The Dual Sanctuaries of Four Seasons Bali

Where Sea Meets Spirit

In Bali, true wellness is not confined to the physical body—it extends into the unseen. At the intersection of Sekala, the tangible and visible, and Niskala, the mystical and energetic, lies the essence of transformation. Four Seasons Bali offers a rare opportunity to explore both realms through two immersive retreats: one grounded in physical vitality, the other in spiritual restoration.

The Sekala Awakening: Jimbaran Bay’s Conscious Body Retreat

At the Healing Village Spa of Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay, the Sekala Wellness Retreat invites guests into a three-night journey of embodied self-awareness. Designed to heighten physical perception and restore internal equilibrium, the retreat begins with a personalized choice: either a nurturing Balinese massage or a deep structural realignment inspired by orthopedic techniques.

Cutting-edge wellness technology underpins this grounded approach. Guests undergo a 3DVisBody scan to map posture and body symmetry, followed by bespoke Pilates sessions and AntiGravity® aerial yoga for a recalibrated sense of lightness and control. At the Longevity Garden, a contrast therapy circuit combines nutrient-rich volcanic mud wraps, infrared beds, and ice baths—stimulating circulation, reducing inflammation, and grounding vitality.

To close the retreat, guests may choose between a Gemstone Joy Massage for emotional harmonization, or the Venus Facial—a non-traditional aesthetic ritual that unveils inner radiance through skin rejuvenation.

The Niskala Immersion: Sayan’s Invisible Energies Retreat

Up in the jungle-shrouded highlands of Ubud, Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan offers a parallel path—the Niskala Wellness Retreat. Here, the Holy River Spa taps into the sacred flow of the Ayung River and ancient Balinese wisdom to deliver subtle yet profound energetic healing.

The journey begins with Restu Bumi, a sacred earth-blessing ritual that blends traditional instruments, aromatherapy, and locally sourced herbs to release stored emotional weight. Private yoga sessions unfold in a jungle pavilion, followed by a deep Chakra Ceremony that aligns physical, emotional, and energetic centers.

Guests are also invited into Divine Nap—a mid-day sacred rest in silk hammocks suspended above the valley, enveloped by mountain energies. The Pulih Batin session combines somatic breathwork with contrast therapy—steam, infrared, and ice immersion—to restore energetic flow and inner clarity.

Six Nights, Two Worlds: An Immersive Journey of Integration

Those seeking to explore both realms—Sekala and Niskala—may merge the two retreats into a seamless six-night program. Begin with the physical grounding at Jimbaran Bay, then shift to the spiritual depths of Sayan. Complimentary inter-resort transfers make the transition effortless, supporting a continuous, transformative arc across sea and valley.

Nourishment as Ritual: The Culinary Language of Balance

Every retreat day begins with a sunrise breakfast designed to nourish and energize. Curated menus for lunch and dinner draw from plant-forward, vegan, and sustainably sourced ingredients, aligned with the global Balance by Four Seasons philosophy.

At Jimbaran Bay, Four Seasons collaborates with renowned nutritionist Miles Price to craft healing dishes at Alu restaurant—ranging from Tasmanian salmon with Turkish dips to honey-roasted pumpkin Buddha bowls.

In Sayan, the newly introduced Sattvic Menu pays homage to ancient yogic dietary principles. Highlights include Asinan Kelapa Muda, a refreshingly tart young coconut salad, and Rendang Nangka, a slow-cooked jackfruit dish that reinterprets a regional classic. Western-inspired offerings include charcoal-grilled king oyster mushrooms with truffle glaze, baked cauliflower with yogurt and pomegranate, and chickpea falafel with rich hummus and sautéed spinach.

BEST RESTAURANTS OF THE SEASONS

Across continents and cuisines, six iconic Michelin three-starred restaurants redefine the boundaries of fine dining. From the visionary artistry of the Roca brothers at El Celler de Can Roca in Girona—where culinary tradition meets cutting-edge innovation—to the refined reinterpretation of French classics at Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester in London, excellence is not just expected; it’s engineered. In Tokyo, L’OSIER stands as a symbol of Franco-Japanese elegance, where Chef Olivier Chaignon delivers a delicate balance of classic technique and creative vision, served in a space of hushed, timeless charm.

In Asia and the Americas, equally distinct experiences unfold. Beijing’s Xin Rong Ji blends modern Chinese aesthetics with deep-rooted culinary heritage, offering a serene yet bold take on haute cuisine. In Chicago, Alinea pushes the very concept of dining into multisensory realms under the trailblazing leadership of Grant Achatz, while New York’s Per Se elevates every course into a meditation on flavor, texture, and harmony. Together, these six destinations form a global constellation of gastronomic brilliance—each one not just a restaurant, but a world.

WHERE TO FIND THE BEST BBQ

From the hardwood pits of North Carolina to the lava-rock traditions of Hawaii, American barbecue tells a richly regional story. In the Carolinas, pork is the undisputed monarch—whether whole hogs with vinegar cracklin’ in the East or mustard-slathered shoulders in the South—while Illinois champions rib tips and hot links, served spicy and smoky on thick white bread.

California offers a minimalist approach with Santa Maria tri-tip—no sauce needed—alongside LA’s standout Korean BBQ scene. Louisiana blends Creole, Cajun, and Texas heat into a fiery, sugarcane-sweet hybrid, while Hawaii goes ancestral, slow-cooking dry-rubbed meats in an underground imu beneath layers of banana leaves, with no sauce in sight. Together, these six states form a sensory map of American BBQ at its most diverse and culturally layered.

BEST SOUTH AFRICAN WINE 2025

Discover and explore the best South African wines to try in 2025 with insights from Maya Leanor and tastings rated by jamessuckling.com. From Chenin Blanc to Shiraz and Cap Classique, these wines—curated by the Good Housekeeping Institute and Platter’s Guide—highlight the new wave of innovative South African vintners. Whether you’re browsing budget picks like Aldi’s Cambalala Sauvignon Blanc or seeking luxury bottles for special occasions, this selection showcases 40+ standout reds, whites, and sparkling wines from top Stellenbosch wineries and beyond.

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