SINCE NOT EVERYONE HAS THE LUXURY OF TIME TO JET-OFF to another country to detoxify the senses, a tranquil afternoon at Kartini Spa might be all you need for a little piece of mind. Named after "Kartini," an Indonesian heroin who lived during the 1900s. It's a short distance from the bustling metropolis, and is a place where one can calm the body and mind.

The creation of renowned landscape artist Nina Malvar, Kartini Spa hosts the best of Asian treatments and spa services. Like no other spa in the city, Nina's getaway stops time and allows guests to commune with a small patch of paradise. A concept behind the total approach to wellness and well-being, the treatment starts the moment you step into the property. With a flowing fountain here and there, a relaxed and warm atmosphere greets all who come through its wooden gates. Much like Alice in Wonderland, it presents a look beyond the cold hardness of the outside world. As if encased in a bubble, one is able to relish and enjoy the sounds of running water and the gentle rustling of the leaves. Known for her magic touch in the garden, Nina took a holistic approach to relaxation.

Resembling a Balinese secret garden, the spa holds quaint surprises in every nook and cranny. Before entering the main parlor, guests are treated to a garden filled with vibrant plants and flowers. After crossing the garden, guests enter a mustard-colored single-storey structure decorated with hand-painted stencils of delicate flowers and vines. This is the main venue of Kartini Spa. Here, a friendly staff member greets you, and offers you a drink to wash away your city-worries. Filled with Balinese accents and Indo signature pieces, the waiting area can be easily mistaken as a traditional Indonesian living room. Having spent much time in Indonesia, Nina kept a bit of the country with her, and built her own little Bali in the city.

Wanting to provide excellent treatments for her clients, Nina enlisted many masters, both local and foreign, to mentor her staff on proper procedures and techniques. "I have been a spa enthusiast all my life, so I carefully planned each item on our spa menu," she says. Having traveled extensively throughout Asia, and after spending nearly 10 years in Indonesia, she has fallen in love with Indonesia's intricate and exotic culture.

The spa boasts of a menagerie of services and treatments that will surely relax and rejuvenate guests. Though offering many Asian-inspired treatments, Kartini Spa is known for their Kartini Pijat Signature Massage. Using the Javanese long-stroke method, therapists are able to gently emancipate strained muscles and limbs. They also provide the Philippine Traditional Massage, or hilot. Should your body need deeper relief, they also offer the Tibetan Stone Massage. Through hand-carved volcanic stones, the rocks are able to emit the energy that help cleanse and heal tired and ailing parts of the body. For a more rejuvenating experience, Nina recommends the Royal Javanese "Lulur" Body Scrub. With a body mask formulated with rice flour, turmeric, sandalwood and jasmine, guests are guaranteed smoother and softer skin after an hour and a half of treatment.

With private cabañas for singles and couples, Kartini Spa has become a favorite for many expats, executives and celebrities, and reservations are required weeks in advance.