A Wellness Day at Raffles Spa, Raffles Jakarta

Discover Raffles Spa Jakarta through an immersive wellness journey combining Indonesian-inspired treatments, breathwork, stretching and relaxation.

The hotel itself feels like an extension of an art gallery, with the work of renowned Indonesian artist Hendra Gunawan woven throughout the property. From the grand painting that greets you in the foyer to artworks tucked around the lifts, sculptures dotted throughout the gardens and the striking mural overlooking the pool, his influence is impossible to miss. Gunawan’s depictions of Indonesian life, nature and movement have been translated into the hotel’s interiors and outdoor spaces, giving the property a distinctive sense of place. It is one of those hotels where simply walking around becomes part of the experience.

During our time in Jakarta, Raffles curated an extensive urban relaxation and rejuvenation experience designed to move through the body, mind and soul. Over the course of almost five hours, the experience gradually shifted from grounding and movement to deep relaxation and, eventually, restoration.

We began with a leisurely walk through the Hendra Gunawan Garden, where art and nature intertwine. The gardens are surprisingly expansive for a property in such a busy part of Jakarta, with sculptures depicting scenes inspired by the artist’s life sitting among the greenery. There is a sense of separation from the city here that feels almost surreal. It is only when you catch a glimpse of the skyline, or look across to the hotel’s tennis courts, that you remember you are still in one of Southeast Asia’s busiest capitals.

From the gardens, we settled into a secluded enclave for a little breathwork. It was the perfect way to begin the wellness journey, allowing a few quiet moments to properly arrive in the space before the treatments began. Even here, there was barely any sense of the traffic and noise beyond the hotel grounds. Instead, there was only greenery, fresh air and the gentle rhythm of our breathing.

Back at Raffles Spa, we had some time to explore the facilities before beginning the treatments. The spa itself feels like a sanctuary, with beautifully appointed treatment rooms, relaxation spaces and an impressive array of wellness facilities. One of the details that immediately caught my attention was the heated relaxation beds, positioned in front of the city view. After spending a few minutes there with refreshments, I could already feel my body beginning to let go.

Then there was the ice fountain, a particularly memorable feature. Small chips of ice are available to cool the body after time in the steam room, offering a surprisingly invigorating contrast to the heat. It is a small detail, but one that makes the spa experience feel considered from beginning to end.

The treatment itself began with 10 minutes of Tibetan Vibration Relaxation, and this was easily one of my favourite parts. A singing bowl is placed directly on different areas of the body, allowing its sound and vibrations to travel through you. There is something incredibly comforting about the sensation. As the bowl resonates, the vibrations seem to ripple through the body, almost as though they are searching out areas of tension before gently encouraging them to release. It was the kind of treatment that immediately quietened both body and mind, setting the tone for everything that followed.

From there came the 60-minute Raffles Jakarta Signature Heritage Massage, which combines Lomi Lomi, Balinese and Javanese techniques with a signature ginger oil. This was where the experience really began to demonstrate why Raffles Spa has earned its reputation. The massage was intuitive and deeply restorative, working through areas of tension without ever feeling rushed. By this point, I was completely surrendered to the experience.

The final part of the treatment focused on facial acupressure, bringing some much-needed attention to the face after the full-body work. By the time I left the treatment room, my skin was glowing and my entire body felt noticeably lighter. It was the rare kind of relaxation where you can actually feel the difference rather than simply telling yourself that you are relaxed.

But the experience did not end there. I was escorted to my own private cabana beside the pool, where refreshments from Navina Pool Bar were waiting. With healthy bites and detox-infused water on hand, it was the perfect transition from treatment to simply doing nothing for a while. Sitting beside the water, surrounded by greenery and Hendra Gunawan’s artwork, it was remarkably easy to forget that Jakarta was carrying on just beyond the hotel.

To finish the day, we headed into a 30-minute stretching session with one of the spa’s physiotherapists. Stretching is something I often take for granted, particularly when doing it alone, because it is easy to stop just before you reach the point where the body actually needs the work. With professional guidance, I was encouraged to go further and work through areas that were particularly sore and tight. It was not always comfortable, but in the best possible way, and the guidance on which areas I should pay more attention to was something I genuinely appreciated.

Looking back, I think the best testament to the experience was how well I slept that night. It unfolded into an entire afternoon dedicated to slowing down, moving, breathing, restoring and simply allowing myself to be looked after.

For Raffles Jakarta to create such a deeply restorative environment in the middle of one of Southeast Asia’s busiest capitals is no small feat. The art, gardens, spa and thoughtful rituals all work together to create a sense of escape without ever needing to leave the city.

To learn more about the Raffles Spa at Raffles Jakarta, and to make a reservation, head to their website raffles.com/jakarta/spa!