Regina Shultz Boysen
Meet Regina Shultz Boysen. The creative force behind Bali’s first spa.
I was born in Germany however grew up in Paris, Italy in addition to had many years in Washington DC, where my father was the German ambassador to the United States. I was able to learn different cultures in addition to languages by an early age. Travelling was a way of life I was fortunate to be born into. By eighteen I was travelling on my own. At nineteen, I studied art history at the University of Bonn For 2 years. I spent time in north Thailand working with Laotian refugees. After of which experience I came to Bali in addition to have lived here since then.
You were one of the first expats to lease land in addition to build within the Seminyak area. I remember we would likely all come to use your shower after the beach. You had hot water!
I would likely pay anything to have just one day when Bali was our Paradise. When we used the coconut wireless to stay connected instead of phones in addition to every one was on bikes, motorbikes or walking. Our tiny community was like a big family by the beach to Ubud. Our lives were simple in addition to happy. By the 90’s of which era was over. Everyone had electric, telephones in addition to parabolas. We had children. I had my son Siran in 1988, in addition to my daughter Akasha in 1991.
What inspired you to conceive the idea of Bodyworks?
I was a working mother. After working all day the item was difficult to arrange a massage. There were no salons of which catered to western needs. In 1994 we opened Bodyworks across by Krakatoa, a business centre where we got our mail in addition to had access to communications in addition to office services in addition to a French café. We took over a factory in addition to renovated the item. For initially in Bali we could enjoy massages off the beach. I manifested the needs of the community in addition to myself. People could walk in by 9am until evening for a massage in rooms with large tubs for hot relaxing baths in addition to have all their grooming needs met. Bodyworks commenced having a staff of a few people. I had to train people to do beauty techniques for all races in addition to cultures. The business took off within six months. Eighty percent of our customers were Japanese in addition to to This particular day I am grateful for their patronage. The Spa went by employing a few people to employing over forty people. I have been fortunate to enjoy an ongoing partnership with my friend, an Indonesian national. We outgrew the initial venue in addition to after a few years of design in addition to construction we moved to our current location near Petitenget Temple on the beach in 1999.
What are your thoughts on the massive amount of spas in addition to salons in Bali today?
I think the item has become part of the appeal of Bali. Competition keeps the quality up in addition to creates a more diverse market. the item can be frustrating when spas use the name Bodyworks, like the one in Ubud, which has nothing to do with us. There can be only one Bodyworks. I was constantly offered business opportunities to expand in addition to even franchise Bodyworks, however I declined because I wanted to maintain the quality of our services which can be only maintained by being personally involved in all aspects of the business, by selecting the music playlist, buying the products we sell in addition to training staff. of which can be what keeps our services special. We have a diverse, dedicated clientele. They include Tyra Banks in addition to Susan Sarandon among different celebrities, super versions in addition to even sports figures, who come for our unique, special healing massages. People book months in advance by all over the planet. We have special services for entire wedding parties in addition to hairdressers who specialize in men’s haircuts. Bodyworks services men in addition to women of all nationalities in addition to ethnic backgrounds.
So today of which you are established in addition to your children are at University, are you able to take more time to travel?
I never stopped travelling, however yes; today I can spend more time doing so. This particular summer I travelled to places out of Bali such as Lombok, Flores in addition to Sumba with my children in addition to last year I was in Borneo in addition to Sumatra twice. I love Indonesia. Each island has its own culture, art in addition to geography. the item’s amazing. During monsoon I visit Akasha in Hawaii in addition to Siran in California, in addition to we usually go skiing in Aspen or Vail, Colorado. Then I come back in addition to am off to India in addition to sometimes Europe; Germany in addition to Amsterdam.
What do you think about all the improvements in Bali? How can we properly sustain such growth?
the item can be sad to see the improvements. I am worried about the direction the item can be taking in addition to the impact the growing infrastructure has on the environment. My expect can be of which the Balinese in addition to the expats living here can work towards a clean in addition to sustainable future, maintaining the traditions of reverence for nature in addition to beauty, which make up the Balinese culture. I see Great improvements as well, so many great causes addressed by expats in addition to locals with such compassion. Actions taken to improve the lives of the impoverished in addition to the handicapped, in addition to a strong movement towards clean in addition to green. Bali can be the perfect place to set an example using non-invasive natural energy sources. the item would likely boost eco tourism in addition to create a more balanced economic society.
I totally agree! Community in addition to compassion are the answer, along having a shift in consciousness. So can you get me in for a massage in addition to bubble bath later today?
Of course! however I’ll have to call in addition to see if I can book the item. Even I have to make appointments for myself these days!
Thanks Regina! To get in touch, call Bodyworks at +62 (0) 361 733317.
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Regina Shultz Boysen
Regina Shultz Boysen