Finding Stillness in Southeast Asia
There's something about island life that invites you to slow
down-and in Southeast Asia, wellness isn't reserved for retreats or
resorts. It's woven into the everyday.
In May and June, when the days are long and the pace is unhurried, it's the perfect time to explore small, grounding rituals that locals have practised for centuries. From fragrant flower baths to coconut oil remedies and early-morning sea swims, here's how to reconnect with yourself-gently, and naturally-just beyond our Club homes.
Photo by Ismail Hamzah on Unsplash
Morning Markets & Flower Bath Rituals
Head inland to Ubud at dawn to explore the bustling Pasar Ubud. Among the fruit stalls and fresh spices, you'll find trays of marigolds, frangipani, and pandan leaves used in canang sari-daily offerings that balance energy and express gratitude.
Locals prepare flower baths (mandi bunga) using these same ingredients, often after prayer or a long day. You can take part in this tradition at Tirta Empul, the sacred spring temple near Tampaksiring, or request one when planning your trip to enjoy at the villa.
Seaweed Farmers & Tide-Led Stillness
On the quiet southwest edge of the island, you'll see rows of bamboo poles emerging from the shallows. This is the site of Lembongan's seaweed farms-tended by hand, with harvests guided by the moon and tides.
Early mornings are the best time to walk barefoot along the shore of Mushroom Bay, where the farmers work. Take it slow. Pause at a local warung for ginger tea, and let the rhythm of the ocean guide your own pace.
Image Credit: Freepik
Coconuts, Herbal Oils & Gentle Rituals
Coconut trees line the hillsides around Laem Set, part of a legacy that earned Samui its nickname, The Coconut Island. Visit Samui Coconut Museum or a nearby grove to learn how coconuts are husked, split, and pressed into oil-used locally for everything from scalp treatments to healing salves.
Afterwards, take the shaded jungle path down to Thong Krut beach, a quiet spot favoured by locals for its calm water and sunset views. A dip in the sea here, after a long warm day, is its own kind of wellness.
