Ubud Bodyworks Centre: Authentic Balinese Healing from Ketut Arsana

In an Ubud now full of resort spas and scented candles, Ubud Bodyworks Centre offers something older and deeper. Established in 1987 on Jl. Hanoman, the centre was founded by Ketut Arsana, a Balinese healer (balian) who blends the Bali Usadha tradition with Ayurveda. What you get here is not merely a relaxation massage but a healing session that targets bodily complaints and energetic balance.

What's Offered

• Traditional Balinese massage — deep pressure with house-blended herbal oils; a world away from the soft, uniform spa rub.
• Usadha therapies & herbal remedies — boreh, lulur and preparations based on Balinese lontar recipes.
• Acupuncture, acupressure, reflexology and cupping — for specific complaints such as back pain or migraines.
• Chakra balancing, meditation & yoga — including spiritual consultation sessions if you want them.

Why It Differs from a Resort Spa

The setting is unpretentious: old Balinese buildings, plants and quiet treatment rooms — no marble lobby or piped-in gamelan. The therapists have decades of experience and are used to treating real complaints rather than simply pampering. Many long-stay Ubud residents return regularly, and sessions can feel fairly intense — flag your problem areas at the start.

Practical Info & Reservations

• Location: Jl. Hanoman No. 25, Ubud, Gianyar. View on Google Maps
• Opening hours: open daily, generally around 10:00–20:00. Confirm when you book.
• Reservations: booking ahead is strongly advised — via the official site ubudbodyworks.com, or walk in to reception to grab a slot for the following day. Sessions with senior therapists fill up fast, especially in high season.
• Price range: a 60-minute body massage starts at roughly Rp250,000–300,000; specialised therapies and longer packages cost more.
• Instagram: search on Instagram

Staying in Ubud makes an unhurried morning session here easy to schedule — compare rates and book your Ubud stay voucher at AccessiaPass.