Dutch actress Carine Crutzen in Bali

Wellness and wellbeing

Carine Crutzen shares, "My vacation began on a delightful note, full of warmth and hospitality. I was greeted at the airport by a chauffeur in a car stocked with refreshments – drinks, nuts, and cookies. My visit to Como Shambhala wasn't about a strict detox regimen. This turned out to be a great thing because the food there is unbelievably delicious. From a variety of vegetable and fruit juices to soups, salads, and delightful chicken dishes, fresh fish, and the most delectable beef – it was a culinary treat. If you're seeking the perfect blend of exquisite cuisine and a wellness retreat, this is the place to be. One aspect I truly appreciated about Shambhala was the absence of a rigid lifestyle imposition. While yoga and indulgent massages are available, there's no pressure from a forced notion of wellness. The focus is on overall well-being, experiencing every moment to the fullest. This philosophy also extends to activities; you can take exciting excursions to volcanoes or temples, for instance. I embraced the opportunity to explore temples, witnessing the sun rise from an ancient 11th-century temple – a truly mesmerizing experience. Riding downhill on a mountain bike through villages and fields after that was equally enjoyable. It gave me a genuine glimpse into the Balinese way of life."

Happy feelings

"I also indulged in various treatments. One massage, in particular, took place in the water (Editor's note: Watsu). I had never experienced anything like it, and it's still vivid in my memory. The masseur gently moved me through the water. The sensation was incredibly relaxing, and I was overwhelmed by a profound sense of happiness. Another massage happened on a terrace surrounded by the jungle. While someone focused entirely on me, I could hear the sounds of monkeys and birds. It was a truly unique experience. The location of Shambhala is fantastic in itself, nestled completely in greenery. Even when there are multiple guests, it's always serene. I felt incredibly pampered there. It's a place I would love to return to."

Unique experience

"Tembok is another breathtaking location, right on the beach with a pool that seamlessly blends into the sea – it's absolutely fantastic! The atmosphere here leans more towards a genuine wellness resort: a place where people come specifically for treatments. And let me tell you, these treatments are truly exceptional. One treatment that stood out was the coconut treatment. It starts in a unique way. Picture yourself sitting on a wooden deck with your feet resting on warm stones. Your legs are covered with a towel to keep the warmth in. After about fifteen minutes, it's as though you're in a sauna. You start to perspire, but without the usual humidity that can sometimes come with a sauna experience. Why? Because you're simply outdoors! Another unforgettable experience was the massage under the starlit sky. Imagine the backdrop of the ocean's gentle sounds, the iconic Balinese gamelan music, and the distant call of a mosque. In this setting, you're somehow able to let go more easily and truly unwind. To me, it was a uniquely extraordinary experience."

Pampered

"The Balinese hospitality is truly unparalleled. Upon my arrival at Tembok, I was greeted with a soothing foot bath and a neck-shoulder massage. My room was adorned with flickering candles, and rose petals adorned the bath. A pathway of twinkling lights guided me to the massage table, where a floral heart bearing my name awaited. And then, I had the privilege of luxuriating in a one-and-a-half-hour massage... I felt deeply honored, almost to the point of being overwhelmed. However, it's precisely these thoughtful touches that create an atmosphere of warmth and indulgence. In this setting, I was able to shed the burdens of constant motion and the demands of 'having to do it all,' allowing myself to unwind completely. It was a moment for self-indulgence and self-care, where I could focus solely on my own well-being. I often found myself thinking: what a treasure it is to be part of such a blissful experience!"

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