Raindrop massage also incorporates Vitaflex Reflexology, a massage technique that originated in India, involving a tapping method used by the therapist along the spinal column. Some say it is like acupuncture without the needles. The objective is to “tap” into the life force of the body and stimulate it to connect, correct, and repair itself.

When finished, Alice suggests that I spend about 10 minutes in the steam room to open my pores and further allow my body to receive the beneficial properties of the oils. I take her suggestion and later return to the peaceful lounge area and help myself to some of the fruit and herbal tea available to spa guests while awaiting the start of my next service – the Bali Jamu Massage. Lauri arrives and asks if I've had the Jamu massage previously. The answer is no, so she proceeds to explain what I am in for. Again, her description and knowledge are thorough.

The Asian-influenced, traditional therapy is relatively new to us, but has been used for hundreds of years in the Balinese holistic health system. She says the Jamu massage is almost like a dance between the client and the therapist and that the powerful fragrant properties of the Bali flowers will prove to be quite restorative. “Jamu” translated means, “herbal remedies used internally and externally.” The massage portion of the Jamu treatment blends Chinese, Hindu and European techniques.

In the treatment room, the first thing I notice is the display of flower petals strewn on the floor. I'm presented with four varieties of oils based on the Jamu tradition – floral, citrus, spice, and coconut – to select from for use during the massage. It's a tough choice (they all smell so lovely!), but I go with the coconut.

This massage, unlike the Raindrop treatment that I received earlier, gets going without any oil at all. During the dry compression, it feels like my skin is being picked up in bunches, like a pinch, only larger amounts of skin are used so it doesn't hurt, then she moves into “walking” her thumbs across my back, and next “rolls” the skin using the palm of her hands. She does something else using her knuckles. These distinctive strokes do seem like an interpretative dance–similar to a story told with the hands in the traditional Hawaiian Hula dance.

Then, my therapist applies the oil with her hands using long strokes. She tells me that the long, flowing strokes represent the circle of life, and where we begin and end; that the rolling of the skin was to bring what's deep to the surface and the wringing is meant to cleanse the body of impurities. The final step of this treatment is to have coconut scrub applied to your back.

Jamu's benefits include increased circulation, intense relaxation, and a greater sense of well-being. Its focus is the spirit of kindness, balance, and harmony. The session concludes with the offering of a flower and the Balinese blessing: “Om suasti astu,” which means “peace be in your heart and in the world.”

I don't know if the 70 minutes or so spent had a global effect, but I certainly feel more serene. The hustle, flashing lights, and ringing sounds of casinos and the Vegas strip seem far, far away. And, even when I return home, I carry this new found serenity with me for the next few days.

At Spa Bellagio, within a couple of hours, I was able to truly unwind and recharge my mental and physical batteries. And that's really the point – to take those who come away from the stresses of daily life and instill a sense of wellness and empowerment...if only for a short while.