The Mello Spa in Seminyak, Bali tailors body and facial treatments that utilizes tools and principles of biohacking. These include integration of NAD+, Infrared Light, and Oxygen Therapy.
Bali is a top of mind destination for wellness tourism. After the pandemic, reasons for visiting the Island of the Gods have significantly shifted towards addressing the need for restoration, rest, relaxation. For two years now, I've been flying to Bali for wellness, yoga or spiritual retreats. These annual trips have since become an integral part of my well-being journey, revealing new healing modalities that allow me to show up as the best version of myself each day.
The retreats I've been to typically take place in five-star resorts and hotels. So naturally, the luxurious spa treatments that I get to indulge in during wellness sojourns happen within the property. From off grid wellness escapes at the Spa Village in Tembok to blissful holistic health holidays at the Raffles in Jimbaran, the unique face and body treatments in these upscale properties never failed to disappoint.
The one and only time I felt underwhelmed by a Balinese massage was when I booked a treatment at a stand alone spa center in Seminyak. I was in town for a work trip and was in bad need of some pampering. The spa that I found near my villa, although convenient, lacked the ambience for relaxation. Cramped configuration and rushed treatments that were evidently templated made one feel like just another body in a factory line customers. While the therapists were lovely, expertise and product knowledge were clearly missing.
"Most of the luxury spas around Bali are attached to a five-star hotel or resort. You will hardly find a stand alone spa that offers the same level of attention to detail or expertise," observes Fatima Khan. Together with her brother, Perth-based doctor Mumtaz Khan, they recently opened a holistic wellness space that endeavors to bring an elevated spa experience to a global audience. Their brainchild, Mello Spa, is the culmination of their passion for redefining and reshaping the spa and beauty experience in Bali.
The newly opened Mello Spa is conveniently located along Jalan Kayu Aya, just a hop and skip away from iconic Bali destinations like The Legian, Kim Soo Café and The Colony Hotel. The facade, an immaculate white wall peppered with contemporary tile art work, immediately hints at the state-of-the-art treatments that await inside. Double doors with the brand's logo forged as metal knobs open up to an expansive, cozy space. Internationally-renowned architectural and design firm, Samma Studio, brought together a contemporary blend of neutral colors and metallic textures "intended to evoke a sense of warmth, elegance, and relaxation."
Guests of the spa are invited to "Come as you are, and find your Mello." These are words that reflect a more considered and customized approach in providing wellness experiences. "My idea of self-care oR mellowing down, will most likely be different for others," shares Fatima. "We recognize that every individual is unique in their wellness journey. The things that bring them bliss, that allow them to mellow down, will vary. This is why we sought out to create a tailored experience that addresses these needs and wellness goals."
Treatments begin with a thorough one-on-one consultation with a therapist. And while this is pretty standard for most spas, Mello's pre-treatment conversations with clients pay close attention to one's current state of being, current lifestyle, and schedule white in Bali. These encounters also inspire guests to define their own Mello, allowing them to identify not just preferred firmness and rom temperature but also oil scents and Mello playlist. You can even indicate if you want a little small or complete silence during your treatment.
Mumtaz explains that Mello's menu treatment took inspiration from biohacking principles. "We believe in utilizing technology and other tools to change the body's behavior. Our massages, for example, were designed to help regenerate the body AND lower cortisol levels," explains the co-founder and anesthetist. During my visit to Mello, I booked a Body Massage with Gua Sha which helped promote lymphatic drainage circulation. Fresh from a long flight, the 90-minute indulgence provided relief from puffiness and muscle aches. "We use our IMBIBE Copper Contour Body Gua Sha tool to aid in regulating the body especially when it is on fight mode," he explains. The spa also offers the option to combine massages with dry brushing, which helps with skin exfoliating, circulation and detoxification.
After my therapist Sugi worked through the stubborn knots on my upper back and tensed muscles on my body, she proceeded to give me an Oxygen Facial using Medik8 products. Mumtaz emphasizes that, "Unlike other spas, we are not attached to any one brand. The products we use are based on what our client's unique needs are. So we have an all-natural clean beauty brand called Fields of Arrow. Medik8 is a cosmeceutical label that follows a clinically proven approach to beauty called the CSA philosophy. Then we have Young Goose, which harnesses breakthrough molecules like NAD+ and Spermidine to boost cellular energy and reverse signs of aging. So depending on our client's preference, we have a range of products to suit their treatments." The Mello Spa also utilizes other biohacking tools like infrared light, NAD infusions, and chemical peels to enhance every facial treatment.
After Sugi worked through the stubborn knots on my upper back and tensed muscles on my body, she proceeded to give me an Oxygen Facial using Medik8 products. Mumtaz emphasizes that, "Unlike other spas, we are not attached to any one brand. The products we use are based on what our client's unique needs are. So we have an all-natural clean beauty brand called Fields of Arrow. Medik8 is a cosmeceutical label that follows a clinically proven approach to beauty called the CSA philosophy. Then we have Young Goose, which harnesses breakthrough molecules like NAD+ and Spermidine to boost cellular energy and reverse signs of aging. So depending on our client's preference, we have a range of products to suit their treatments." The Mello Spa also utilizes other biohacking tools like infrared light, NAD infusions, and chemical peels to enhance every facial treatment.
A mix of hydrating serums from MediK8 and Hyperbaric Mask from Young Goose helped to dramatically bring back skin's vitality. After a double cleanse, gentle exfoliation aided in decongesting skin. MediK8's Hydr8 B5 Liquid Rehydration Serum was then applied and reinforced on skin by pressurized pure oxygen. A deeply restorative mask followed, at which point, I had dozed off to dreamland. I woke up just before sunset to visibly glowing, hydrated, and radiant skin. It was the only skin prep I needed for a night out on town.
State-of-the-art tools and science-backed products only come secondary to Mello Spa's secret sauce: its people. Fatima declares, "The team, our staff are the foundations of Mello Spa. Before we opened our doors, we were determined to train and empower our therapists so that they could offer informed recommendations and treatments for our clients. We wanted to break that master-servant relationship that's prevalent between the locals and visitors on the island." Pre-launch, staff were given access to the highest standard of education and training while getting paid full rate. "We believe that by arming the Balinese staff with education and industry skill, they are empowering everyone to have greater control over their lives and their future. Leading up to the launch, we have watched our staff evolve and dedicate themselves to their craft."
My therapist Sugi had expertly crafted a wellness day that addressed the need to ease body aches and revitalized tired-looking skin. She had so eloquently articulated treatment recommendations, choice of products, tools, and its benefits. Her expertise, dedication, and attention to detail -- considering the kind of playlist I wanted and the bed temperature that was most comfortable for me-resulted in a seamless spa experience from start to finish.
Although I've visited countless spas in Bali and various parts of the world, Mello is the only wellness sanctuary where therapists are not merely faceless employees. They make up a network of chosen families we connect with as we explore various parts of the world. And because they now feel like kin, one is likely to return to Mello Spa every time in the Island of the Gods.