A moment of tranquillity at The Spa at The Chedi Katara Hotel & Resort is what AMS experienced during her visit.
We all have our coping mechanisms. For some, it’s a long walk. For others, it’s working out, cooking or going to the movies. Mine is spa treatments – booked when life starts to feel over-full or when my shoulders have inched far too close to my ears. This visit to The Chedi Katara was one of those reset moments: a chance to reclaim some calm.
HUSH MEETS HERITAGE
The entrance to the spa set the tone beautifully. Low lighting, carved wooden arches and a calming symmetry of dark and pale stone across the floor. It was quiet in that purposeful way that instantly lowers your pulse. A single white settee framed in a soft alcove offered a hint of what was to come – luxurious touches with just the right amount of restraint. Bowls of floating petals and tall candle lanterns all whispered indulgence and opulence.
Check in was swift and discreet, and I was led through to the treatment area. While waiting for Maria (my therapist) to come, I was offered a choice of peppermint or chamomile tea. The space opened into the bright, billowing white of the relaxation lounge, with natural sunlight creating a peaceful retreat. Each chair was angled to catch the soft morning light, with Moroccanstyle lamps poised for twilight.
MEETING THE THERAPIST
My therapist, Maria, greeted me with a warmth that was professional but personal. The Spa Suite itself was both elegant and intimate, with a plush massage bed at the centre, a deep bathtub set within a soft-lit alcove and a changing area tucked discreetly beyond. Gentle candlelight glowed from the floor, casting soft reflections across the polished wood, and a carved lantern suspended above the bath offered a delicate focal point.
After changing into a plush robe, one of the softest and most luxurious I have ever worn, I was invited to begin with a traditional Foot Ritual – a calming foot cleanse using lavender-scented gel followed by a sea salt scrub. As Maria worked gently on my feet, I sipped hibiscus tea infused with cinnamon, known for its antioxidant properties. GHM’s signature products, sourced from Singapore, were used throughout the treatment.
Next, she explained that my treatment would be a traditional Balinese massage – known for its combination of palming, stretching, effleurage (circular stroking with the palm) and pressure point techniques. We talked briefly about where I tend to carry stress (neck and shoulders), and she nodded with the quiet confidence of someone who’s seen it all before.
ANCIENT BALINESE MASSAGE
Before the massage began, I was invited to choose from four signature oil blends: Relax, Revive, Orient or The Chedi Bespoke. Each had its own distinctive character and therapeutic purpose. I opted for Orient, which combined May Chang, mandarin and rosewood into an anti-ageing and healing blend, designed to have an energising and balancing effect on my nervous system.
The massage bed was heated, offering an instant cocoon of comfort. Maria checked in to ensure the room temperature was to my liking before beginning with a series of long, flowing strokes designed to ease me into stillness. Her hands moved in rhythmic palming motions across my back, punctuated by firmer pressure on key tension points.
As the treatment progressed, she used a combination of gentle stretches, thumb pressure and kneading to coax every knot and ache into submission.
She moved fluidly from one technique to another – effleurage melting into acupressure, sweeping arm work replaced by firm, intuitive movements across my calves and feet. Every so often, she asked if the pressure was suitable, constantly adjusting with care.
By the time she reached my shoulders and neck, any lingering tension had already begun to dissolve. But it was the final head and scalp work that truly emptied my mind. I drifted in and out of a trance-like state, neither asleep nor fully awake, suspended somewhere in the deep quiet of the treatment room. It was the kind of massage that didn’t just address the body – it recalibrated everything.
THE FACIAL
This 30-minute facial began with a thorough double cleanse to clear away surface impurities, followed by a saffron and frankincense exfoliation that refined texture and boosted radiance. A purifying mud mask was applied next, drawing out toxins and calming the skin with the help of wild turmeric. The scent of exotic Kashmir lavender added a soothing layer to the experience, helping to relax both skin and senses. By the end, my complexion felt brighter, lighter and noticeably fresher – a quick yet transformative treatment that delivered more than expected.
As I left The Spa at The Chedi Katara, I felt rejuvenated and refreshed, with a lingering sense of calm. The serene ambience, expert care and thoughtful treatments combined to create a truly indulgent and therapeutic experience. I look forward to returning soon to this tranquil haven.
For more information or to make a booking,
please call The Spa at The Chedi Katara Hotel & Resort on 4144 7775
or email spa@chedikatara.com
@thechedikatara