Ubud Guide
Ubud is one of Bali's centres for massage, built on a local tradition of Balinese massage with firm pressure and aromatic oil. The usual choices are Balinese, deep-tissue and aromatherapy, most often in 60 or 90 minutes. Riviera Boutique Hotel's spa on Jalan Raya Pengosekan offers all three, along with reflexology and hair spa, open daily from 10am to 9pm.
A guide from Riviera Boutique Hotel, a boutique hotel in central Ubud.
Last updated 22 September 2026
Ubud is the wellness heart of Bali, and for many visitors a massage is part of the trip rather than an extra. Balinese massage is a local tradition, built on firm pressure, long strokes and aromatic oil, and the town's slow inland pace suits an afternoon set aside for it. After a morning of temple steps and the Campuhan Ridge Walk, an hour in a quiet treatment room is often the part of the day people plan around.
The common ones are traditional Balinese, deep-tissue and aromatherapy massage. Around those sit shorter and more focused treatments: a back, neck and shoulder massage, foot reflexology and foot massage, and add-ons such as a scalp or face massage. Riviera's spa carries all of these, along with a foot scrub, a simple pedicure and a hair spa.
A traditional Balinese massage combines gentle stretching, acupressure and long, flowing strokes with aromatic oil, working across the whole body rather than one area. It is firm without being sharp, and it is the treatment most visitors try first in Ubud. Riviera offers it in a 60 or 90 minute session, alongside deep-tissue work for tighter muscles and a lighter aromatherapy version.
If it is your first massage in Ubud or you want a whole-body treatment, the traditional Balinese is the usual starting point. Choose deep-tissue when you are carrying tight or sore muscles and want firmer, slower work, and aromatherapy for a lighter, more relaxing session with scented oil.
When time is short, a back, neck and shoulder massage targets the places that ache after travel, and foot reflexology suits tired feet after a day of walking the centre. The hair spa is a separate treatment again, for the scalp and hair rather than the body.
Treatments range from short 30 to 45 minute back, neck and shoulder or foot sessions up to 60 and 90 minute massages and hair spa. An afternoon between sightseeing and dinner is the natural slot, since the centre gets hot in the middle of the day and a treatment room is the cool, quiet alternative. Riviera's spa is on Jalan Raya Pengosekan, open daily from 10am to 9pm, and takes bookings by WhatsApp, which is worth doing ahead in the busy dry-season months.
| Massage | Good for | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Balinese | A flowing, whole-body first massage | 60 or 90 minutes |
| Deep-tissue | Tight or sore muscles | 60 or 90 minutes |
| Aromatherapy | A lighter, relaxing session | 60 or 90 minutes |
| Back, neck and shoulder | A short, targeted session | 30 or 45 minutes |
| Foot reflexology | Tired feet after walking | 30 to 60 minutes |
See the spa at Riviera, or read our guide to the best spa in Ubud.
Common questions
Balinese massage is a flowing, whole-body treatment and the usual first choice. Deep-tissue is firmer and slower, better for tight or sore muscles. Riviera offers both in 60 or 90 minutes.
It varies by treatment and length. As across Bali, prices are usually quoted before the standard service charge and government tax. Riviera takes bookings by WhatsApp, where you can confirm the current rate.
Booking ahead is wise, especially in the busy dry season. Riviera's spa is open daily from 10am to 9pm and takes reservations by WhatsApp.