Bali: Cleopatra Luxury Salon & Day Spa Review

Our working lives are often so hectic that the only chance we have to really relax is on our precious few days of leave from the daily grind. For this reason, I make it a point to visit a day spa (or two!) every time I’m away. Bali is renowned for its (cheap) massages and there are literally hundreds of places to satisfy your need for ahhh and ahhh on this tiny island so choosing a Spa is daunting. My preference lies in the middle ground somewhere between a $5 beach massage and blowing $250 at a 5 star resort. I recently discovered Cleopatra Luxury Salon & Day Spa in Seminyak and spent a blissful three hours testing out the best of the treatments on offer. If you are looking for a Spa in Bali that offers the perfect fusion of quality and value then Cleopatra is for you. Read on for all the details …

 

Cleopatra Luxury Salon & Day Spa Overview

Cleopatra Luxury Salon & Day Spa is just one of the things on my epic list of 110+ things to do in Bali. Located in swanky Seminyak just a short drive away from the Kuta/Legian hub it’s very easy to get to. Their range of treatments is impressive, offering everything you would expect and more. A variety of massages and facials feature on the menu as expected, but they differentiate themselves by also offering hair, nail and tanning services. I don’t know about you, but I always leave the spa with oil drenched hair askew, so the opportunity to get my tresses sorted before stepping out in public appeals. With my fair skin, I favour fake bake over hours in the damaging sun and I like to treat myself to a professionally applied tan in any environment that requires baring a reasonable amount of skin so it came as quite a surprise to discover that tanning services are as rare as hens teeth in Bali. This alone makes Cleopatra a stand out. Cleopatra also features ‘proper’ pedicure chairs. The norm in Bali is a normal (albeit comfy) seat with a bowl of water in front for your foot soak given they do double duty as foot massage chairs. Cleopatra’s 5 dedicated pedicure chairs are the ‘all in one’ type you are likely to be accustomed to. To round out their services they offer a range of signature treatments for an extra special treat. While you can certainly get a cheaper massage in Bali, the prices at Cleopatra Luxury Salon & Day Spa are exceptional value for what you get in return. Try them once and I guarantee you will never settle for a $5 beach massage again. With extended opening hours between 9am – 10pm daily you are sure to find a time to suit. The icing on the cake is a complimentary pick off and drop off service, just be sure to make sure you mention this on booking.

 

A Warm Welcome

I stepped from the searing heat into a wonderfully chilly air-conditioned foyer and was promptly seated. Shortly afterwards I gratefully accepted a cool towel and a warm tea in a delicate glass. I am not a tea drinker but I didn’t have the heart to tell them that so I delicately sipped away while I was briefed on the treatments I had booked.  This tea was like nothing I had ever tasted before and the hibiscus and rose blend was delicious. I was introduced to my therapist Pus-Pus who lead to me upstairs to my treatment room and discretely disappeared while I got ready.

 

Treatments

With so many treatments on offer it really was a dilemma choosing. After much deliberation I finally settled on a Nile Body Scrub, followed by a Desert Paradise Warm Stone Massage and finished with a Turn Back The Clock Facial. Pus-Pus started with the traditional massage. Two days before visiting Cleopatra Luxury Salon & Day Spa I injured my neck and upper back by doing nothing more strenuous than sleeping funny and I was still feeling the effects so I was a little nervous of the area being manipulated. I need not have worried as Pus-Pus was exceptional at her trade and consistently checked in to confirm the pressure was to my liking. My muscles were extremely tight with built up tension and I could feel her thumbs click-click-clicking across a multitude of knots. Her tension was firm and her thumbs persistent as she kneaded each kink into submission with long, slow, controlled and deliberate movements. Make no mistake, this is a real massage, not one of those bargain rub downs off the street where little more happens other than oil being spread across you skin. When the hot stones came out I was in heaven as the heat radiated through my tight muscles. The calming pan-pipe music added to my sense of relaxation and I almost fell asleep.

 

Well before I was ready the massage was over and we were moving on to the body scrub. This was by far the best body scrub I have had in a long, long time. All too often therapists rush over this part but Pus-Pus took her time to buff off every last bit of dry skin. Her efficient, rhythmic stokes almost felt like an extension of the massage. Post scrub I was cocooned in a moisturising, yoghurt body mask. With the treatment on my skin I was a little chilly under the cool blast of the air-con but Pus-Pus immediately adjusted it to my liking. Even the removal of the mask was an event as I soaked the last remnants off in a specially prepared bath topped with colourful petals. While it was a little hot to start, we got it just right after some adjustments and I gratefully eased myself into the gigantic welcoming tub. More refreshments appeared while I relaxed in the warm water and for the second time today I found myself sampling a tea that I liked. It was hot, sweet, delicious and perfect for washing down the cookies. Maybe I’m not the tea hater that I thought I was after all. While I could have luxuriated for hours, my facial was calling so I reluctantly stepped out of the soothing water and returned to my treatment room where Pus-Pus was patiently waiting and making preparations.

 

As I relaxed back on the bed I could feel the warm steam starting to open up my pores. Pus-Pus then completed the necessary extractions very gently and performed an extremely thorough cleansing and exfoliation before popping on a seaweed mask. As the mask was working its magic I enjoyed a hand, arm and head massage. I love when this happens and it really irks me when the therapist disappears as soon as the mask is on. After the mask is removed and moisturiser is applied, I reluctantly drag myself from my semi-slumber and bid Pus-Pus a fond farewell as I drift down the stairs towards my complimentary private transfer. My friendly driver whisked me back to my accommodation at The Magani hotel in one of the most modern vehicles I think I’ve seen in Bali.

 

Final Thoughts

I was in absolute bliss for the three hours that I spent in Cleopatra Luxury Salon & Day Spa. The treatment list was extensive, my therapist was skilled and the salon was pristine. My visit was almost perfect, but if I had to pick a couple of small things I think Cleopatra could improve the first would be to leave some body lotion on hand for when you finish your bath. My skin is really dry and despite the nourishing mask I needed a top up after my soak. The only other thing is that I prefer face cloths rather than sponges to remove the products during a facial. I just really don’t like the sensation of the porous sponge on my skin. Maybe it’s just me but give me a good old face washer any day. I am so glad I discovered Cleopatra Luxury Salon & Day Spa. My skin felt amazing and the effect lasted days. I’m still blown away by that body scrub. I can certainly see myself returning each and every time I visit Bali.

 

 

Do you like to pamper yourself on holiday? What is your favourite treatment?

 

 

Until next time …

 

Happy hunting!

 

SFH

xoxoxo

 

P.S. If you are thinking of visiting Bali soon make sure you check out all my tips on grabbing a bargain airfare and my guide to everything you need to know before you go to Bali.

 

Disclaimer: I was a guest of Cleopatra Luxury Salon & Day Spa as part of this collaboration. As always, all opinions are my own.

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