What is this strange thing called “wellness”? Is it the state of being healthy in body and mind (as a result of deliberate effort), as one definition would have it? Or is it an approach to healthcare that emphasizes preventing illness and prolonging life, as opposed to emphasizing the treatment of diseases, as another definition has it?
Either way you look at it Bali has the answer, in spades! Bali has an absolutely dizzying choice of health related possibilities from the very traditional to the ultra esoteric. So here you are on holiday, away from the cares of work or home, isn’t it time to take care of yourself both physically and mentally, or even spiritually – or all three?
I am very much a traditionalist and for me a long walk in a beautiful place followed by a real deep muscle massage will serve me well (then followed by a refreshing glass of wine!). But for those who like yoga, meditation, reiki, etc. etc. there’s a myriad of choices so don’t hesitate to try a few.
I’m not sure if reading counts for much in the “wellness” spectrum, but again for me, a good book whilst listening to gentle music or the crash of the waves, is as good as it gets.
The other great luxury you can indulge in is the amazing spa experience, and again here Bali is a world leader with every form of spa known to man (and some available only to women!) available across the island from the simplest massage on a towel on the beach, to extreme luxury in astonishing surroundings and with wonderfully conceived treatments.
I love the fact that the trend now is to the traditional, learning from ancient Indonesian, Indian and other Asian rituals, and increasingly concentrating on natural ingredients. That surely is the right way to find natural health.
So why don’t you combine all these suggestions into a “holiday to end all holidays”: start each day with a walk in a beautiful place, then after a (healthy) breakfast, continue with yoga or meditation, then take a break, read a book and listen to music, then swim or go to the gym, then go to the spa, then end up with a long cool glass of white wine. That’s wellness and happiness all in one day!
Have fun – and relax!
Alistair G. Speirs, OBE
