How to Open a Spa in Bali and Lombok

People all over the world love Bali and Lombok as places to relax and recharge. Counted for beautiful beaches, natural surroundings, and rich cultural legacy, these islands draw millions of visitors looking for an escape from their hectic lives. Beyond being popular tourist destinations, they are ideal locations for a thriving spa business in Bali, thanks to their world-class treatments and leisure activities.

Opening a SPA in Lombok or Bali presents both profitable business opportunities and the chance to offer transforming experiences, regardless of what draws people to the calm beauty of either island or the active tourism centers.

Here are some basic ideas and insights if you are thinking about starting an SPA in Bali or Lombok, including how ILA Global Consulting may help you at every level.

Spa business in Bali

Why Bali and Lombok? 

With millions of people yearly looking for luxury and refreshment, Bali’s and Lombok’s tourist business is explosive. Supported by yoga retreats, lavish resorts, and traditional Balinese and Sasak healing methods, the island’s wellness reputation has produced an abundant market for spa treatments. Starting a spa in Bali here lets you reach an audience of residents who value leisure and self-care as well as health-conscious visitors; even the market grabs not only an international tourist but also a domestic tourist. 

Registering a Company In Indonesia has never been easier

Setting up a business abroad can be challenging with so many documents, laws and regulations to consider. Luckily, the process will be a breeze, and we’ll give you expert advice on which business structure and setup will fit your needs. 

Reach out to the ILA team today to set up a free consultation or read more about the company registration process.

Understanding the Culture 

The cultural and natural history of Bali and Lombok  greatly impacts the spa services. The foundation of a spa business in Bali lies in offering authentic local experiences, such as traditional Balinese massages, Sasak massages, herbal treatments, and aromatherapy. Tourists and locals alike value authenticity, so using Balinese techniques and natural elements like volcanic clay, coconut oil, and herbs will make your spa unique. This timeless healing practice blends acupressure with fragrant oils and traditional methods, creating a unique and rejuvenating experience for clients. Many individuals so like receiving Balinese massages at spas nowadays. Integrating the distinct wellness traditions of both islands into your offerings can help your spa stand out.

Choose the Right Location

The success of your spa largely depends on its location. Look for serene settings ideal for relaxation or bustling tourist hotspots. Bali offers vibrant hubs such as Seminyak, Ubud, Uluwatu, and Canggu, while spa in Lombok options thrive in peaceful areas like the Gili Islands and Kuta Lombok. Choosing the right location will significantly influence your client base and the overall ambiance of your business. Ubud is famous for the landscape and retreat, Seminyak for high-end spas,  and Canggu for young people that have a healthy consciousness. The Gili Islands and Kuta Lombok offer spa businesses unique benefits. Kuta Lombok attracts tourists with its pristine beaches, rising bohemian attitude, and real culture, while the Gilis are popular with eco-friendly, tranquil, and marine-inspired relaxers.

Register your Business 

After choosing the right location, now it’s time to start a business.  In Indonesia, which requires compliance with several regulations. Here’s a breakdown of the key legal aspects:

Establishing a Foreign Investment Company (PT PMA) is necessary for foreign investors; SPA activity is open 100% for foreign ownership. This PT PMA can be open with just two shareholders. While the SPA is owned by a foreign investor, you might also consider having a local partner to be your general manager that can help with day-to-day business operations. However, if you are planning to hire a foreigner as your staff, make sure they get the working permit (ITAS) as well.

You must obtain licenses and permits to operate after establishing the company. You will need a SPA license, which is known as Standard Certifikat (Sertifikat Standar). In addition to this, you also need an environmental license, and to elevate your business to the top, the Ministry of Tourism must certify your SPA. 

SPA is also considered a wellness centre that allows you to do water therapy (hydrotherapy), aromatherapy, massage therapy, herbal therapy, foot spa, hand spa, hair and scalp spa, facial spa using machine or tools, heat therapy (thermal therapy), and physical or breathing exercises.

Also read : How To Start A Business In Bali – 7 Best Business Opportunities In Bali

Everything Else that You Should Do 

After you have decided on the location and the structure of your firm, there are further things that you need to complete.

  1. Securing your location by having a proper contract, either you lease or buy the place.
  2. Hiring staff: other than hiring staff, you need to also secure the contract to be compliant with the labour law to ensure a smooth process. 
  3. Designing your SPA
  4. Marketing your SPA

Starting a spa in Bali and Lombok is an exciting opportunity to create a wellness sanctuary in two of Indonesia’s most captivating destinations. Success starts with thoughtful planning, whether you’re drawn to the tranquility of the Gili Islands, Kuta Lombok’s surf vibe, or Bali’s rich traditions. In order to focus on your business, you can reach out to ILA for a consultation, starting with securing your location, getting your business registered and obtaining all the necessary licenses. 

Why you can trust ILA

With over 500 successful projects worldwide, ILA Global Consulting leads the way in assisting international investors and corporations as they navigate the dynamic markets of Southeast Asia. Our over 20 years of experience in strategic, legal, and investment advisory services allow us to provide customized solutions to expertly manage the complex investment landscapes of Indonesia.

ILA’s guiding principle, ‘Your journey, our expertise,’ underscores our dedication to fostering growth, ensuring compliance, and transforming challenges into opportunities for our clients. We serve corporations, high-net-worth individuals, and dynamic entrepreneurs, delivering personalized solutions that promote growth, ensure regulatory compliance, and convert market challenges into opportunities.

As a renowned firm with years of experience and a tightly knit network of business partners, we can share accurate and reliable legal and investment information about Indonesia. Our blog posts are written by Peni and Flo personally and are constantly updated to adjust to any changes in Indonesian law and local regulations.

Peni - ILA Global Consulting

NANI PENI

Nani Peni Adiarti, the co-founder of ILA Global Consulting, holds a Bachelor's degree from Sahid Jakarta University. With more than 15 years of experience and a wealth of knowledge in market entry and office management, Peni specializes in guiding investors through the intricacies of Indonesia and specifically Bali's market. Renowned for her exceptional ability to cultivate strong client relationships, Nani boasts a proven track record in new business development, problem-solving, negotiation, effective management, customer service, project management, and sales. Her innovative approach consistently yields results, forging lasting connections across Southeast Asia.

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