Bali at Sayan

When you book a massage at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan, you might meet Suriyani, a master of the traditional Balinese massage that has been passed down through generations. Suriyani’s expert technique consists of long strokes, gentle skin rolling, deep kneads, and foot reflexology. She also relies on essential oils that are blended with warm spices and basil, indigenous grasses, and patchouli.

Suriyani had travelled little beyond her native Bali when she boarded a flight to New York City – not without some trepidation – for a special spa promotion at Four Seasons Hotel New York. “But our spa promotion was such a success,” she says with her customary good cheer. “The staff at Four Seasons begged us to come back. And the guests enjoyed the Balinese massage so much that they were still demanding it on the day that we were due to fly home.”

Suriyani showed still more of an adventurous spirit when she travelled by herself to the Maldives to learn and share massage therapies. She spent six months there, living, working, and administering Balinese massage. Again she was happily rewarded. “Every time I’ve been anywhere I have always been looked after really well,” she says. Suriyani feels lucky to have visited foreign countries and encourages overseas Four Seasons staff members to come to Bali. “We are as friendly and as kind as you; we have the same standards and you will be very well taken care of,” she insists.

Asked what makes Balinese massage so special, Suriyani says, “I think it’s the Balinese culture and the Balinese smile; whenever we give a massage it comes from our hearts.” She adds, “I taught one of my non-Balinese friends how to do Balinese massage, but, although she mastered the technique, it wasn’t the same.”

Suriyani is proud of the work she does and the company she represents. “We are taught to be very professional, and everywhere we travel in the world we keep up the same high standards.”