Guest User
November 12, 2023
The Asa Maia is a truly exceptional place - we came for an eight-day/seven night EXHALE package. In every detail of this 10-room property you will see owner Martha Booke's brilliance, attention to detail, cultural sensitivity, exquisite aesthetic and connection to Bali. Guests sleep in painstakingly relocated and reassembled traditional east Javanese gladak houses with sloped bamboo roofing. Each gladak has been modernised with gorgeous bathrooms and outdoor showers, sensitive lighting systems and Sumba textiles by Earthline Architects who has also conjured up the AMAZING contrast therapy hot/cold plunge centre, main reception building/spa, sexy gym with all Pilates equipment, heavenly yoga shala, restaurant, divine pool (with steps perfect for reading IN the pool), sauna and ceremonial fire area. The EXHALE program includes all meals (YUM!), several daily yoga classes with a roster of hand-picked fab teachers - Daniela is a beautifully gifted teacher able to teach at every level - as well as exceptional yoga classes she integrates aspects of classic Pilates mat work and Capoiera, also great Yin and Vinyasa classes by Sarah and Koni are available. Breathwork combined with hot/cold therapy with the truly extraordinary Noah Sherwin is also a transformative experience. All spa treatments in the unpretentious, gorgeous spa (try and have a flower bath) are world-class. In our experience, every member of staff was truly fabulous, going above and beyond. By the end of the week, we felt truly at home. There are not many hotels in the world where you will see the owner dropping by for an infrared sauna and a juice shot. Trust the way each wellness program is designed. We loved the mix of guests, from (straight and LBGTQIA) couples dropping in for a long weekend, mums and daughters, new mums having a massive rest, cool older couples, design aficionados, fitspos and super casual types. We all sit at a humungous communal table for meals but there is no obligation to mingle if you want to chill. The wifi works really well too - and I found it a great place for thinking, writing and reading. Located in a perfect spot right near the insanely beautiful beach break at Uluwatu but nestled away from main road traffic and throngs of motorbikes, it's easy to go out for sunset and a nice meal (concierge make great recommendations and they have a golf buggy to shuttle you around) but we chose to stay in all but one night because it was so tranquil and the food was so exquisite - daily specials of Balinese curries made from scratch, all sorts of jamu juices, ginger shots, pandan crepes and power cacao bowls. We love, love, loved our stay so much. Thank you to: Arya, Axel, Chila, Daniela, Giri, Koni, Lina, Maria, Martha, Noah, Purnami, Sandy, Sara, Tanti, Vicky, Yanti and the whole Asa Maia family!