local Brahma Kumaris meditation group holds free meditation sessions every evening for anyone who’s interested, and runs five-day meditation courses.

Nur Salon – Jl Hanoman 28. Ubud’s first massage and beauty salon has been in operation since the 1970s and enjoys a very good reputation; the mandi lulur treatments are especially famous, and prices are among the lowest in Ubud. The salon occupies a traditional Balinese compound and treatment rooms are designed in keeping with the surroundings. Uses male masseurs for male customers.

Sukma Holistic Center and Tarot Studio – Jl Sukma 1a. Tiny center for tarot readings and workshops (call or drop by for an appointment), with an attached café serving juices and organic salads. Also sells tarot cards, metaphysical jewellery, crystals and healing stones.

Tjampuhan Spa – at Hotel Tjampuhan, Jl Raya Campuhan. Unusual, rather kitsch, grotto-like spa complex built into the Cliffside near the river below the Hotel Tjampuhan. Pools, waterfalls and surreal figurines evoke a watery fantasy land, and there are saunas and a steam room as well as a large programme of massages, scrubs and facials.

Zen Bali Spa – Jl Hanoman. Funky little-day spa with a good reputation, a range of well-priced massages, scrubs and beauty treatments, and cute orange-and-blue treatment rooms.

Utama Spice – Ni Wayan Lilir and her husband I Made Westi of Bali Herb Walks work with village women to make natural products for home and spas – body scrubs (lulur), massage oils, relaxing bath salts colored with natural dyes, perfumed candles, and a tasty herb tea. The ingredients are locally produced under the most demanding standards of quality and freshness.

Komaneka – Komaneka is a small, intimate, hotel, centrally located in Monkey Forest Road and is a newer, trendier property close to shops and restaurants. The Spa is beautifully designed and located but is definitely for a younger clientele. Enjoy a great reflexology, creambath and a pedicure for three hours, with a relaxing view of the rice-fields for an added bonus. The spa houses 3 treatment rooms and welcomes non hotel guests. Jl. Monkey Forest, Ubud.

Spa @ The Maya Resort – The Maya Resort is to the eastern side of Ubud and has stunning views over the Petanu River gorge. The excellently designed buildings echo the luxurious residential accommodation for which The Maya is famous and a variety of exotic treatments are on offer. One of the most amazing features is the Spa Pool, built on the steep slopes. No piped music is necessary here as the birds and other wildlife provide some wonderfully relaxing sound. Jl. Gunung Sari, Peliatan, Ubud.

Waka Di Ume – this gorgeous resort now has Waka di Ume – Spa, heaven in the rice fields. A luxury three level ultra modern spa incorporates the famous Waka style. Featuring a whirlpool, a Jacuzzi for four, a steam room, a beauty centre and two private massage rooms. Open to the guests of Waka di Ume as well as guests of the other Waka Resorts and to the general public. Opens pre-Christmas.

The Lembah Spa – The Lembah Spa is located in Bali’s newest, exclusive hotel, The Viceroy Bali. This spa is perched over dramatic views of the Petanu River Gorge just outside Ubud, designed by Swiss spa experts, The Lembah offers guests a full range of spa services from French and traditional Balinese massages, to reflexology and beauty treatments. The Viceroy, Ubud.