I had heard that Aura Day Spa is cheap but the interior is not so nicely done up, while Aroma Day Spa, though highly recommended, is the priciest of the lot(think $99 for a 1hr massage). So I decided to try the Martha Tilaar Spa, which is Indonesia's Number 1 Spa Chain, and the D'Bintan Spa, opened by the same boss of the Martha Tilaar Spa Bintan.
Martha Tilaar Spa
Spa Interior
Mani-Pedi area
Couple Room
Double Jacuzzi Bathtub in Couple Room
Rest and relax area
Sweet, Spicy Ginger Tea served after treatment
I did the 2.5hr Sri Dewi Princess Body Contouring Treatment at $95, which includes Body Mask, Body Scrub, Steam, Massage, Jacuzzi Bath and Body Lotion.
The massage was acceptable, and I enjoyed the steam session and luxurious herbal bath the most.
D'Bintan Spa
Reception
There is only 1 large room with massage beds separated by curtains
Hygiene kit
I did the 2.5hr Contouring Bods Treatment at $65 which includes a Tropical massage, Body Mask and shower.
The massage was good, and the mask was relaxing, but I didn't like not having a private room and the shower is unisex, which made me feel uncomfortable. As there is only one shower in the large treatment room, my hubby had to walk through the reception area wearing only the robe to the other shower located beside the nail salon area. You can imagine the stares that attracted!
Verdict: Pay more and enjoy the privacy and luxury of the ambiance at the Martha Tilaar Spa. A typical 2hr spa package with body scrub, massage, steam, body mask, jacuzzi bath and body lotion begins at $73.
Thanks for sharing. I always wanted to try out the martha tilaar spa. So do you book your slots in advance and do they arrange for free transport to and fro from our resort to their location?
ReplyDeleteI book my slots in advance as I have been there 3 times already. There is free transport back to all resorts on Bintan, but for pick-up, only certain resorts allow the transport in for pick-up. Banyan Tree allows pick-up, and is my top-choice each time I go to Bintan, truly worth the hefty price tag.
ReplyDeleteBintan Lagoon does not allow pick-up and everything is chargeable. Popular with Singaporeans, but I wouldn't stay there again!
Thanks for pointing out that issue with Bintan Lagoon...I was contemplating booking their place.
ReplyDeleteSo I suppose I have to check with Martha Tilaar directly. Thanks for your quick response!
PS. Any good food tips?
If budget allows choose Banyan Tree. Their Thai restaurant is really good and their destination dining is worth the splurge! Its private dining at a location you choose. The beachside one and the one on the rocks in the sea are my top choices.
ReplyDeleteFor cheap grub, the hawker centre opposite Martha Tilaar has very cheap n yummy mee goreng(ask the spa people to point out the stall) and bakso. Only thing is I've a monster appetite and the food portions are a bit small, so I just order more...wah haha....