Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort (Part 2)

As promised, here is part 2 of my experience at Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort
(check out part 1 here).
 
Turning to the spa experience at SoSPA tucked away in a secluded corner of the resort ground - 
it has dark, mysterious entrance which was next to SoFIT 
(an innovative gym space boasting state-of-the art equipment, and exercise programs that I am yet to try out).

Like every other spa place, you sit by impatiently to fill in a form  indicating your preferences before the actual treatment. But the difference here is that you’re sitting by an ornamental pool in the lounge area 
with high ceilings, intricately carved wood panels, mood lighting, and a fireplace in the middle.

​​​The range of treatments and therapies is inspired by 
​the form of a restaurant menu: offering “starters”, “main dishes” and “desserts” for you to mix-and-match.
​
A personal therapist will be then assigned to escort you
to the spa rooms that are either single or couple.

The lighting and culture-rich setting makes it 
mystical and relaxing. 
The resort’s attention to detail can be seen not only from the in-room artwork, but also from the design of the walls, basins, and the bathrobes; ​which were a magnifique blend of French elegance with Balinese vibes.

 It is no exaggeration to call it an oasis of tranquility and peace. Dedicated to absolute wellbeing and rejuvenation,
you get to choose your “goal” for this treatment by picking one out of three from their signature massage oils.
I picked the “contouring” rosemary essence that set the tone for the massage. 

The spa started with a warm water feet bath and gentle foot scrub, which is always amazing after a long day.
Proceeding to the therapy bed, at first, I felt a little odd with there being no music.
But once I laid down, the massager played a Tibetan Singing Bowl in the resonant room,
the echoed sound was unforgettably zen and healing
(and reminded me of the tunes often played by one of my favourite yoga instructors before class).
The playlist that followed does have a therapeutic character helping one to connect with your body and soul.
After a few deep breathes, I was completely relaxed.
 
The force and pressure points were pretty spot on.
I asked for the massage to be “hard” and my massager really delivered to untangle my tightened muscles that were in knots. The head massage was also really good for us who can't stop looking at screens.
 
​Post-treatment, guests are served with ginger cookies and some nourishing ginger tea,
and are also welcomed to visit the sauna to detox.
(Side note: girls with voluminous hair would really appreciate how quick their hairdryer dries your hair).

By the beach, you can also receive SoSPA massages. 
The gorgeous Beachfront Ballroom can be rented for events, weddings and private dinners. 

Continuing at the intriguing restaurant - 
​Cut, Catch, Cucina, 
an awardee of the World Luxury Restaurant Awards 2016,
It combines a Steakhouse, Italian Osteria, and Seafood Grill (as you can tell from its name),
bringing a unique and chic wine and dine experience with authentic cuisine from Tuscany and Emilia Romangna.

We had a table overseeing the pool, and this view was a total killer - perfect for romantic dates and family dinners.
Freshly baked sun dried tomato & herb bread were served while we took the time to look at its extensive menu and
​decided on the following:
 
Entree
Yellow fin tuna tatare | Oyster Mayonnaise | Ginger Citrus Dressing | Lemon Juice | shallots | Chives | Radish Croutons

Black Angus Beef Carpaccio | Aioli | Capers | Parmesan | Rocket | Truffle Dressing
​  
Bruschetta | Chargilled sourdough | Fresh tomato & basil | Percorino | Balsamic Vinegar and olive oil

My dad and brother did not take more than a minute before deciding to order from the "CUT" section,
which features premium cuts with Wagyu, Angus, and Kurbuta (a reasonably choice, given the main feature of the place is a Diamond wood-fired oven with broiler and antique rotisserie). We absolutely recommend the wagyu tenderloin, which was way better than the sirloin and well worth the price.

The girls all ordered from the sea grill section, the lobsters were oven-baked to perfection, served with garlic and chilli butter.

The lobsters were unshelled and presented on a mini stove, and we really liked how this kept the meat hot and juicy. We ordered the sides of sautéed mushrooms, onion rings, and truffle chips (which totally satisfied my cravings).

For dessert, we all ordered the panna cotta with white chocolate, coconut gelato, honeycomb, and fresh strawberries; it tasted surprisingly light, perhaps due to the coconut gelato that freshened the dish and balanced out the sweetness.

Live music was played throughout, and the attentive staff members remembered names of each person in my party. The service was warm, welcoming and unparalleled.
 
Overall, it was a trip well-spent at a hospitable resort with contemporary style; the design being a chic mix of sleek elegance and exquisiteness. It has been a while since my family took a trip together, and this experience has made our get-together even more memorable.

After my second time in Bali, I'm confident to say that the island is a surreal place that I'll never get tired of
(also gotta do a separate post on all the amazing cafes Bali has to offer), I'll definitely visit again and stay at the hotel for my next exploration x

Click for more information on the spa experience at Sofitel Hotels & Resorts.