Return to Bali, Continued

My first Saturday morning in Bali was spent naked with a Balinese woman.

Never would have thought those words would have come from my mouth before two years ago.


Back up ... our first morning in the villa included breakfast awaiting us -- gorgeous platters of chilled tropical fruit (mango, watermelon, pineapple, papaya), warm croissant, crustless toast, and French press Balinese coffee.

We are running 20 minutes behind for our eagerly awaited spa appointment at Bodyworks. The ride is a tortuous experience one would only tolerate in Bali, because of the periodic glimpses of rice terraces, flora, random swaggering chickens, roosters and cows. Most of it is comprised of twists and turns on third-world roads, surrounded by the constant buzz of motorbikes. Moreover, our driver only booked us one car for eight ladies. As a result, most of us are cramped, jostled and become quite intimate with each other with each pothole. I'm luckily Dramamine-d out in the front seat.

We arrive at Bodyworks relatively unscathed. I'm excited for my first exfoliating massage -- a "mandi lulur," which Lindsay has talked me into. 

It is a relaxing, rather sensuous experience. Beyond the diaper-like disposable panties in which you are clad.

It's a two-hour treatment, beginning with a proper Balinese massage. From there, you are rubbed with an exfoliating mix of coffee and spices (which smells amazing, particularly when it's been an hour since you've breakfasted on fruit). After that, the woman guides you to stand in a cool, stone tub and rinses you with warm, flower-scented water from a running faucet and basin next to you. Almost done. Now, you are moisturized with yogurt , then rinsed again. The last step is immersion in a proper bathtub complete with floating flower petals and a cup of warm pandan-scented tea. Bliss. The whole time, the window to your private room is open so you're caressed with the warm Balinese air and sweet smells.  The attendant is comforting and skilled. In all, a luxurious experience.

This Bali visit, overall, was one of perfect balance -- luxurious relaxation, decadent food and more local adventures. Check out Facebook for the full album.