Escape from the buzz and constant din of a city as busy as Singapore is a necessity. To refresh. To regroup. To find that place of inner stillness. Being based in Singapore has its advantages, one of which is the city is a hub. We are spoiled for tropical paradises to choose from for short and longer trips. There is a city, a beach, a resort or culture to suit everyone’s taste, desires, and budget, just an easy flight from Singapore.

For me, this past March I needed a special place. Somewhere quiet, away from the city. I wanted a beautiful place to detox and cleanse, emotionally, mentally, and physically. I wanted privacy, with personal and discreet service. Somewhere I could unwind, practice yoga and meditation, float in a pool, and cozy up with a book. Pampering myself was the top of my list, because it seemed like my self-care practice was off-track. Caring for myself, hearing what is important – that’s what mattered for this trip. So I decided on Ubud, right in the middle of the forest and Como Shambhala.

I took the early flight to Bali and by the afternoon, I was soaking in a large deep stone tub, listening to a-ha. I felt enveloped – safe, floating in life’s elixir. It was so healing, with water up to my chin, in an infusion of essential oils and sea salts. The dark clouds had rolled in and rain began to fall, surrounding my villa with wondrous sounds, rhythmic and soothing. A symphony of nature’s song.

I drifted off, completely relaxed, washing away all my cares and the travel off my weary body. The only reason why I left that warmness was my personal butler had already made a spa appointment for me. In fact, by the same time the next day, he would have printed me my itinerary booklet, detailing my spa treatments, meals, and any activities and excursions that may interest me. My earlier consultation with the nutritionist Eve was translated into my meals for the week ahead.

The Spa Experience

The spa reception was simply breathtaking. The rain had stopped and the glow of the departing sun enveloped the misty forest in a veil of mystery, like the divide between two worlds. Somewhere someone’s day was starting as mine was just ending, sliding into darkness.

The forest around us was very much alive and pulsating as daytime creatures were winding down and the nocturnal ones began to stir. There was a lightness in the mountain air. Clean. Untainted. Peaceful.

The design of the reception area reflected this perfectly, open to the forest on one side and the courtyard on the other.  With the natural materials, I felt like an integral part of nature and the greenery. Unobtrusive.

There was no irritating “relaxing” spa music while I waited for my appointment. The staff was attentive, without being intrusive and I was left with a cup of delicious ginger tea to enjoy.

The Best Massage Technique

The spa treatment that evening, like all the ones that followed at Como that week, was simply amazing.

I love their technique of firm strokes up and down the entire side of the body, at times switching tantalizingly from one side to the other at the waist. Most massage therapists work on the upper body, then the lower body, going from the back to the front. I actually feel like they are splitting up my body, rather than seeing me holistically. So it was refreshing and even exciting to be worked on and touched in a new way. I hovered in half-slumber as you do during a massage, enjoying complete physical relaxation while mentally I drifted off to some half-thought half-dream world. It was wonderful. Exactly perfect.

Heavenly Food

The most important part of any detox and cleanse is the diet. It was one of the reasons I chose Como Shambhala. I love eating at glow here in Singapore. The food is always fresh, delicious, and complex-yet-simple.

The dinner that night and the breakfast the next day were the only meals outside my cleanse package. I was free to choose whatever I wanted, though I was advised to eat “cleanly”.

Easing into and out of a cleanse makes it easier for the digestive system and increases its effectiveness. Not reacting poorly physically to the detox also means you can enjoy the experience psychologically and emotionally. I don’t drink coffee or caffeinated tea or eat much meat so my system was already somewhat prepped for a cleanse.

So what did I choose? I admit I did splurge on the pre-cleanse meals. I just couldn’t help it. The Moroccan spiced veggies and quinoa that night was scrumptious. The dish was delicious, every bite heavenly, topped with figs, almonds, and raisins. The textures, the tastes, the smells.

My last pre-cleanse meal the next morning was raw crepes and almond milk porridge with cinnamon and shaved young coconut. With figs. So savory and nourishing. I actually felt happy and joyful eating this breakfast. Yes, even despite the circumstances that brought me to Bali.

Sitting in a re-assembled 200-year-old building from Java, I was lost in my own quiet reverie of life. At this crossroads. With the fresh morning air, fluttering insects, faint sounds of the forest, it all receded. Life was good, I reminded myself.

Even though the rest of my cleanse diet was simple and clean, everything I had was delicious, from all the juices and soups to the steamed tofu and vegetables. I was quite surprised to find steamed tofu to be so delicious.

Moving Meditation

For me, a cleanse is not complete without meditation, yoga, and swimming. It’s not only what I eat, or not eat. The movement, thought, is nothing strenuous. Stretching of the body and the mind, allowing more space within. Though it’s a constant goal, I don’t have a regular yoga or meditation practice. I’m forever a beginner, even though I went to my first yoga class more than fifteen years ago.

I’m open to learning from different people and different lineages to build the foundation of a stronger practice. Both the resident and guest teachers at the resort were well-versed and dedicated. Meditation and yoga in an open pavilion, overlooking the forest, was obviously a different sensory experience than being in my own living room back home or in my villa here. I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the impact of the attitude and knowledge of the teachers. They simplified everything, seeding the belief that a daily practice is not only possible for them, but for someone like me.

Exploring Como Shambhala Grounds

When the rain let up, I explored the estate Como Shambhala sits on. The estate walk was unavailable since the rain had made parts of it off-limits. The winding paths led me down to the river. I stopped at a beautiful vista for a meditation, before relaxing in a spring-fed pool by the river.

Perhaps it’s the size or maybe it’s because it was low season; the estate was very serene and quiet. The only time I saw other guests was at the pool and restaurant.

Along the way, I would meet up with the gardeners and other workers diligently keeping this place beautiful. Everyone would smile. The Balinese are known for their friendliness. A few times I would meet Sandy, the resident dog, and his handler. On occasion Sandy would continue with me on my walk and even returning to my residence for company. I felt like I was a guest at a friend’s home, with very attentive staff (complete with a personal masseuse and a chef!) and an ultra-friendly dog. I was of course missing my own two dogs.

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My Seven Nights at Como Shambhala

Meditation. Yoga. Hydrotherapy and lots of swimming in the spring water pools. Hiking and biking through the rice fields. I even had time to see a local healer and attend a water purification ceremony. I was thoroughly relaxed. The divine spa treatments definitely put me in another zone. I felt much lighter and healthier. The cleanse was completely tailored – no cookie-cutter detox here at Como Shambhala. I had released toxins on many levels, letting go of the turmoil that was in my life at that time. I felt ready to emerge from the forest, to face the world again. Happy.