Spas are being created by the dozen every week in Bali. Dala Spa is unique in many ways, but how was it nominated for a prestigious award just two months after being open? FRV takes a closer look to find out.
This place has soul. The young couple that run Dala Spa, Michelle Tanaja and Jimmy Gunawan, believe in their project and more than that, they live and breath it. That's what gives a place soul, not throwing big sums of money at things and big talking it, it's actually getting down to the grind stone and making it work that counts. Dala Spa opened officially two months ago. It's already been nominated in the prestigious Baccarat Spa Asia Awards 2007, based in Hongkong, for South-East Asian 'New Spa of the Year' and 'Spa Interior Design of the Year' which were presented in November. They may not have won but just to be nominated, being in Kuta and all, gives this new, seven-roomed, vintage-styled spa loads of kudos. How did Dala Spa obtain a nomination with some of the heaviest hitting, big name spas in Bali and the region? Good question.
Michelle and Jimmy were both born in Bali. They spent 10 years studying in Australia before returning to take over the family villa business just off Jalan Legian, Kuta in 2001. they built new villas, and renovated existing ones, to create the new Villa de Daun which was opened in 2002. That was not a very fortuitous year to begin anything in Bali, but after suffering through those first tough years they held on and prospered. With the help of designer, Zohra Boukhari from Haveli interiors and architect, Monica Sutjihandayani from Surabaya, Dala Spa was conceived built within the last year. “The concept was to create every room with a different colour, style and ambience,” says Michelle. “Each roomis named after an exotic flower and is resplendent in the look of a vintage Parisian boudoir.” The seven flowers can also be found as icons on the spa's promotional material.
The spa is created in a vintage antique style, made popular in recent creations from Zohra including The Shaba villa in Jimbaran, but with absolute modernity in the fittings and fixtures. “Yes, the spa has this classic style but a spa room still needs to be functional,” says Michelle. The latest modern bathtubs for example sit proudly in each room along with modern shower and changing recesses. A Bose sound system supplies the spa sounds. The ceramic, timber-look floor tiles not only match the overall stylebut also aid in keeping hygiene and cleanliness at the highest level. Luxurious fabrics drape furnishings, dress windows and beckon spa users to a higher standard of opulence. Dala Spa offers users a warmth and taste seldom found in other spas.
Besides a whole array of treatments and massages there are two particular treatments of note. Their signature treatment, The Royal Wedding Ritual follows the traditional beauty ritual before a Javanese marriage ceremony; a two-and-a-half hour treatment using Javanese Lulur, where a paste of turmeric, sandalwood and rice powder is applied to the body, later polished with hydrating yogurt and bathed in the seven flowers traditionally used in the ritual. It's a wonderful experience honoring a beautiful, old Javanese custom. The cost is US$154 for two. Another favorite is the Tutti Fruity Spa where the guests are bathed, massaged and scrubbed in a variety of fruits – including a green tea and avocado foot ritual, an aromatherapy massage and a watermelon and honey facial. That too is a 2 ½ hour treatment at US$159. All oils, including almond oil, creams and scrubs are imported from Australia, guaranteeing the standard of quality.
So, to answer the question, 'How did Dala Spa obtain a nomination with some of the biggest spas in Bali and the region?' It is quite simple. Dala Spa has soul, supplied in spades by the owner/managers who know exactly what they are doing and provide one of the best spa ambiences in town.
Dala Spa
Jl. Legian, Kuta
Tel: +62 361 755 728
Fax: +62 361 750 643
www.villadedaun.com
