Did you know that many spas do not offer massage to cancer survivors, guests in active treatment or with a history of cancer as there is a misconception that massage can spread the disease?
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts Bali is correcting that misguided beliefs with the launch of its groundbreaking Cancer Care Massage.
Therapists trained following the Standards Authority for Touch in Cancer Care, recognised as the national standard in the UK and Ireland for spas, salons and therapists. The massage is now available at its two spas: Healing Village Spa at Four Seasons Jimbaran Bay, and Sacred River Spa at Four Seasons Sayan in the foothills of Ubud.
It is a completely personalised experience and recommended at any stage during the cancer journey – pre-treatment, during treatment or rehabilitation – to soothe the nervous system, and increase the sense of calm and emotional support. Before the first session, the therapist conducts an in-depth consultation to find out the guest’s type of cancer, treatment and side effects. They then adjust the massage including body position, bed set-up, pressure and technique.
The Cancer Care Massage is the first step towards comprehensive self-care programmes being launched at Four Seasons Resorts Bali in 2021, led by resident wellness experts. The retreats will cater for people at various stages of the cancer journey, incorporating sleep therapy, chromatherapy, sound healing, touch therapy, energy rebalancing, and good nutrition.
We are all about making an entrance. Here’s five most spectacular ways resorts will wow you even before you check-in.
Bawah Reserve Fly from land and arrive on water. Your amphibious plane takes you from Batam’s International Airport for an 80-minute journey to the Riau Archipelago, the home of Bawah Reserve. The plane lands on Bawah’s spectacular waters right in front of your suite, but not before making a spectacular fly-past to give you a bird’s eye view of Bawah’s gorgeous isles and lagoons.
The Peninsula Hong Kong
Arriving Hong Kong International Airport, you will be
greeted airside (!) by The Peninsula staff, fast tracked past immigration and,
after identifying your luggage (the staff swiftly take this from you) whisks
you out of the Arrivals Hall to your waiting car. Blink and you’ll miss it – a Phantom
Rolls Royce. Painted in The Peninsula’s exclusive Brewster Green colour, the
ride is a spectacular amalgamation of polished wood and leather – and style!
On a personal note: we once had a Rolls Royce transfer from
The Peninsula Hong Kong to another hotel and was involved in a minor fender
bender. It was raining mildly. Traffic stopped. Our driver was extremely concerned
about our safety (we were ok and enjoying the whole experience of being the centre
of attention!). Barely 10 minutes past before
another Peninsula staffer came with another Rolls Royce to ensure we made it to
our destination. Best. Experience. Ever.
Credit: The Peninsula Hong Kong
Soneva Kiri
Travel by air, land and water seamlessly. From Suvarnhabumi International
Airport, you fly to Koh Kood on the resort’s private plane for about 90 minutes.
Your plane lands in the neighbouring Koh Mai Si in the resort’s own airport –
complete with a rustic waiting lounge and fire trucks! As you disembark, Soneva
Kiri’s Fridays (hosts) collect you in an electric buggy for a minute’s ride to the
jetty. From here, it’s a five-minute journey on the hotel’s private boat to the
resort, with just enough time to down the fresh watermelon juice onboard. And
don’t worry about your luggage – they are transferred discreetly to a separate
boat and will wait for you in your villa.
Shinta Mani Wild – Bensley Collection
Nestled deep within Cambodia’s South Cardamom National Park Wilderness in a pristine wildlife corridor three hours’ drive south of Phnom Penh is Shinta Mani Wild – Bensley Collection. Radical best sums up the arrival. At this luxury tented camp, you arrive at the gate lounge by road or helicopter before strapping yourself to the resort’s purpose-built 380 metre zipline to make your grand entrance to the lobby. Enroute, you will pass river and waterfalls, arriving ‘Indiana Jones style’ in the Landing Zone Bar. Those who prefer a milder entrance can also opt for the jeep transfers.
Credit: Shinta Mani Wild – Bensley Collection
Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle
You will be greeted at Chiang
Rai International Airport by Four Seasons guides who will escort you to a
waiting car. Freshen up with cold face towels and sit back to enjoy the
75-minute journey past bucolic villages and emerald rice fields. Your journey
ends at a small dock where you will then take a traditional long tail boat down
river, arriving the Camp pier in just 10 minutes.
