A Bali Massage to Remember – Ubud’s Affordable Luxury for Slow Travellers
“Can we get a massage tonight?” I asked at the front desk. The clerk looked at his watch, smiled, and said, “Yes, we’ll arrange it for 8pm. Someone will come to your villa.”
We had just arrived at Villa JJ and Spa, a quiet resort tucked into the lush countryside outside Ubud. Owned and operated by the local village, it felt worlds away from tourist crowds — warm, peaceful, and wonderfully unpolished in the best way.
Our villa was built with traditional Balinese craftsmanship — soaring thatched ceilings that vanished into darkness, carved woodwork, and a gentle hush that settled over the room like a welcome exhale.
Just beyond our door, a small, beautifully tiled pool shimmered in the soft afternoon light. Carved stone statues spouted water into the corners. Though technically shared, we never saw another soul there all week — just birdsong, the occasional rustle of wind, and the view across a tropical gully where a lone dirt path wound down into the trees.
I swam there twice a day, soaking in the stillness. And that evening, when the masseuse arrived — graceful, barefoot, carrying oils scented with flowers and spice — we knew this wasn’t going to be just any massage. It would become one of the most memorable experiences of our entire stay in Bali.
At exactly 8:00 pm, there was a soft knock at our villa door. Outside, the rain was falling heavily, a warm tropical downpour tapping rhythmically on the thatched roof. Through the misty glow of the porch light, we saw our two masseuses, their hair neatly pulled back, dressed in simple white cotton tunics, already damp from the weather but smiling without concern.
With umbrellas borrowed from the rack by the door, we followed them into the night. Carefully stepping from one embedded stone to another, we navigated the narrow garden path, trying not to splash through the puddles now forming beneath our feet. The night was alive — the bullfrogs croaked loudly, competing with the sound of the rain, and a fragrant steam rose from the wet earth.
We passed between two shadowed buildings, then turned a corner and arrived at the open-air massage pavilion. The roof was thatched and high above us, but the sides were open to the breeze and the sound of the storm. To the left stood a small wooden desk stacked with towels. Across the stone floor stood two massage tables, draped in fresh linens, waiting for us.
There were no introductions, just a gentle meeting of eyes and a quiet nod. The women instinctively chose their clients — whether by energy, posture, or experience, I’ll never know. And so began our nightly ritual.
We had the same two therapists each evening — calm, intuitive, and kind. On our final morning, after a farewell massage, we handed them small thank-you gifts, a gesture they received with quiet gratitude.
Our complimentary massages
Our Massage
We disrobed quietly and slipped beneath the crisp white sheets as our masseuses moved around the pavilion, preparing oils and adjusting towels. The air was warm and thick with humidity, scented with the heady perfume of frangipani and jasmine, carried in on the breeze.
Outside, the rain fell steadily, creating a rhythmic background to the croaks of bullfrogs and the high-pitched song of crickets in the nearby gully. Candlelight flickered gently in the corners of the room, casting shadows on the thatched ceiling. The entire space felt suspended in time — as if the jungle had leaned in to cradle us for the evening.
In soft voices, the women asked what pressure we preferred. I opted for a deep tissue massage, knowing I’d likely feel it the next day, while Loie requested a light, relaxing massage to ease gently into the evening.
As my massage began, I glanced over at Loie. She was already melting into the table, a faint smile on her face, fully present in the moment. I closed my eyes, exhaled deeply, and let myself sink in — the scent of oil, the candlelight, the rain — and then the pressure began.
My masseuse worked slowly and methodically, starting at my back and shoulders, finding every knot and holding nothing back. At one point, she climbed onto the table, expertly using her elbows and body weight to dig deep into long-travelled tension. It was intense — but in the best way. I could almost feel the endorphins being released, one breath at a time.
Tips on Massages
The Magic of Daily Massages in Bali – A Lesson in Slow Travel Self-Care
Massages in Bali are nothing short of magical. Imagine lying in an open-air pavilion surrounded by rice fields, the scent of tropical flowers in the air, as a skilled masseuse soothes your muscles with centuries-old techniques. For us, it’s bliss. We love massages — and in Bali, they’re almost free. Ours were just $12 each, so naturally, we booked one every day during our stay at the spa resort.
But as it turns out, you can have too much of a good thing.
By the third day of deep tissue massages, I started to feel strangely off — sluggish, low energy, a bit foggy. A little late-night Googling revealed the culprit: deep tissue massage can release stored toxins, and having one daily without rest can overwhelm your system. My body wasn’t sore — it was detoxing on overdrive.
That evening, I told my masseuse I’d need to switch to a light relaxing massage. She nodded knowingly. The next day, I felt refreshed and clear-headed. For the rest of the week, I went with the gentler option, and it turned out to be just what I needed.
Then came a lovely surprise.
The night before we were due to check out, we went to the front desk to settle our bill. The clerk scanned our record and looked up with a grin:
We smiled, looked at each other, and in perfect unison said:
And so we ended our week in Ubud exactly the way we began — lying under the thatched roof of a quiet pavilion, the sound of birds and bullfrogs in the background, with skilled hands easing us into serenity one last time.
We each had eight massages in one week, for less than the cost of a single massage back home. That alone made the trip unforgettable.
Spa Tips for Senior and Slow Travellers in Bali
- Start slow – Go with a gentle massage on your first day to let your body adjust to the heat, humidity, and time zone.
- Deep tissue moderation – These massages are fantastic, but space them out. One every second or third day is best to avoid fatigue.
- Hydrate afterward – Massages release toxins. Drink water to help your body flush them out and avoid sluggishness.
- Communicate clearly – Don’t hesitate to ask for lighter pressure, more focus on certain areas, or a change in oil scent.
- Book at your resort – Most village-run accommodations work with skilled local therapists. It’s convenient, authentic, and affordable.
- Tip modestly – A small tip (10–20K IDR) is appreciated. If you return for multiple sessions, a small gift goes a long way.
Massages in Ubud aren’t just indulgence — they’re a part of daily life. Take your time, breathe deep, and let the experience become part of your journey.
Stay at Ananda JJ Ubud Resort & Spa. Click here.
Check out our Ultimate Guide to Ubud.
Where to Stay for a Relaxing Massage Retreat in Ubud
Looking for a peaceful place where you can enjoy daily massages, traditional hospitality, and serene tropical surroundings? Ubud has a wide range of quiet spa resorts, local-run villas, and affordable guesthouses that cater to travellers who prefer comfort, authenticity, and a slower pace.
- Explore Ubud stays on Booking.com – A great place to start for budget-friendly spa resorts and village-run villas with on-site massage options.
- Compare spa retreats on Expedia – Ideal for combining accommodation with flight bookings or finding last-minute deals near Ubud's lush countryside.
- Find relaxing villas on Hotels.com – Earn free nights as you go. A perfect option for longer stays and senior-friendly comfort.
No matter where you choose to stay, don’t miss out on Bali’s most affordable indulgence — a daily massage surrounded by nature, calm, and quiet.
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