"Ocean Bath"

This bath focuses on the healing properties of unrefined sea salt harvested on the east coast of Bali. Although not strictly thalassotherapy, this bath relies on the nutrients in the salt to draw out toxins from the body. The benefit of sea salt is based on the premise that sea – water has practically the same chemical make – up as human plasma allowing the body to easily absorb its healing properties. "The Ocean Bath" at The Spa at Jimbaran, Four Season Resort, Bali is altogether a more exotic affair. Not only are the pure sea salts mixed with Bali Sunset Oil containing coconut, vanilla and citrus blends to uplift the senses, this hour – long treatment kicks off with a scalp, neck, shoulder and back massage. As if that were not enough, it takes place in the privacy of your own villa, where the bath tubs have earned an international reputation for their depth, size and comfort.

"Mandi susu"

The tale of Queen Cleopatra and her milk baths is well known, yet do you know anyone who pours a few pints into the tub before climbing in? Trust the Indonesian people with their deep grasp of the good of the natural, to have their own form of milk bath. Known as "Mandi Susu", it has soaked Javanese princesses for centuries as an elixir of eternal youth, Milk, from a goat, sheep or cow, makes skin radically soft and pure to the touch. Modern formulations of this popular ritual have eliminated the taste and smell of milk while maintaining its nutrients with softening proteins. "The Mandi Susu" is a sought – after bathing ritual at the St Gregory Javana Spa in Singapore where therapists leave you soaking in a cloudy white tub for 20 minutes and advise you not to rinse afterwards. At home, you can pour fresh or powdered milk in with the bath water. Or for superior baby – soft skin, try natural yoghurt or buttermilk, but be ready to hold your nose!

"Body conscious"

Long limbs and vital statistics are minor contributors to "The Beautiful Body". Much more important is the state of mind that sits on top. While there is barely a woman alive who is content with her natural shape, every woman can improve her body by upping the respect that she pays to it. This is achieved by taking time for herself – a vital part of life that most of us ignore. The Asian approach to achieving and maintaining a healthy and beautiful body is a sensible one. For a start, it has no time for fad diets and punishing stomach crunches! "Traditional body treatments" from the tropics outstrip those from everywhere else in the world in number and variety and all of them rely on nature’s own pharmacopoeia to produce results. Certainly not skin deep, they not only cleanse and soften our skin, but also draw out impurities from within. Their ritual of application (especially at the hands of dedicated therapists in a spa context) relaxes us, empties our minds and soothes our souls in an atmosphere of peace. All this emphasizes the oriental philosophy that regards beauty as a holistic concept embracing both the inner and outer self. For example, there are everyday words in the Indonesian language that are part of the more specific lexicon of body care which have no real equivalent in English. Indonesian women talk about having a "Lulur" or "Mangir" or "Mandi Susu" as readily as westerners talk of taking a shower. This chapter reveals some of the more exotic body treatments, be they scrubs, baths, wraps, heat treatment and polishes, for glowing skin….and improved self – esteem!