hidden pleasures

I'll admit it, I'm not much of a spa goer. In fact, our little getaway last week is only the second time I've ever been to a spa. I guess I'm just not that much into pampering myself. Mae, on the other hand... :)

The nice gentleman at the front desk had asked us to book early cos "weekends are packed". Or so he said. Anyway, our massage appointment was at 2:00pm. We were encouraged to get there a half hour early to enjoy the rest of the spa facilities.

At 1:30pm, we hauled our lazy butts out of the room and got to Sembunyi (which is Malay for "hidden"). Although we had heard there was a section for couples, we were not offered that. But at that point we were practically bursting with anticipation, so we didn't really care. And so, beyond Sembunyi's reception desk, Mae and I went our separate ways.

A young lady leads me to the men's locker room and explains to me all I needed to know about the towels, the robe, the slippers and the shorts!

"You can change here."

"Right here?" Okay, so I'm a prude. What can I say? :)

"Don't worry, this is a men's-only area," she smiled condescendingly. Then she left. After making really sure she had gone, I got down to business.

The whole place was empty. No one. I expected some company in the wet area, but nope. Not a soul. So there I was, with the entire spa to do as I pleased. I could try everything!! Muahahahah!!!

I got into the jacuzzi first. I think there's something about bubbling, warm water that's so enticing, I just couldn't resist. The wonderful terracotta-heavy decor helped me get into the mood. After awhile, I got out and went into the steam room. And then I got adventurous. "Heeyyyy, why don't I try out the cold dip," I thought as I made my way to this small pool of still water. Bad mistake. I got out as quickly as I got in. Any longer and I would have turned into a popsicle.

After a half hour of making an ass of myself, I changed into the dry clothes and made my way to the massage room.

I got to the room where this small Balinese woman awaited - with her oils and her fancy little cup of ginger tea. Feh! This petite little thing is gonna massage me? I wasn't expecting much. But boy, she made me eat my words.

At one point as she was rubbing my back, I was convinced I was never gonna make it out of the place alive. I gritted my teeth to hide my pain and stayed very still to retain what little composure of manliness I had left in me. She paused. "Sir, not strong enough? You want harder?" she asked innocently. "Oh God, no!" I whimpered.

After 45 minutes of a great Balinese massage, I came out of there very relaxed and very rejuvenated. I changed. Then I waited at the reception for Mae. I waited. And waited. They serve me another ginger drink.

I noted a signage above the reception counter. One of the rules spelt it out. "Not recommended for pregnant women". But they took Mae in anyways. Made her lie on her side and gave her a much needed massage.

Mae finally came out grinning from ear to ear. Something tells me we'll be back.