Mello Spa Elevates the Bali Spa Experience with Biohacking-Inspired Treatments

Bali is a preferred destination for wellness tourism. Following the pandemic, reasons for visiting the Island of the Gods have changed significantly to address the need for restoration, rest and relaxation. I have been traveling to Bali for wellness exercises, yoga or spiritual retreats for two years. Since then, these annual trips have become an integral part of my wellness journey, revealing new healing modalities that allow me to show up as the best version of myself every day.

The retreats I have attended typically take place at five-star resorts and hotels. So naturally, the luxurious spa treatments I can enjoy during wellness stays take place within the property. From off-the-grid wellness getaways at Spa Village in Tembok to holistic health vacations at Raffles in Jimbaran, the signature facial and body treatments at these luxury properties never fail to disappoint.

The only time I felt disappointed with a Balinese massage was when I booked a treatment at an independent spa center in Seminyak. I was in town for a work trip and was in desperate need of some pampering. The spa I found near my villa, although convenient, did not have a relaxing atmosphere. The cramped setting and rushed treatments that were evidently standardized made one feel like just another body on a factory line. Although the therapists were lovely, they clearly lacked experience and product knowledge.

“Most luxury spas in Bali are attached to a five-star hotel or resort. You will be unlikely to find an independent spa that offers the same level of attention to detail or expertise,” notes Fatima Khan. Together with his brother, Perth-based doctor Mumtaz Khan, they recently opened a holistic wellness space that strives to bring an elevated spa experience to a global audience. His brainchild, Mello Spa, is the culmination of his passion for redefining and reshaping the spa and beauty experience in Bali.

What’s your Mello? A new way to experience self-care and luxury spas in Bali

The newly opened Mello Spa is conveniently located along Jalan Kayu Aya, just steps away from iconic Bali destinations such as The Legian, Kim Soo Café and The Colony Hotel. The facade, a pristine white wall dotted with contemporary tiles, immediately suggests the state-of-the-art treatments that await inside. Double doors with the brand’s logo forged as metal handles open into a spacious and cozy space. Internationally renowned architecture and design firm Samma Studio has brought together a contemporary mix of neutral colors and metallic textures “intended to evoke a feeling of warmth, elegance and relaxation”.

Spa guests are invited to “Come as you are and find your Mello.” These are words that reflect a more considered and personalized approach to offering well-being experiences. “My idea of ​​self-care or maturity will probably be different to others,” shares Fátima. “We recognize that each individual is unique in their wellness journey. The things that bring them happiness, that allow them to soften, vary. That’s why we seek to create a personalized experience that meets those needs and wellness goals.”

Treatments begin with a full one-on-one consultation with a therapist. And while this is pretty standard for most spas, Mello’s pre-treatment conversations with clients pay close attention to their current state of being, current lifestyle, and schedule in Bali. These encounters also inspire guests to define their own Mello, allowing them to identify not only their preferred firmness and temperature, but also the oil aromas and Mello playlist. You can even indicate whether you want a small or complete silence during the treatment.

Science-backed, biohacking-inspired spa treatments

Mumtaz explains that Mello’s menu treatment was inspired by the principles of biohacking. “We believe in using technology and other tools to change the body’s behavior. Our massages, for example, were designed to help regenerate the body AND reduce cortisol levels”, explains the co-founder and anesthetist. During my visit to Mello, I booked a Gua Sha Body Massage which helped promote lymphatic drainage circulation. Fresh from a long flight, the 90-minute indulgence provided relief from swelling and muscle pain. “We use our IMBIBE Copper Contour Body Gua Sha tool to help regulate the body, especially when it is in fight mode,” he explains. The spa also offers the option of combining massages with dry brushing, which helps with exfoliation, circulation and detoxification of the skin.

After my therapist Sugi worked out the stubborn knots in my upper back and tight muscles in my body, she started giving me an oxygen facial using Medik8 products. Mumtaz emphasizes that “unlike other spas, we are not tied to any brand. The products we use are based on the unique needs of our customers. So we have an all-natural clean beauty brand called Fields of Arrow. Medik8 is a cosmeceutical brand that follows a clinically proven beauty approach called the CSA philosophy. Then we have Young Goose, which harnesses innovative molecules like NAD+ and spermidine to increase cellular energy and reverse the signs of aging. Therefore, depending on our client’s preference, we have a range of products suitable for their treatments.” Mello Spa also uses other biohacking tools like infrared light, NAD infusions, and chemical peels to enhance each facial.

After Sugi worked out the stubborn knots in my upper back and tight muscles in my body, she began giving me an oxygen facial using Medik8 products. Mumtaz emphasizes that “unlike other spas, we are not tied to any brand. The products we use are based on the unique needs of our customers. So we have an all-natural clean beauty brand called Fields of Arrow. Medik8 is a cosmeceutical brand that follows a clinically proven beauty approach called the CSA philosophy. Then we have Young Goose, which harnesses innovative molecules like NAD+ and spermidine to increase cellular energy and reverse the signs of aging. Therefore, depending on our client’s preference, we have a range of products suitable for their treatments.” Mello Spa also uses other biohacking tools like infrared light, NAD infusions, and chemical peels to enhance each facial.

A blend of MediK8’s hydrating serums and Young Goose’s Hyperbaric Mask helped dramatically restore skin’s vitality. After double cleansing, a gentle exfoliation helps to decongest the skin. MediK8’s Hydr8 B5 Liquid Rehydration Serum was then applied and boosted to the skin with pressurized pure oxygen. A deeply restorative mask followed, at which point I dozed off in dreamland. I woke up just before sunset with visibly glowing, hydrated and radiant skin. It was the only skin prep I needed for a night out on the town.

The secret sauce is in the team: giving back to the people of Bali

State-of-the-art tools and science-backed products are secondary to Mello Spa’s secret sauce: its people. Fátima states: “The team, our staff are the foundations of Mello Spa. Before we opened our doors, we were determined to train and empower our therapists so that they could offer informed recommendations and treatments to our clients. We wanted to break the master-servant relationship that prevails between locals and visitors to the island.” Prior to launch, employees had access to the highest standard of education and training while being paid full value. “We believe that by equipping Balinese people with education and industrial skills, they are empowering everyone to have greater control over their lives and their future. Before launch, we saw our team evolve and dedicate themselves to their work.”

My therapist Sugi expertly crafted a wellness day that met the need to soothe body aches and revitalize tired-looking skin. She so eloquently articulated treatment recommendations, product choices, tools and their benefits. Their expertise, dedication, and attention to detail – considering the type of playlist I wanted and the temperature of the bed most comfortable for me – resulted in a perfect spa experience from start to finish.

Although I’ve visited countless spas in Bali and various parts of the world, Mello is the only wellness sanctuary where the therapists aren’t just faceless employees. They constitute a network of chosen families that we connect with as we explore various parts of the world. And because they now feel related, we’re likely to return to Mello Spa on the Island of the Gods again and again.