In an exclusive interview led by Alexander Chetchikov, President of the World Luxury Chamber of Commerce, we sit down with Diego Salvado, Co-Owner of KOYA Spa, the celebrated sanctuary recently named Best Luxury Healing Spa in Indonesia by Luxury Lifestyle Awards. Known for its masterful fusion of ancient Japanese techniques and Balinese healing traditions, KOYA Spa has quickly become a standout name in the luxury wellness industry. Today, we uncover the philosophy behind its serene atmosphere, how luxury is interpreted through healing, and what the future holds for this Bali-based gem.

Alexander Chetchikov: Congratulations on KOYA Spa’s recent win as Best Luxury Healing Spa in Indonesia by Luxury Lifestyle Awards. What does this recognition mean to you and your team?

Diego Salvado: Thank you, Alexander. This recognition is incredibly meaningful to us—it validates the passion, intention, and meticulous care we pour into every aspect of KOYA Spa. For our team, it’s not just an award; it’s a testament to the transformative power of blending ancient Japanese and Balinese healing traditions with a modern luxury sensibility. It reaffirms our mission to create a sanctuary where guests don’t just receive treatments but embark on a journey of deep restoration.

AC: KOYA Spa blends ancient Japanese bodywork with Balinese rituals. How do you maintain authenticity while creating a modern luxury experience?

DS: We maintain authenticity by respecting the roots of each tradition—training directly with Japanese and Balinese masters, sourcing ingredients with intention, and preserving the essence of every ritual. Modern luxury comes through thoughtful curation: blending these elements seamlessly, enhancing comfort with sustainable design, and tailoring experiences to today’s needs—without compromising their sacred origins. The result is a deepened, more accessible form of healing.

AC: In your opinion, what distinguishes a luxury healing spa from a traditional spa?

DS: What truly sets a luxury healing spa apart is intention in every detail. Traditional spas offer relaxation—we offer restoration. Each of our treatment rooms is a private sanctuary, designed for complete immersion in your healing journey. We use only the finest organic Balinese oils, crafted with reverence for their therapeutic properties. But beyond premium elements, it’s the purpose behind our touch: our therapists don’t just perform techniques—they listen to your body’s needs, blending Japanese precision and Balinese intuition to create a transformative experience. Luxury is the guarantee that when you leave KOYA, you’ll feel renewed: lighter in body, clearer in mind, and deeply reconnected to yourself. That’s the standard we hold—every guest, every time.

AC: From a global luxury perspective, how do you think the concept of wellness is evolving?

DS: The evolution of luxury wellness is fascinating. We’re seeing a shift from passive pampering to active transformation. Today’s discerning travelers want more than relaxation – they seek authentic, results-driven experiences rooted in tradition yet tailored for modern lives. At KOYA, we’ve responded by creating what we call “conscious luxury” – where every element serves both immediate comfort and long-term wellbeing. Our Japanese-Balinese fusion treatments aren’t just about feeling good in the moment, but about leaving truly restored. The future? I believe we’ll see wellness become even more personalized and integrated – not just a spa visit, but a seamless part of one’s lifestyle. Yet the core will remain the same: genuine care, expert touch, and spaces that heal as much as they delight.

AC: KOYA Spa operates in two of Bali’s most popular destinations: Canggu and Seminyak. How do the different locations influence the guest experience?

DS: The energy of each location absolutely shapes the guest experience.

In Seminyak, we welcome more international travelers seeking immersive rituals – they want that “wow” moment, like our KOYA Journey ritual or our Japanese-inspired Four Hands Bodywork. These guests often book signature experiences as part of their holiday memories.

Canggu attracts residents and long-term visitors who come weekly for restorative work. Here, it’s about deep healing – our regulars know exactly which therapist understands their chronic tension or which pressure level restores them. The approach is more clinical in precision, though equally soulful. Interestingly, our same Japanese-Balinese fusion techniques adapt naturally: in Seminyak, they become lavish 2-hour journeys, while in Canggu, they transform into targeted 60/90-minute fixes. The magic is in this flexibility – one philosophy, two expressions of care.

AC: The treatments offered at KOYA Spa are deeply rooted in holistic philosophy. How important is it for your industry to embrace tradition while innovating?

DS: Tradition is our foundation—innovation, our responsibility. At KOYA, we don’t chase trends; we refine timeless wisdom for today’s bodies. Our Japanese master, who has spent decades studying ancient healing manuscripts, teaches us this balance. She’s adapted centuries-old techniques—like ampuku(abdominal therapy) or shiatsu meridians—to address modern ailments: tech-neck, screen-weary eyes, or the shallow breathing of stressed minds. The methods remain pure, but their application evolves. For example, his pressure-point sequences now incorporate subtle adjustments for posture distorted by laptops, or targeted releases for athletes recovering from high-intensity training. This is how true luxury wellness must operate: with one foot in tradition’s depth and the other in contemporary needs. Guests don’t want gimmicks—they want lineage they can feel. Our mastery lies in making the ancient profoundly relevant again.

AC: What is the biggest misconception people have about healing therapies in the spa industry?

DS: People often mistake healing for comfort. True restoration requires skillful discomfort—like our master’s precise shiatsu that targets stubborn tension. That momentary intensity? That’s ancient wisdom breaking through your body’s resistance. Luxury healing isn’t about avoiding “ouch” moments—it’s about trusting the transformation they bring.

AC: Looking ahead, what exciting developments or expansions can KOYA Spa guests look forward to in the near future?

DS: We’re focusing on deeper personalization. Soon, guests will experience tailored KOYA Journeys with enhanced pre-treatment consultations using posture analysis and muscle mapping. We’re also developing a signature line of small-batch wellness products featuring our master’s herbal blends. While staying true to our roots, we’re exploring curated retreat programs – multi-day immersions combining our signature therapies with mindful movement and recovery nutrition.

Thank you, Diego, for sharing your insight and the heart behind KOYA Spa‘s remarkable journey. Your commitment to holistic luxury continues to inspire the global wellness community.

To learn more, visit https://koyaspabali.com/.