Our review : The Asa Maia in Bali

The Asa Maia is a new boutique hotel nestled in Uluwatu that caught our eye for its holistic approach to wellness. A discreet setting, a tailor-made wellness offering and immersion in Balinese culture – that’s what this establishment promises. Pascal Languillon, CEO of Luxe Wellness Club, went to see what this trendy place had to offer. Thrills guaranteed with contrast therapy.

The hotel is located close to Bingin beach, a fairly quiet corner of Uluwatu, a mythical area of Bali that is currently undergoing rapid development. As soon as I arrived, what struck me was the harmony between the local architecture and the natural environment. The buildings, constructed from reclaimed wood, are simple but well integrated into the tropical landscape. No ostentatious luxury here, but a relaxed atmosphere that invites you to unwind.

The small size of the hotel (just ten suites) allows for a certain degree of privacy. The communal areas, while remaining sober, offer a pleasant setting for relaxing between two activities. There’s a lovely swimming pool, from which I was able to observe some monkeys! Mind you, if you’re looking for a party place in Uluwatu, look elsewhere. The Asa Maia is very quiet.

The rooms are beautiful but relatively simple. It’s not the grand luxury you’d find in other Bali establishments in terms of space, as the rooms remain small, but I love the design and furnishings.

A personalized approach to well-being

One of The Asa Maia ‘s strong points is its approach to wellness, which is tailored to each individual. The hotel offers consultations to establish a program tailored to your needs. There are no standardized programs here, but a real effort is made to understand your needs. Whether you’re looking for relaxation or revitalization, theteam will try to create a customized program for you.

Every morning begins with a yoga session. The classes, which vary according to level, are held in a beautiful room with lovely views, which adds a soothing dimension to the practice. I found the Brazilian teacher to be a very good listener, with a high-quality class.

The spa is small too, with just two treatment rooms, but both are truly magnificent. It uses local and natural products, which adds an authentic touch to the experience.

My favorite is contrast therapy

One of the interesting features of The Asa Maia is its approach to contrast therapy, a concept that is gaining in popularity in the wellness field. This method relies on alternating between environments of intense heat and cold, a process designed to stimulate blood circulation, strengthen the immune system, and promote rapid recovery of the body after physical exertion or stress.

What I really appreciated was the fact that it was done in a group, which creates motivation and reduces the fear of plunging into icy water. The process generally begins with a session in the infrared sauna, where the intense heat opens the skin’s pores and releases muscular tension. Immersed in this heat, the body rapidly sweats, helping to eliminate accumulated toxins.

Once this step has been completed, you plunge straight into a cold-water pool, located just a few steps from the sauna. Cold water at around 6°C stimulates the cardiovascular system. The thermal shock has an energizing effect, and although the first immersion may seem startling, the sensations that follow are particularly pleasant.

This contrast between hot and cold is repeated several times during the session, and each passage reinforces the benefits felt. What I particularly liked about this method was the sensation of lightness and vitality you feel immediately afterwards. It’s a process that takes just 20-30 minutes, but leaves a lasting imprint on the body, bringing a sense of freshness and mental clarity. Although I’m used to classic saunas and hammams, this alternation with cold water brings a new, much more energizing dimension.

Healthy, local cuisine

Food is an integral part of the wellness program at The Asa Maia. Every meal is prepared using organic and local ingredients, allowing guests to discover a new take on Indonesian cuisine that is both healthy and tasty. Dishes are varied, with particular attention paid to nutritional balance, without sacrificing taste.

The vegetarian menu I tried was a pleasant surprise, with its flavors and creative combinations. The portions are reasonable, and the meals as a whole fit in well with a stay focused on health.

The Asa Maia also offers activities focused on discovering Balinese culture. The hotel also offers workshops on local handicrafts, such as the making of small daily offerings, providing a better understanding of certain Balinese traditions. These activities are a great way to add a cultural dimension to a wellness stay.

Our feeling

In conclusion, The Asa Maia offers a peaceful, discreet retreat, ideal for those looking to recharge their batteries while enjoying the proximity of Uluwatu’s beaches. The emphasis is on a personalized wellness experience, rooted in local traditions and respectful of the environment. A good choice for those seeking tranquility, with the right balance between wellness treatments and cultural discovery.
Luxe Wellness Club