Wednesday 22 February 2012

Day 4 - Stella's Travel Diary - COMO Shambhala Estate

Today was a jam packed day with so many different activities! 
It was an early start at 7.30 to take part in the 2 hour rice paddy field trek which is part of the regular activity schedule. I highly recommend this, not only because the trek is fun and interesting as you learn about local life through the brilliant estate guides, but also because you get to meet other guests staying here and can connect with them.

After a late breakfast I was driven to see the local healer and had to wait in line with other women in their 30s and 40s that had either read or seen Eat, Pray, Love. I felt like a bit of a cliché, but still went out of curiosity. I had mixed feelings about my session with the healer - but I can say that he wasn't a fraud. It's definitely worth the experience if you are quite spiritual.

We asked Widi, our assistant, if he could arrange a picnic lunch by the river followed by a treatment and even with only a couple of hours notice they pulled it off seamlessly!  Our lunch was served on a bale and we chilled out there and had a dip in the rock pools until we had our treatments at the riverside treatment areas; I'm not talking about a massage bed placed on the ground by the river, but full on treatment cabins with a bath, outdoor shower and toilet - all the creature comforts all tuned in with the natural surrounds -unbelievable! I was so blissed out by this that I felt seriously drowsy!  I thought about how I would feel if I was on my own and concluded that this whole place is a 'must do' experience, with or without your partner.

Highlight of the day for me - take a guess. Yes, the whole riverside afternoon. For Mr P, the rice paddy trek. He was fascinated with the engineering of the irrigation systems and loves to trek. We all have our passions!

Monday 20 February 2012

Day 3 - Stella's Travel Diary - COMO Shambhala Estate

Today we experienced the first daylight thunderstorm since we arrived in Bali a week ago. Pretty good for the supposedly rainy season! There was something quite therapeutic and calming  about it and the staff looked at me like I was a weirdo while I stood in the heavy rain and then went for a swim in the pool. The official estate walk was cancelled but after the rain stopped we made our own way down the 300 steps to the river and its sacred water source. On the way down the views were spectacular and we kept discovering hidden treatment areas, bales, and rock pools with decked floor and lounges! This is where John, the General Manager, must have meant when he said that we HAD to have a treatment by the river and simply hang out relaxing there. Note to self - have to do something about that tomorrow!

Our PA , Widi. Who arranges everything for us very efficiently.
The climb back up all those steps was a good workout initself and my private yoga lesson afterwards a welcome treat to stretch out my stiff muscles.  Taking in the view and all these moments, I feel very pampered and privileged to be here!

My highlight of the day. Can't decide between the hot river stone massage (yes I am a treatment junkie) and the morning meditation class. Mr P's highlight - getting to the end of another jungle gym session and also the walk down to the river. He says if I get two choices, so does he!

Day 2 - Stella's Travel Diary - COMO Shambhala Estate

This place is so stylish, but in an understated way, it doesn't intimidate you into feeling not beautiful enough to be here.

Today I had my consultation with Eve,  the resident nutritionist and a very interesting lady, and planned out my programme. Eve is a top nutritionist with serious clinical experience and an impressive holistic approach to nutrition. She left LA at the top of her game to come here and is loving it! It shows through her excitement in helping me plan my activities and treatments. 


For this Spa Holiday I have chosen the rejuvenation programme which is a mixture of rejuvenating private yoga and treatments plus some extra activities that complement the programme. It seems to be a good fit with the resort's very peaceful and nurturing atmosphere.

I was vey naughty with Mr Photi on the other hand who didnt know that he was booked in on a fitness programme until he got here as he is seriously resisting the need for more self care as he moves through middle age. He had his first jungle gym session today and his nutrition consultation.  I was both proud and amused this morning as he ordered poached eggs instead of fried. Every small step is good.

The food is spectacular. I am dreaming about abducting their chef! My  bloated belly is flattening despite having a three course meal for lunch and dinner.

Highlight of the day for me was definitely the taksu massage - a local oil massage that incorporates Thai-style stretching manipulation. For Mr P, it was being able to get to the end of the jungle gym session and gaining a sense of achievement.

Friday 17 February 2012

Day 1 - Stella's Travel Diary - COMO Shambhala Estate

It's been my lifelong dream to visit Bali, and I feel so lucky to be able to visit COMO Shambhala Estate. I arrived here a couple of hours ago and feel overwhelmed by how fantastic this place is! You get a sense when you are driving through the village that's next to the resort, and even before you enter the gates, that this place is going to be something special. But even then, it completely blew me away. 
Bear in mind, I was just coming from an Aman resort that was pretty amazing and a hard act to follow. I have been to some seriously luxurious places in my day but this place is something else. I realised we, and they, seriously undersell it - and for the price and offers we have it's a bargain.
I start my programme tomorrow. I am doing the rejuvenation programme so will keep you updated daily of how it goes. I am staying in the Tirta Ening residence in a COMO Shambhala suite. Just had a late lunch from the raw food menu that was delicious!
Signing off now, a very happy Stella x
View from my Suite!


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My living room!