Stepping through the portal
Stepping through the portal
By PORTALTO Editor
5 February 2026
When was the last time you arrived somewhere — not just physically, but mentally too?
That was the quiet question lingering in the air when we attended Amukti Jiwa, a monthly wellness series by Talise Spa at Jumeirah Bali. Not framed as a transformation or a dramatic reset, but as something far more appealing: a gentle return to balance.
Held on the last Friday of every month, Amukti Jiwa is thoughtfully curated around a different wellness focus each edition. The January session, which we joined, welcomed the new year with a theme of Renewal — and importantly, without the pressure of “new year, new you.”
The experience began with a personalised Aromatherapy Oil Blending session, guided by Talise Spa’s wellness practitioner. Essential oils were introduced not as products, but as tools — each selected to support emotional balance, grounding, and inner ease.
Blending our own oil felt surprisingly reflective. There was no rush, no performance. Just scent, intention, and a moment to pause. In a world where wellness often feels aesthetic-first, this felt refreshingly tactile and human.
As travelers who value thoughtful design — in architecture, landscapes, and experiences — this was a detail that stood out. Wellness here isn’t staged. It’s considered.
As daylight softened, the journey continued with Hatha Yoga at Trowulan, set within Jumeirah Bali’s open-air garden. Practicing as golden hour unfolded across the landscape felt quietly powerful.
The session focused on mindful movement and breath, easing tension rather than pushing limits. No mirrors. No competitiveness. Just rhythm, presence, and the surrounding architecture gently holding the space.
It reminded us that luxury, at its best, is not excess — it’s room to breathe.
A Monthly Practice, Not a One-Time Moment
What we appreciated most about Amukti Jiwa is its philosophy. This is not positioned as a one-off wellness event, but as an ongoing monthly ritual, each edition offering a different lens on wellbeing.
Held every last Friday of the month, the series invites guests to return — not to chase progress, but to explore balance as a practice. That subtle shift in mindset feels deeply aligned with how modern travelers actually live and travel.
As part of Jumeirah’s global “New Year, New You” campaign, the January session embodied a softer interpretation of renewal: intuitive, unhurried, and guided by presence.
Since Amukti Jiwa is held every last Friday of the month, consider extending the evening at Segaran, Jumeirah Bali’s open-air restaurant, where Taste of Nusantara takes place every Friday night.
Think of it as a natural extension of the experience. Indonesian dishes inspired by night markets are served alongside traditional entertainment, adding a sense of place without overwhelming the experience. There’s music, movement, and the comfort of Nusantara spices & herbs under the open sky.
