Tanjung Intan visit the Hotel Tugu Bali Canggu live their renowned Purnama and Tilem Massage Waroeng djamu Spa.
I'm sitting in a picturesque wooden chair and the smell of burning incense hits suddenly my senses. Kadek Muriadi appears behind the flowing curtains that adorn the wood joglo spacious, traditional which is the lobby of the Hotel Tugu Bali. In her hand she carries a tray of incense, flowers for the offering and an empty bowl clay.
I am here for the Purnama and Tilem unique massage at Spa and Waroeng djamu Kadek will help me.
"There are two blessing rituals to follow before the massage," said Kadek we walk in front of the hotel lush landscape of Batu Bolong Beach. "He will cleanse the mind and balance your inner peace during and after the massage."
The Purnama (full moon) and Tilem (new moon) massage, which was inspired by the full Balinese moon and new moon ceremonies, combines a unique blend of sacred ritual and heritage of beauty, and is available only during these two moons.
During these moons, purification ceremonies are arranged to wash away sins, and celebrate Rwa Binneda - the two energies of life, good and evil, the darkness and brightness. In ceremonies, Balinese worship the Goddess Sang Hyang Chandra Purnama, and pray to Sang Hyang Surya Tilem.
Kadek takes me to the beach of Batu Bolong where the first blessing ritual will take place. As we arrive, the sun is slightly above the horizon, coloring the sky with amazing shades of orange that give it a mystical appearance. On the black sand beach, she prays for a blessing from the sea guard and asks me to clean my feet with breaking waves before starting our massage ritual.
I am led to a semi-outdoor pavilion Waroeng Djamoe Spa that features a touch exotic wood and bamboo. The pavilion, which is located close to the beach, is decorated with antique wooden furniture and balanced with the presence of a mosaic, a turquoise bath.
The smell of frangipani oil on my body evokes my senses; my mind is suddenly at ease. Frangipani is one of the most important flowers Balinese beliefs. Its powerful fragrance and white, elegant look make this flower a symbol of purity, a sacred offering that is always present in every Balinese ceremonies.
I bathe in the warm, foamy water filled with floating frangipani flowers. The sky turned black, and darkness arrives. Around the tub, several candles are lit to add a magical feeling. The Balinese believe that bathing in water scented with fragrant petals of the frangipani flower in the light of the full moon wash impurities. In the background, the glorious sounds of the ocean and the sound of birds returning to a sense of tranquility; I feel one with nature.
Ending the experience was the last blessing ceremony. I get up in front of a shrine, receiving water splashes holy a priest who prays later Sang Hyang Chandra. It asks the god to protect me from bad energy that can disturb me on my way home.