Now, let’s talk ingredients. Because, honestly, the magic is in the mix. Here are the superstar components that make “Belif – The True Cream Moisturizing Bomb” the MVP of your skincare routine:
Jakarta
Long story short, I burnt out. I started this year filled with energy, determined to do things differently and consistently. Things have been going somewhat well, but I have been going non-stop, and a burnout was inevitable. True enough, rather than me planning a break, the break came to me. I was attending my bestie’s wedding in Jakarta, and what was meant to be a two-night stay became four nights, which became an entire week. I guess I didn’t realize my soul needed some much-needed self-care.
Jakarta reminded me a little of Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok. It had the similar chaotic, vibrant energy of both urban and metropolitan life compressed into a small space. It made sense and did not make sense. I loved the energy, but it was more appropriate for work, perhaps. After a few days, I was ready for a little peace and quiet.
Coincidentally, my bestie had her birthday coming and planned for us to spend it in Yogyakarta (Jogja). So off we went on a one-hour plane ride (it was either that or a six-hour train ride, which we took on the way back in first class).
The First View of Hyatt Regency Yogyakarta
First impressions of the hotel did not disappoint. And to be honest, I had no expectations. It was a completely different world than Jakarta.
My first steps were greeted with stretches of a wooden sheltered walkway suspended above koi fish ponds decorated beautifully with orchids, water lilies, and volcanic stone domes replicating Borobudur (the iconic Buddhist temple people go there to visit).
The hint of lemongrass in the air and gentle gamelan playing in the background transported me immediately into a safe space. It was as if my Zen Spotify playlist had come to life, but this time I could actually feel and smell the zen.
The picturesque scene didn’t end there. Walking further in felt like a movie. Eventually, what unfolds before you is the view of vast green mountains in the distance, fresh, clear blue skies, and the sound of a waterfall. I spent a moment just deeply inhaling, trying to take it all in. Whoever designed the entrance definitely knew what they were doing. Immediately, I felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. I felt at peace.
Pre-breakfast Garden Walk
Me being me, I needed to work up an appetite before my morning breakfast. I also like mornings because there are no people around, and it’s the time I get to just be on my own.
It was quiet, cool, and breezy. I walked past the pools and followed the “jogging path” signs. The pathway winds around the hotel and takes you through beautifully designed landscapes filled with Indonesia’s exotic local plants and flowers. The space had a pleasing balance of clear grass and small plots of forest that were lovingly taken care of. It was giving Japan vibes.
Eventually, I caught a glimpse of the hotel itself and, my goodness, was that a view. The architecture alone is nothing like anything I’ve seen before. The hotel’s design was inspired by Borobudur, whose temple grounds are staggered similar to a pyramid. I love how it wasn’t just another typical square block of cement and was instead designed to pay homage to the local icon.
Time for a Spa
It was finally time to dive into the heart of self-care at Hyatt Regency. The spa is located a brisk walk away from the main lobby. There you’ll be greeted by the front desk where you get to choose from a variety of different treatments they have. I’m a sucker for any type of onsen/bath, so I chose the Royal Treatment spa. It was a 90-minute treatment that included a footbath, oil massage, body scrub, and bath.
Here’s how it went…
A 90-minute treatment was perfect for me. Any more, and I would have fallen asleep. Being the Asian I am, that would have been a waste of money. I want to feel every bit of my money’s worth, and for that, I need to remain awake!
After changing into slutty disposable underwear and a robe, I sat down and started with a warm foot bath. It was a brief wash followed by a mild pumice heel scrub.
Then, onto the main part of the show, the orgasmic aromatherapy full body massage. You get a choice of either a Javanese or aromatherapy massage. I like the calming nature of essential oils, so I went with aromatherapy. When I TELL you that my masseuse knew exactly what he was doing, he knew exactly what he was doing. Starting from my legs up, he pressed and ironed out every knot. I could feel my blood flowing and my body coming alive again. It was the perfect amount of pressure, and he was so friendly that I had no social anxiety about telling him how hard I wanted him to go.
Then came an unusual body scrub routine. Typically, I’m used to body scrubs with a uniform consistency that is slightly wet. A masseuse would lather it onto my body, then massage it around to scrub the body. In this spa, however, the scrub was a little different. It felt like herbs that were ground or pounded together to form a paste. He’d add water to make it easier to spread, then spread this around my body first. Once it dried, he rubbed it off my body in a back-and-forth motion, which is how the dead skin was rubbed off. At first, I was doubtful about whether it would actually work, and the back-and-forth motion also felt like my skin was being tugged at, which was a new sensation I had to get used to. I was quickly proven wrong after having a bath.
After the scrub was done, he left me to soak in a hot spice and milk bath, also in the room. I chose spice and milk because of its anti-inflammatory and skin-softening qualities. Stepping into the hot bath after a massage instantly melted any remaining tension and stress. I wiped away the leftover scrub to reveal oh-so-soft, supple, and sexy new skin. Any skepticism I had with the scrub was put to rest; it did its job.
Prices and offerings
The prices are a steal for hotel spas (which tend to sit on the more premium side), which is another reason why it’s great. Here are some of my favourite picks and their individual prices.
Royal Spa (90 mins)
Aromatic foot bath
Your choice of Javanese or aromatherapy massage
Your choice of cucumber / avocado / herbal body scrub
Your choice of sea salt / herb & spice / milk / flower petal bath
IDR699,000 ≈ USD43
Green Tea Delight Spa (120 mins)
Sea salt foot bath
Javanese traditional massage
Green tea scrub
Green tea body lotion
Hair cream bath
Green tea drink
IDR879,000 ≈ USD54
I personally chose the Royal spa with Javanese massage, herbal body scrub and herb & spice bath.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the quality of the spa treatments were wonderful and, to me, a steal at the price they were for hotels. My friends who tried other spa treatments, such as the Green Tea Delight Spa, also had only great things to say about it.
So if you’re looking for a place to get away and perhaps even write an autobiography, I think the Hyatt Regency in Jogja is a wonderful place to escape to. There are plenty of things to do, from sports like golf and tennis to relaxing massages at its spa. The hotel does feel a little outdated in some areas but is currently undergoing renovation updates. I can’t wait to see what the updates are because they’ll become the reason I come to visit again one day. Overall, I think it’s worth a visit and a spot you need to add to your self-care travels.