The Asa Maia: An Intimate Boutique Wellness Retreat in Uluwatu

The Asia Maia is an intimate boutique wellness retreat in Uluwatu, Bali, that curates a wellness experience just for you.Their 10 suites encircle an airy central pavilion that is fanned by a 25 metre saltwater pool, contrast therapy baths, fire pit and infrared sauna. 

They practise mindful sustainability which is seen throughout their “Galdaks” a type of traditional Eastern Javanese homes includes the use of edible rice straws, bamboo toothbrushes, and the use of sustainable materials such as ceramic, linen, rattan and more. 

Hypnotherapy at The Asa Maia

We joined Gule, a certified Hypnotherapist and EFT therapist who took us through a session of Hypnotherapy that was much needed as for far too long, we have over glorified being busy. As our subconscious mind determines our behaviour and decision making, this guided relaxation technique works by tapping into the part of your brain that controls your thoughts, memories, and perceptions to break habits, treat phobias, manage pain and alleviate anxiety. 

Breathwork at The Asa Maia

We each take approximately 25,000 breaths a day without ever thinking about it. A form of meditation, breathwork helps to release trauma and tension held in the body to improve digestion, increases oxygen into the body, reduces stress and calms the mind by dampening down our body’s automatic stress responses. 

Syddarta, the resident breathwork practitioner guided us through our very first breathwork session and it was honestly a surreal experience where we felt sensations we never experienced before. We were transported into a deep meditative state so quickly and felt so refreshed after it. 

Contrast Therapy at The Asa Maia 

The Asa Maia brings contrast therapy to Bali through a hot-cold subterranean pool and fire pit. Constructed from volcanic rock, both pools are sunken 5 metres into the earth. This hot and cold immersion is a balm for mental and physical health that goes beyond supporting injury recovery. By stimulating both the immune and circulatory systems, in-house coach Syddarta’s recommends alternating between the 7.5° C cold and 40°C hot pools and he is available for coaching as it is not as easy as it seems. 

Himalayan Salt and Infrared Sauna

One of my favourite facilities at any wellness resort is the Himalayan Salt and Infrared Sauna. This supercharging sauna combines dry heat with infrared light for a double dose of detoxification. Rather than heating the air, the infrared carbon-jade stone and ceramic heaters warm the body’s tissues directly, meaning you sweat more intensely at a lower temperature. 

Himalayan salt tiles charge the atmosphere with negative ions known as “vitamins of the air” which induces a deep state of relaxation and of course, you can unwind to your favourite beats.

The Spa at The Asa Maia

Honouring holistic practices, the massages at The Asa Maia merries the power of healing using a customised approach. If you want to unblock stuck energy, boost a sluggish circulation or relieve a knotted neck, they have got an array of body massages, body treatments, facials, nails and even hair treatments. 

We were recommended to try The Asa Maia’s signature massage treatment. This 90 minute massage uses long, continuous soothing strokes, and thumb and palm pressure to ease muscles and aids the circulatory systems. We absolutely loved that for 90 minutes straight, our therapists palms did not leave our bodies which was so comforting. 

The Food at The Asia Maia 

The Asa Maia’s gut-friendly, seasonally-inspired menu incorporates vegan, pescatarian and vegetarian dishes made with organic ingredients that are free from GMOs, antibiotics, synthetic fertilisers and chemical additives. 

One key winning factor we love about The Asa Maia is that they truly understand slow mornings which means you can have breakfast as per your leisure without feeling the pressure of getting up before breakfast ends.

Some of our favourites were their Avocado Toasts, Potato Cake Florentine, Pandan Crepes, Pulled Jackfruit Burger, Banana Pancakes and more. 

From charcoal buns to cold-pressed elixirs, their palate-pleasing menu is dominated by plant-friendly plates like vegan twists on chilli con carne, burgers made from shredded BBQ jackfruit, lasagna layered with cashew cheese and coconut milk panna cotta. 

Everything from their salad dressings to nut milks are made inhouse and from scratch.