Meet Regina Shultz Boysen. The creative force behind the first spa in Bali.
I was born in Germany but grew up in Paris, Italy, and has had many years in Washington DC, where my father was German ambassador to the United States. I am able to learn different languages and cultures at an early age. Travelling is a way of life that I was lucky to be born into. In eighteen years, I was traveling by myself. At nineteen, I studied art history at the University of Bonn for two years. I spent time in northern Thailand working with Laotian refugees. After this experience, I came to Bali and have lived here ever since.
You were one of the first expatriates to lease land and build in the Seminyak area. I remember that we all came to use your shower after the beach. You had hot water!
I pay anything to have one day when Bali was our paradise. When we used without the coconut wire to stay connected instead of phones and everyone was on bikes, motorcycles or walking. Our small community was like a big family to the beach in Ubud. Our lives were simple and happy. For the 90 that time was over. Everyone was electric, telephones and parables. We had children. I had my son Siran in 1988, and my daughter Akasha in 1991.
What inspired you to conceive the idea of Bodyworks?
I was a working mother. After working all day, it was difficult to organize a massage. There were no fairs that met Western requirements. In 1994, we opened Bodyworks in front of Krakatoa, a business center where we got our mail and had access to office communications and services and a French cafe. We took over a factory and refurbished. For the first time in Bali, we could enjoy massages off the beach. I expressed the community's needs and myself. People could walk in from 9 am until the evening for a massage in rooms with large tubs for hot relaxing bath and have all their grooming needs met. Bodyworks began with a team of five people. I had to train people to make beauty techniques to all races and cultures. The company took off in six months. Eighty percent of our customers are Japanese and to this day I am grateful for their patronage. The Spa has gone from employing five persons employed over forty people. I had the chance to enjoy an ongoing partnership with my friend, an Indonesian national. We outgrew the original place and after several years of design and construction, we moved to our current location near Petitenget Temple on the beach in 1999.
What are your reflections on the massive amount of spas and salons in Bali now?
I think it has become a part of the appeal of Bali. Competition maintains the quality and creates a more diverse market. It's frustrating when spas use the name Bodyworks, like in Ubud, which has nothing to do with us. There is only Bodyworks. I was constantly offered opportunities to develop and Bodyworks same frankness, but I refused because I wanted to maintain the quality of our services is only maintained by being personally involved in all aspects of the business, select the playlist of music, to buy the products we sell and the training of personnel. This is what keeps our special services. We have a diverse, dedicated customer. They include Tyra Banks and Susan Sarandon among other celebrities, super models and even sports figures who come to our unique healing massage special. People book months in advance from all over the world. We have special services for entire wedding parties and hairdressers who specialize in men's haircuts. Bodywork service men and women of all nationalities and ethnic origins.
So now that you have established and your children are in college, you are able to take more time to travel?
I never stopped traveling, but yes; Now I can spend more time doing. This summer I went to places outside Bali such as Lombok, Flores and Sumba with my children and last year I was twice in Borneo and Sumatra. I love Indonesia. Each island has its own culture, art and geography. It's incredible. During the monsoon Akasha I visit Hawaii and Siran in California, and we usually go skiing in Aspen or Vail, Colorado. Then I come back and I'm out of India and sometimes Europe; Germany and Amsterdam.
What do you think of all the changes to Bali? How can we support although such growth?
It is sad to see the changes. I'm worried about the direction it is taking and the impact of infrastructure increasingly on the environment. My hope is that the Balinese and expatriates who live here can work towards a clean and sustainable future, maintaining the traditions of respect for nature and beauty that make up the Balinese culture. I see good changes as well, so many great causes treated by expatriates and locals with such compassion. The measures taken to improve the lives of the poor and the disabled, and a strong clean and green movement. Bali is the perfect place to set an example by using non-invasive natural energy sources. It would boost ecological tourism and create a more balanced economic society.
I ly agree! Community and compassion are the answer, with a change in consciousness. So can you tell me a massage and a bubble bath later today?
Of course! But I'll have to call and see if I can book. Even I have to make an appointment for me these days!
Thank you Regina! To contact, call Bodyworks at 62 (0) 361 733317.