Plataran: Impact-driven Spa and Wellness Experiences

INDONESIAN HOSPITALITY THRIVES ON A SUBTLE BLEND OF ATTENTIVENESS AND INTUITION, CREATING MOMENTS THAT FEEL BOTH THOUGHTFUL AND EFFORTLESS.

It’s not just about service; it’s about connection, a quiet understanding of what might bring comfort or delight. This attentiveness is woven into daily interactions, from the way staff leave fresh flowers on your pillow to the instinctive refilling of a half-empty glass and offer of sweet watermelon as you settle into your sunlounge. There’s an art to this hospitality that feels deeply personal yet universally inviting.

It’s this same sense of connection that makes conversations with locals feel so enriching. When meeting a Balinese working in a shop or resort, one of the first things I usually ask is: “Where is your village?” This simple question often opens a window into their life and experiences. The typical response is, “Oh, far away.”

That’s because many Balinese leave their villages to work in tourist areas like City Town (think hotspots like Kuta and Seminyak) and the income they earn is sent back to support families, contribute to community expenses, or help maintain traditional village life.

However, for the first time in 30 years of visiting the island, the reply I received was: “Just over there.”

This occurred while on a boat where a deck crew member pointed to a village across the bay from where he worked at Plataran Menjangan. I quickly learned that this was no coincidence but rather a conscious strategy by the resort owners who prioritise community development along with environmental protection and cultural preservation.

In fact, during my eight-night spa and wellness journey through Bali and Labuan Bajo — gateway to the UNESCO-protected Komodo National Park — with Plataran Indonesia, it became clear that this impact-driven hospitality enterprise seamlessly integrates nature, culture, and community into its offerings.

Think floating sound baths surrounded by endangered birds and wandering wild deer, melukat water blessing ceremonies that segue into frangipani spa treatments, somatic yoga sessions overlooking mangrove forests, and massage rooms with views of volcanoes.

AMPLIFYING THE RESTORATIVE POWER OF TREATMENTS

Established in 2009 by husband-and-wife duo Yozua and Dewi Makes, Plataran is swiftly becoming a celebrated Indonesian brand, redefining excellence in sustainable tourism. As faculty members at the University of Indonesia, they advocate for tourism as the most effective avenue for delivering non-formal education to Indonesians.

The vision behind Plataran’s spa and wellness treatments is to provide guests with a holistic experience that revitalises their overall wellbeing. With over 14 years of wellness industry experience, led by seasoned professionals including Corporate Spa Manager Martino Amaral, the team is dedicated to offering top-tier services.

“These include spa treatments, yoga sessions, meditation, and breathing exercises, that are all designed to help guests find relaxation and inner peace,” Amaral explains. “Set amidst tranquil and scenic natural surroundings, Plataran’s wellness offerings aim to create a serene escape for guests, allowing them to recharge fully and leave feeling refreshed. This combination of expert care and natural beauty embodies our commitment to delivering a wellness experience that guests won’t find anywhere else.”

Blending bespoke treatments with the breathtaking beauty of Indonesia’s natural and cultural heritage, each destination manages to offer something truly exceptional.

“Our ‘Padma Spas’ are set in some of the most scenic and iconic locations, providing guests with experiences that go far beyond the ordinary,” says Amaral. “Imagine indulging in a massage with views of the ocean, ancient temples, majestic mountains, or even being surrounded by the tranquillity of the forest or the open sea aboard a private boat. Each location adds a sense of place and wonder that amplifies the restorative power of our treatments.”

What sets Plataran apart is its commitment to preserving the past while pioneering the future, creating experiences that are both deeply rooted in local traditions and refreshingly unique.

For example, one of their signature treatments uses volcanic stones sourced from Mount Merapi in Central Java. These stones are expertly utilised to enhance blood circulation and relax tense muscles as part of the massage experience. This thoughtful approach ensures each treatment is not only soothing but also deeply rooted in the natural and cultural elements of the region.

Then there’s the Floating Sound Bath Healing treatment at Plataran Menjangan, where guests float on an air bed that drifts atop the swimming pool’s surface. Soothing sound frequencies, including the harmonious tones of Tibetan singing bowls and the rhythmic melodies of the gamelan, a traditional Indonesian percussion ensemble, resonate through the water, enhancing the sensory experience.

Making the moment even more magical are the critically endangered birds fluttering above, which the resort is actively working to protect with its Bali Starling Sanctuary program.

“Combined with our expert therapists who are trained extensively in both traditional and modern techniques, Plataran Komodo offers a wellness experience that is as enriching as it is memorable, ensuring even the most seasoned travellers encounter something truly extraordinary,” he explains.

Padma Spa’s treatment menu is thoughtfully curated using locally sourced ingredients, such as Indonesian spices and herbs cherished for their therapeutic qualities. These natural elements not only deliver effective skincare benefits but also envelop guests in the rich aromas and textures of the region.

“We also integrate Indonesia’s stunning natural landscapes into the wellness experience, drawing inspiration from the Balinese philosophy of harmony with nature,” Amaral explains. “Guests can enjoy massages by the beach, on a boat surrounded by the open sea, or with views of majestic mountains. Meditation sessions in serene rice fields, yoga in lush forests, and sound healing rituals above tranquil ponds further enhance the connection to the natural environment.”

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, CULTURAL PRESERVATION, AND COMMUNITY WELFARE

While wild deer and monkeys roam freely around Plataran Menjangan, across the Flores sea at Plataran Komodo, a short boat ride takes you to Komodo National Park. Considered one of the world’s 25 biodiversity hotspots, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to the closest relative of Australian’s lace monitor, the Komodo Dragon. Along with Plataran Bromo, the trio are part of the Trail of National Parks that take travellers into the heart of the archipelago.

However, how exactly does a hospitality group like Plataran operate in delicate conservation areas?

To build and operate an IPPA (Environmental Services License for Nature Tourism) in a national park, an RPPA (Master Plan for Nature Tourism) must be created, followed by an RKL (Environmental Management Plan), which is further clarified in the RKT (Annual Work Plan). Details for construction projects, designs, area size, location, and other technical specifics must receive approval from the Ministry of Environment, including Plataran’s day-to-day operational details.

Both hotel and resort operations must adhere to all technical guidelines and instructions for IPPA implementation as stipulated by the Ministry of Environment. These operations are monitored and supervised by the West Bali National Park, which conducts annual inspections and evaluations. It is also mandatory to compile monthly and annual reports, financial reports, and the RKL for the following year, among other requirements.

Amid a recent moratorium on hotel and villa construction in Bali aimed at preserving valuable agricultural land, Plataran Komodo’s commitment to environmental protection, cultural preservation, and community welfare has become a compelling drawcard for travellers.

SUPPORTING ECO-TOURISM AND SUSTAINABILITY

Resorts are increasingly enhancing their guest experiences by incorporating aquatic services that foster connections with nearby communities. Plataran Menjangan exemplifies this by introducing visitors to local landmarks like Banyuwedang Hot Spring.

Cherished by villagers for over a century, these geothermal springs located in the heart of Pejarakan Village in North Bali, contain mineral-rich properties and low pH levels that are believed to nourish the skin. By showcasing such authentic experiences, Plataran encourages guests to engage meaningfully with a local culture — one that regards water as a sacred element — while promoting eco-tourism and sustainability.

This initiative also supports local communities economically and culturally, reinforcing Plataran’s broader mission of “Hospitality with Impact”. By blending luxury with respect for nature and tradition, these immersive wellness opportunities also foster a sense of preservation and appreciation for local heritage​.

As published in Spa and Wellness