What is it? There are spas and then there is the Spa on the Rocks. The Ritz-Carlton on Jimbaran Bay, Bali, has built not one but two pavilions upon rocks lapped by the ocean on three sides and joined by a walkway of more than 100 steps.
Boasting rights: The Ritz-Carlton Thalasso and Spa Bali has won all the major industry awards. The trophy cabinet has shelves bending under the weight of five Spa Asia Crystal awards, three Conde Nast Traveler awards, six Travel + Leisure awards, one CNN Choice award and a Luxury Travel award. And all this won since opening in December 2003.
What about the rocks? Your personal buggy-driving butler will transport you from the soothing garden of the Thalasso Spa to the rocks on which the pavilions perch. A therapist then accompanies you to your private personal-spa retreat surrounded by ocean. Only two treatments are offered at the Spa on the Rocks. A two-hour Aroma Sensation is performed in the morning and consists of an aromatherapy massage that works the chakras for muscle release and lymphatic drainage. It includes the Thermes Marin facial, which utilises seaweed. The sound of waves crashing on the rocks below means it's all very 'aqua'. Wind up with a fruit juice on the deck. The afternoon therapy, offered at lunchtime and sunset, is the Diamond Miracle treatment: a foot bath accompanied by sweet lemon tea and followed by a pearl-oil massage. Afterwards, dunk yourself in a bath of 500 red rosebuds and follow it with a Creme de la Mer diamond-dust facial.
Can I bring a friend? Yes, this is a spa for romance, with villas made for two. The Diamond Miracle treatment ends with sunset champagne - Veuve Clicquot, of course. For an extra charge, a romantic dinner will be served apres treatment.
And after dark? Follow your pampering with a martini at the Dava restaurant, or head to your villa for a dip in your private pool. Ask Jeeves to light the candles.
What's the bottom line? Treatments are available to guests and non-guests of the hotel. A Diamond Miracle therapy for a couple costs US$700; if you're alone, you'll pay US$450. Add US$100 each for a romantic dinner. The Aroma Sensation treatment costs US$400 for two or US$250 for each single customer.