Incredible Wellness Destinations: Dewa Ambara Jaya Of Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve On Why & How Traveling Can Help Us Heal
An Interview With Wanda Malhotra
Mindful Eating: Embrace local cuisines and eat with intention, savoring each bite. One guest shared how experiencing healthy cuisine helped them develop a healthier relationship with food.
The pandemic has shaped the way we travel and live, with a growing trend leaning towards health, wellness, and a holistic lifestyle. More than ever, individuals are seeking not just getaways, but immersive wellness retreats that help rejuvenate the body, mind, and soul. Destinations that provide a serene environment, unique wellness offerings, and an unparalleled experience are in great demand. In this interview series, we are talking to property owners and hospitality companies who are at the helm of these wellness havens. As a part of this series, I had the pleasure of interviewing Dewa Ambara Jaya.
Dewa Amabara Jaya, Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve’s newest Director of Spa and Wellness, has a distinguished career in the luxury spa industry, starting in 1993 at the Bali Hilton International Hotel and advancing to roles in Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Maldives. He progressed from Spa Receptionist to Corporate Operation Manager and Cluster Spa Director, excelling in operations, guest services, and staff training. Notable positions include Director of Spa at Six Senses Resort & Spa in the Maldives, Fairmont Yang Cheng Lake in China, and Anantara Uluwatu Bali.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Before we dive into the main focus of our interview, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your childhood backstory?
Bali, with its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty, was the backdrop of my childhood. Immersed in traditional Balinese customs and rituals, I developed a profound respect for nature and a holistic lifestyle from an early age. The natural remedies and traditional healing practices that were part of everyday life captivated me as I grew.
What or who inspired you to pursue your career? We’d love to hear the story.
My career inspiration largely came from my dad. He regularly invited traditional healers and masseurs to our home, and I spent countless hours beside him during his Balinese massage sessions. Sometimes, I would even ask the healers for my own massage. His dedication to helping others and connection with wellness inspired me to pursue a career in the wellness industry.
None of us can achieve success without some help along the way. Was there a particular person who you feel gave you the most help or encouragement to be who you are today? Can you share a story about that?
The most help and encouragement in my career have come from my wife. Even though we had to deal with long-distance and being away from our family, she consistently supported me through every challenge. Her steady faith in me and her dedication have been key to my success, motivating me to stay focused on my goals.
It has been said that sometimes our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share the funniest or most interesting mistake that occurred to you in the course of your career? What lesson or takeaway did you learn from that?
My swift transition from hotel staff to the spa industry led to some memorable moments. Once, when we were short-staffed, I, as the spa director, decided to give massages to clients. After one session, a guest enjoyed my treatment so much that he offered me a therapist position at his company. This funny situation taught me the importance of flexibility, stepping into various roles, and the value of hands-on experience and connecting directly with clients.
Can you share your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Why does that resonate with you so much?
“Health is the greatest wealth.” This quote resonates deeply with me because it encapsulates the essence of what I strive to achieve in my career. True wealth is not measured by material possessions but by the well-being of the body, mind, and spirit.
What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now? How do you think that might help people?
Currently, we’re working on the “Disconnect to Reconnect 2.0” at Mandapa. This program, launched earlier this year, offers curated experiences that honor Ubud’s culture and traditions, encouraging guests to take a break from the digital world and reconnect with themselves. With daily complimentary activities like vibrational sound therapy, chakra balancing, mindfulness routines, and breath-work, we aim to enhance guests’ physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, promoting greater relaxation, balance, and overall health. We want to ensure that Balinese healing and wellness are at the core of the guest experience.
OK, thank you for all of that. Let’s now shift to the core focus of our interview about wellness destinations. Let’s dive deeper into this together. Based on your research or personal experience, why do you think travel can lead to better wellness? Can you share a story?
Travel exposes individuals to new cultures, environments, and perspectives, profoundly impacting their mental and emotional well-being. For example, many guests at our wellness retreat have reported significant reductions in stress and overall health improvements after spending time in Bali’s natural surroundings and engaging in our healing practices. Experiencing new places and immersing oneself in different traditions can provide a refreshing break from routine, offering a sense of renewal and clarity.
What are a few things that distinguish your property from thousands of wellness properties around the world?
Our property uniquely blends traditional Balinese healing activities with modern wellness practices. We focus on creating a harmonious environment that integrates the natural beauty of Bali with holistic treatments, connecting people with the essence of Bali. Our personalized approach to wellness ensures that each guest receives tailored care that addresses their specific needs. For example, we offer extraordinary healing sessions with Ibu Ketut Mursi, an intuitive blind healer at the Mandapa Spa. She uses her gifted awareness and touch to assess and assist with emotional and physical issues, providing individualized recommendations for appropriate herbs. Honoring ancient traditions, Ketut carries her family’s secret herbal oil blend passed down from her grandfather. Accompanied by her assistant, Ibu Kis, they work together to realign and release blocked energy patterns through bodywork and reflexology.
What type of experience do you want your visitors to have when they visit?
We aim to provide a transformative experience that rejuvenates the body, mind, and spirit. Visitors should leave feeling refreshed, balanced, and more connected to themselves and the natural world.
What makes your property a beautiful escape for a body and mind recharge?
Beautifully set where the lush jungle meets the Ayung River and temples stand majestically against a backdrop of rice terraces, Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, is designed as a sanctuary to relax the mind, body, and soul. With its scenic and serene surroundings, the holistic treatments, inspired by traditional Balinese practices, offer a comprehensive approach to well-being, making it an ideal escape for recharging both the body and mind.
Can you share any transformative stories or testimonials from guests who visited your property?
One guest, who had been struggling with chronic stress and burnout, shared that her stay at our resort was life-changing. She participated in our morning yoga sessions and couldn’t believe the peace each element brought — the soothing sounds of the river gently flowing by, the calm instructions of the instructor, and the natural surroundings. These simple details had a profound effect. She found a sense of calm and clarity that had been missing from her life and left with a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to maintaining her well-being.
Why do you think the experience you offer is so needed nowadays?
In today’s fast-paced world, many people are disconnected from themselves and the natural world. Our retreat offers a sanctuary where individuals can slow down, reconnect, and restore balance in their lives. This experience is becoming more important as people try to find ways to manage the demands of modern life.
Do you think travel enhances our mindfulness, optimism, or sense of gratitude? How? Can you please explain with an example or story?
Absolutely. Travel broadens our horizons and exposes us to new experiences that can enhance mindfulness, optimism, and gratitude. For example, many of our guests have expressed how the immersive cultural experiences in Bali, such as participating in traditional ceremonies, have deepened their appreciation for life and increased their sense of gratitude.
What are your “5 Habits You Should Develop In Order Make Travel Into An Opportunity For Wellness & Personal Growth?”
- Mindful Eating: Embrace local cuisines and eat with intention, savoring each bite. One guest shared how experiencing healthy cuisine helped them develop a healthier relationship with food.
- Active Exploration: Engage in physical activities like hiking or yoga to stay active. A couple who joined our terbit yoga sessions reported feeling more energized and connected throughout their trip.
- Cultural Immersion: Participate in local traditions and customs. Guests who joined our traditional Balinese ceremonies often leave with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the culture.
- Practice Gratitude: Make it a habit to reflect on and express gratitude for your travel experiences. This practice not only enhanced my overall sense of well-being but also fostered a greater appreciation for the opportunities and connections made during my travels.
- Reflection: Take time to reflect on your experiences through journaling or meditation. One visitor shared how daily meditation sessions during their stay helped them gain clarity and a renewed sense of purpose.
Based on your experience, where do you see the future of wellness travel heading in the next 5–10 years?
I believe wellness travel will continue to grow, with a focus on personalized and holistic experiences. Technology will play a significant role, offering digital wellness programs and virtual retreats. There will also be a greater emphasis on sustainable practices, ensuring that wellness travel benefits both individuals and the environment.
We are very blessed that some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US, whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we both tag them :-)
I would love to have a private breakfast with Oprah Winfrey. Her dedication to personal growth, wellness, and philanthropy is truly inspiring. I believe she would have invaluable insights and experiences to share, and I would love to discuss how we can further promote wellness and holistic healing on a global scale.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
They can follow us on Instagram at @mandapareserve
Thank you for these really excellent insights, and we greatly appreciate the time you spent on this. We wish you continued success.
About the Interviewer: Wanda Malhotra is a wellness entrepreneur, lifestyle journalist, and the CEO of Crunchy Mama Box, a mission-driven platform promoting conscious living. CMB empowers individuals with educational resources and vetted products to help them make informed choices. Passionate about social causes like environmental preservation and animal welfare, Wanda writes about clean beauty, wellness, nutrition, social impact and sustainability, simplifying wellness with curated resources. Join Wanda and the Crunchy Mama Box community in embracing a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle at CrunchyMamaBox.com .
