Ancient Indonesian beauty secrets

I don’t remember if it happened while I was blissing out during a Balinese beauty treatment or when I was floating in a divine infinity pool* on Nusa Lembongan. But at some point during my holiday in Indonesia I realized: this is where the goddesses themselves come to get pampered! Long before ’self–care‘ and ‚clean beauty‘ were even a thing, ancient Indonesian wellness remedies and treatments were passed on from generation to generation, based on the magic and bounty of Mother Earth. The great news? You don’t have to get on a plane to experience them! From the healing massage and herbal scrub to the skin–boosting elixir; do try these at home for a great summer glow. Just don’t forget the most important ingredient: a gentle smile that shows your gratitude to Mother Earth.
* You can find the pool and a number of gorgeous, beach-front villas at the heavenly Beach Shack at Sandy Bay. A must-visit!

Javanese or Balinese massage: Healing body and soul
The sensual stone reliefs on the 9th – century Javanese Borobudur temple depicting people massaging each other prove: Indonesian massage has been around for centuries. During that time, by fusing ancient traditions and influences from Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine, it evolved into an intense wellness treatment for both body and soul, passed on from healer to apprentice, from mother to daughter. Go Javanese for powerful healing; choose a Balinese massage if full–body relaxation and realignment are your goals. Either way, they will leave you looking and feeling wonderful!

Jamu: Beauty from the inside
During the Majapahit era (13th – 16th century), the queens and princesses of the royal courts developed herbal beauty treatments that are still an important part of many women’s daily wellness routines. In the shape of tonics made from flowers, fruits, leaves, nuts and spices, these ‚jamu juices‘ – not to be confused with ‚Jamba Juice‘ – are known to regulate hormones, improve digestion and reduce inflammation, amongst other things. In other words, an ancient ‚energy drink‘ that gives you a beauty boost from the inside!

Lulur body scrub: A natural glow-up
Another all–natural beauty treatment invented centuries ago by Majapahit princesses is the ‚Mandi Lulur‘. raditionally a pre–wedding body treatment, brides used to be scrubbed with a special paste and massaged daily for forty days till their skin was soft, supple and shiny (‚lulur‘ is Javanese for ‚coating the skin‘). Modern Indonesian women make their own lulur exfoliating paste using ancient recipes containing anti–inflammatory turmeric, brightening rice flour and other natural healing ingredients. The perfect way to mimic that bridal blush without having to get hitched!