My gentle wake up call at 5.45 am triggered the piped rainforest music to filter into my room via my radio clock alarm and I remembered where I was. There is nothing quite like waking up at Javana Spa. Nestled under the alpine shadow of Mount Salet- you find yourself surrounded by everything nature has to offer. The chorus of birds in the early morning was a welcoming sound and in my drowsy state I threw back the curtains, and stood in awe of the sight before me. I was instantly at peace. This was a weekend escape.

Any one who lives in the chaos, noise and hustle & bustle of a metropolitan city will know how welcome these weekend breaks really are to balance your lifestyle and stress levels.

Javana Spa is situated a mere 2 hours from Jakarta, in the mountains. The resort is a new concept in that; everything revolves around a total rejuvenation experience. From the healthy low-fat gourmet food served to the wide variety of spa packages, yoga classes, and private meditation classes or trekking in the mountains. You can do everything or nothing – the choice is yours.

On arrival I was presented with a card, which indicated the daily spa treatment choices with allocated times including fresh juice breaks, optional strength and conditioning workout class, as well as lunch and dinner times.

I was treated to a foot reflexology session, a crème bath, whirlpool and sauna time, fresh fruit breaks in the sun lounge and a choice of body scrubs, herbal wraps and full body massages…this is truly heaven on a stick!!!

A yoga moving free stretch session was offered at 5.50am, which I chose to attend. The day started with herbal tea in the sun lounge, followed by a 6.00am trek to one of the seven nearby waterfalls. Mount Salak is well known as a source of healing power and mystical energy. Sudanese pilgrims have been journeying to this mountain region for centuries. To experience this feeling first hand, I bravely immersed myself under the thundering and chilling waterfall. In exchange for this gallant act I received a charge of renewed energy and was left with a feeling of euphoria all generated by the healing power of nature.

Later that day I found my way to the “Onsen”, a traditional Japanese outdoor bath. This is located at the top of the Javana spa complex where healing waters from the crater are piped directly from the source.

For the more adventurous, fully guided rock climbing challenges are available as well as full day (or overnight) rafting trips. These are in addition to the multitude of trekking expeditions to the crater and beyond.

Although my stay was only a weekend, when I descended down the mountain on Sunday afternoon, passing through the small traditional Javanese villages and terraced rice fields I felt I had restored my physical, mental and spiritual self.

I had achieved a balance of body and mind and allowed myself to totally relax into a heavenly state of tranquility.

Author@TravelWriter.WS