Indulge in Bliss: Exploring the Auriga Spa Experience at Capella Ubud, Bali
I’ve had Capella Ubud on my go-to list for some time, having seen it featured when it opened first back in 2018 and having been aware of Capella Hotels & Resorts previously. We originally booked in September 2019 for travel a year later, but with all the Covid restrictions and implications we’ve only managed to get there in September 2022, some three years on. You can read my full hotel review on the website.
The details
Location | Auriga Spa at Capella Ubud, Bali.
Treatment | Signature Massage (New Moon, Full Moon, or Deep Tissue)
Cost | IDR 1,400k - £80 - $95 (all prices only a guide, based on exchange)
Time | 75 minutes (90 minutes also available at IDR 1,600k)
Spa website | https://capellahotels.com/en/capella-ubud/wellness
Treatment list | https://capellahotels.com/assets/docs/ubud/Auriga_Wellness_Menu.pdf
Hotel website | https://capellahotels.com/en/capella-ubud/
The treatment
We were having a couple’s massage, 75 minutes, and there was a choice of different massage types as above, some based on cycles of the Moon and also a deeper tissue massage, which is what I normally go for. ‘Mrs’ ThePrivateTraveller always prefers a less intense massage, so he opted for the New Moon with a different choice of oil. There were three essential oil blends to choose from, our therapist let us try them all, but since a Covid infection now more than a year ago, I still have a limited range of smell. I can now detect some obvious things like coffee, vinegar, and particularly sugary/sweet smells but am still very restricted on more subtle aromatherapy and essential oils.
Both therapists were excellent, mine was for sure and really good feedback too from the other half who isn’t really massively into treatments as I am. The pressure was great and exactly what I’d asked for, and the ambience of the spa tent was spot on - quiet other than the surrounding sounds of the jungle, good background music, comfortable bed, temperature etc.
The facilities
This isn’t a full on spa as I would normally describe one, but absolutely still a wonderful spa experience - difference really is that because of the nature of the tented camp, there is no dedicated spa building or space as such. What there is however are three wonderfully appointed double massage tents (ours was called Hollandia for Holland) and was nearest to the camp reception area (which also doubles at the rear, as the spa reception/welcome). It was also just opposite to our tent (the Toy Maker’s all being named after traditional job roles) so very easily accessible and only a short hop to get back to the (ultra luxurious tent) afterwards to relax.
As well as the massage tents themselves (more on this next) there is also a dedicated gym tent (called The Armoury) and fitness studio space (all great machines by Life Fitness and lots of additional equipment), with an open air deck below for yoga classes (many are complimentary at different times) or TRX classes. Add to this a huge open-air pool at The Cistern (one of the most unique pools I’ve ever swam in has to be said), like everything at Capella Ubud quirkily designed with industrial steel pipework.
The treatment room
Like all the tents throughout the whole resort, the treatment one was superbly appointed with an entrance space, an en-suite toilet/sink/changing/shower area; all superbly styled and then a large open space for the treatments themselves with a seating area and two dedicated massage beds. There was a large vanity area with double sinks for the therapists to use, the whole space was designed in dark colours with quirky accents, but like the whole resort so perfectly executed.
The hotel/resort
Made up of only 23 tents in all, spread throughout the grounds, they all feature large indoor and outdoor space as well as all having a private outdoor pool, in varying sizes. Ours was the Toy Maker’s tent, close to the camp reception and spa area, but still exceptionally private with a huge terrace at the front, then a separate side area with the pool and another seating area.
Inside the tent (all exceptionally well done and fully air-conditioned, Wi-Fi etc.) was an open plan seating and bedroom area (lots of space) with an open plan bathroom at one end (with huge bronze slipper style bath and a very throne like WC). There was also a screened large outdoor space next to the bathroom with another shower. There was the Living Room (or Officer’s Tent) at the top of the camp for drinks throughout the day, with a complimentary afternoon tea served daily then pre-dinner drinks; as well as a multi-level (dual format) restaurant tent. At the pool was another bar (The Pestle & Mortar) and there was of course the aforementioned Armoury for gym, fitness and yoga. A bit of a walk down to the bottom of the camp was the Wos River temple.
This Man’s Journal top tips (any areas for improvement?):
Really nothing to add
This Man’s Journal absolute highlights:
Loved the uniqueness of the whole resort, and the spa tents and concept had been designed in that same style.
Good choice of treatment options.
Excellent yoga classes.
Summary
We had such a wonderful stay in Capella Ubud, but I was a bit disappointed with Ubud not having been there for more than 22 years - it had grown into a city it seemed, unlike what it was before. Having said that, around Capella Ubud it felt unspoilt and the resort was in such amazing grounds, located on a hillside down to the River Wos and encircled by rice paddy fields. The resort had such a great mix of design features with good service, and the tented camp style worked really well. Auriga Spa was a fabulous addition, and executed extremely well
Useful website links:
The Private Traveller’s Bali & Sumba travel itinerary https://theprivatetraveller.com/blog/indonesia-itinerary-luxury-bali-sumba
Capella Ubud Hotel Review https://theprivatetraveller.com/blog/hotel-review/capella-ubud-bali
Capella Ubud https://capellahotels.com/en/capella-ubud
Capella Hotels & Resorts https://capellahotels.com/en
Bill Bensley https://www.bensley.com/
Leading Hotels of the World https://www.lhw.com/
