2024-08-02 14:12:38
Nestled in the enchanting setting of Uluwatu, The Asa Maia Hotel embodies the very essence of Balinese wellness and luxury.
This unique resort, located near the beautiful Thomas Beach, offers a peaceful and rejuvenating retreat for those looking to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Uluwatu is renowned for its pristine beaches, world-class surf breaks, majestic cliffs and breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean. Accessible via Ngurah Rai International Airport, the resort is an ideal getaway, set away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist areas, surrounded by rice paddies and close to tropical forests.
The hotel’s creator was raised in North Carolina and felt a sense of disorientation from a young age, finding solace only in rare trips to the British Virgin Islands. Her quest for freedom took her to California at age nineteen, where she adopted a carefree life as a surfer, before discovering Bali in the early 1990s. There, she launched a clothing line, but moved to Brazil after the 2002 Bali bombings. Two pivotal events transformed her life: battling breast cancer and reuniting with her biological family, discovering that her biological father was a designer. Inspired by a breathwork session, she dreamed of creating a wellness center, bringing that dream to life in Bali in 2018. Despite challenges, including construction during the pandemic, she carefully curated every detail of Asa Maia, making it a sanctuary of peace and well-being that reflects her personal journey and resilience.
Asa Maia is a fusion of two Sanskrit words that translate to “hope” and “illusion appearing real.” Combined, they mean “hope beyond illusion.” Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in a spiritual awakening, engage in a structured wellness program, or simply escape the stresses of modern life, The Asa Maia adapts to your personal needs and goals. A place without pressure or pretense, without intimidating detox menus, prioritizing guest comfort and privacy. A sanctuary of design and wellness, The Asa Maia fosters a cultural and spiritual awakening.
Asa Maia’s authentic and eco-friendly architecture blends harmoniously into its natural surroundings, using local and recycled materials. Stepping through the hotel’s doors, you’ll discover a central lobby that serves as a library, art gallery and boutique. Dominated by a spectacular stone spiral staircase, the lobby is adorned with original artwork by renowned artists such as Mangu Putra, Rio Helmi, Davina Stephens and Ute Gabrielle. Each piece tells a story and a facet of Bali, adding a cultural dimension to each visitor’s experience.
The hotel’s ten suites are century-old gladaks, traditional Javanese houses, which have been reconstructed piece by piece on site. These charming rooms offer all the modern comforts: floor-to-ceiling windows, copper or bluestone bathtubs, indoor and outdoor showers, and carefully selected Indonesian art. Accommodation is divided into two categories: the Gladak Studios, which create a cozy atmosphere with artwork and design objects, and the Asa Maia Suites, which embody elegance and comfort with Super King-size or multiple Queen-size beds, Scandinavian-style corner sofas, and premium materials such as rattan and teak wood.
The hotel also boasts world-class wellness facilities. The award-winning spa offers a range of personalized treatments using natural products from Sensatia Botanicals. With a team of therapists with remarkable intuition, the spa offers massages, facials, body scrubs, and the Indonesian Mandi Rempah ritual, an aromatic bath with herbs, rose petals and frangipani. The beauty salon offers manicures and pedicures with vegan and toxin-free nail polishes. The infrared sauna with Himalayan salt provides deep relaxation. Among the unique wellness experiences offered by The Asa Maia, the contrast therapy alternates between hot and cold underground pools, stimulating blood circulation and improving mental and physical health.
The hotel also offers yoga and pranayama sessions in its bright shala. Yoga covers four main styles: Hatha, Yin, Vinyasa and Kundalini, suitable for all levels and needs. Pranayama, the art of conscious breathing, is guided by experts to awaken the parasympathetic nervous system and promote deep relaxation. The 24-hour gym is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, and qualified instructors are available for personalised fitness sessions. On the culinary front, The Asa Maia plays the card of an ultra-healthy and sustainable menu. The restaurant offers vegan, vegetarian and pescatarian dishes, made from organic and local ingredients. The menus, which change seasonally, highlight Indonesian culinary traditions while reducing food waste. Asa Maia’s cuisine is a celebration of mental and physical health, highlighting the importance of mindful eating that nourishes the body from the inside out.
The Asa Maia stands out for its commitment to the environment. No single-use plastic is used, and the bathrooms are equipped with reusable cotton pads, wooden toothbrushes and eco-friendly toiletries. The hotel’s structure and furniture are mostly made from recycled wood, and the pool deck is made from recycled iron from an old Borneo bridge. The Asa Maia Hotel is more than just a place to stay, it’s an immersive experience in the Balinese way of life. Combining understated luxury, warm hospitality and respect for the environment, this hotel offers the perfect setting for a memorable holiday in Bali!
Organize your trip and accommodation in Bali: with Secret Retreats
Secret Retreats is a collection of unique properties and experiences, including boutique hotels, villas, cruises, restaurants and exclusive itineraries, across Asia. It is a community created by independent owners and chefs to share resources and ideas. Secret Retreats offers authentic travel experiences to connect with the heart of Asian culture and traditions. Secret Retreats members are dynamic advocates for the nature around them and are passionate about sharing unforgettable moments with travelers curious to discover the “essence of Asia”. All properties and experiences emphasize supporting local communities, environmental protection and sustainability efforts to ensure that a form of responsible travel that benefits locals and travelers alike can continue for years to come.
By Sébastien Bardos
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