Review: We Check in to Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan, Indonesia

With its brand-new Sacred River Spa and stunning jungle setting by the river, Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan is one of the top luxury wellness destinations when staying in Bali. One of the iconic five-star resort destinations in the Ubud region, the resort hugs the banks of the sacred Ayung River and is set on various levels of the hillside amongst spectacular tropical rainforests. Entering via a stunning walkway you arrive to the main building which is surrounded by a circular rooftop pond…

With 60 villa suites, each is cleverly constructed so that they are concealed in the trees, offering privacy for guests and a true escape from the world. Waking up the sound of birds and the soft call of monkeys in the distance is truly unique. Villa rooms have their own plunge pool, most overlooking the river. There’s plenty of outside seating for lounging day and night. Some rooms in the main building are duplex style, with a small terrace and rainforest views.

The main Ayung Terrace Restaurant serves up breakfast and Indonesian cuisine in the daytime and evening. The breakfast menu is not to be missed with everything from tropical fruits, healthy juices, eggs every way, amazing omelettes to Asian rice porridge and Nasi Goreng.

On the riverbanks you will find the pool area and Mediterranean inspired restaurant Riverside Terrace. The Barramundi cooked in tomatoes and olives is a super choice. Twice a week you can opt to upgrade your stay with a private dining set menu experience at the Chef’s Table Sokasi where you through a guided culinary tour of Bali with six delicious dishes cooked over the coals using traditional methods. The staff are impeccable throughout the resort, offering a warm, friendly, efficient service, always with a smile.

The Sacred River Spa

Reopening in November 2024, the Sacred River Spa has been refurbished and expanded to now include seven private spa villas set out across beautiful, terraced gardens. The spa takes its inspiration from the ancient Balinese philosophy of Niskala (unseen energy).

This magical escape is a haven of peace and tranquillity. The main reception has low level seating and is designed to reflect the Balinese aesthetic. There is a well-appointed spa retail area with clothing, jewellery and skin and body care products.

Walking from the main building across floating walkways you cross ponds filled with carp and lotus flowers, arriving at the spa suite area. These beautifully landscaped walkways create a sense of place and quietly calm the mind, body and spirit before you enter your treatment space.

Each spa suite is self-contained with treatment room, changing facilities, bath, outdoor shower and indoor shower that doubles as a steam room. Each also has a small terrace and seating for relaxing post treatment. The use of dark woods and calming natural tones creates a sense of harmony. The designers have done an incredible job, as the new additions have been crafted with materials that look as though they have been part of the property since its opening, there’s a seamless flow through the spaces.

Central to its revised treatment menu are transformative water-centric therapies that harness the power of the energetic flow from the intangible realm to the physical realm. Most treatments will include some elements of traditional Balinese massage which combines ancient healing with stretching, rolling and pressure to gently ease tension.

A must-try is the Balinese Restu Bumi, which combines a spiritual cleaning ritual to connect with Mother Bali. Traditional instruments, sound therapy and gemstone massage with Indonesian moss agate make this a super special treatment.

The menu also boasts a range of Balinese therapies from chakra healing, a full series of massage treatments from four hands, to cancer care and aromatherapy.

Synthesis Organic Facials bring bio-energetic products to its beautiful facial rituals. The brand, originating in Byron Bay, Australia, offers high performance holistic and aromatherapy skincare. For the brave, try the Holistic Buccal Lift and Sculpt Facial, an uplifting combination of face massage from inside the mouth and across the whole face, neck and shoulders. Instant results can definitely be seen. The staff are super well trained, with excellent techniques and impressive product knowledge. It’s an incredible spa that calms the mind and nurtures the soul.

Taking the wellness stakes up a bar is the Sacred Nap experience. This is offered in a pavilion overlooking the river and led by resident Wellness Mentor Ibu Fera, a former Buddhist nun. Each guest is suspended in a silk hammock and led through a guided meditation featuring sound therapy and a story telling of the life of Buddha. The gentle tones of the guide and the gentle swinging in the hammock means you drift in and out of slumber. Its highly recommended.

Aside from the spa there are lots of options for wellness. There is a well-equipped gym with Matrix Fitness kit. This overlooks the rainforest and three hydrotherapy pools. Each changing room has its own sauna and steam facility too. Complimentary yoga is available each morning, with a different style offered on each day. Booking is advised as numbers are limited. Meditation talks and classes also run throughout the week and personalised yoga and meditation classes (payable) can be arranged to suit your timetable.

The recent upgrades at the Sacred River Spa have consolidated the resort’s place as a must-visit wellness designation in Bali.

Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan
Jl. Raya Sayan, Sayan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Telephone: +62 361 977577

Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan is a 90 minute drive from Denpasar International Airport. Transfers can be arranged.