Five minutes with Suka

Being a spa therapist at The Legian for 17 years, Suka, has been a favourite amongst the resorts massage enthusiasts. Suka talked to us on how Wellness by The Legian is more than just a relaxing spot, on why she can’t live without ‘boreh’, and how staying positive is her favourite mantra… 

Tell us a bit about you!

I’m Suka, I’m originally from Tabanan, a district on the outskirts of Canggu. If you know the popular tourist destination of Tanah Lot temple, that’s in Tabanan! 

How did you start out working in the spa industry?

After I graduated from college, I was not sure of what I want it to do as a career. I started working in a restaurant at first, then I saw my sister in law become a spa therapist and I was so interested to learn more. 

I decided to go in training at Mandara Spa in Bali for 6 months, they sent me to different resorts around the island to practice my skills, they event sent me to Bandung, West Java as well. And now, 20 plus years later, I’m doing what I’m truly passionate about. 

You have been working in The Legian for 17 years. Tell us what makes you smile when you are doing your day to day job as a therapist?

I love interacting with people, all our guests have different characters and preference, which never bores me. It gives me satisfaction to see that I have helped them to achieve their goal in a holiday, to relax. It feels good to be able to transfer my positive energy to them and make them leave feeling good. 

You are a favourite among The Legian guests. What’s your secret?

There are plenty of skilful masseuse or spa therapists everywhere, but not all practice with their heart and passion. That is ultimate key, do things with love and you will deliver magic! 

There are some guests, that have returned to The Legian many times, that specifically asks for me to handle their treatment. I have a personal connection with them, like we are close friends. 

What is so special about Wellness by The Legian?

It is not a place for just a nice massage. We take it to another level here, we take serious care of our guests’ health through the products we use, the signature treatments, and a variety of mindful activities like yoga and meditation. 

We offer unique blessing rituals from our partner ila, where guests are invited to focus on their mindful healing, following the chakra and complemented with soothing healing music. 

What is your favourite thing about working in the spa industry?

There are plenty of skilful masseuse or spa therapists everywhere, but not all practice with their heart and passion. That is ultimate key, do things with love and you will deliver magic! 

There are some guests, that have returned to The Legian many times, that specifically asks for me to handle their treatment. I have a personal connection with them, like we are close friends. 

Tell us about the natural products you use in the spa. Which one can’t you live without?

The traditional Balinese ‘boreh’, it is a long-time healing recipe of herbs and spices used as masks or scrubs. The main ingredients are ginger and clove, which warms up the body. Boreh, made from ginger and clove to make the body warm. It is great to for a cleanse and detox. 

Tell us a bit about the resort’s Wellness Garden?

Our gardeners grow a range of local herbs, spices, and fresh ingredients, such as lime, ginger, turmeric, mint, and aloe vera, just to name a few. We harvest them and incorporate them into our treatments and offerings at Wellness by The Legian. 

For instance, we use mints for infused water. We serve a range of signature tea as well for pre and post treatment, we use lemongrass and globus flower for our Healing Tea, along with pandan and rose petals for our Relaxing Tea. We also pick fresh aloe vera for our sunburnt care treatments. 

You make people relax for a living. But what is your idea for a relaxing day?

Ironically, I do not like massages! I prefer to sleep instead. 

What is your top tip for guest to help them relax?

It starts from within, positive thinking is the key to a relaxed mind and soul, so get rid of all the negative vibes in you. Also, take the time to go for quality pampering day (at Wellness by The Legian, of course!). Secret tip: head to the steam and sauna room before you go for your massage treatment to further strengthen the muscles. This helps to get the best results out of your treatment to heal sore muscles.