Four Seasons’ Bali resorts launch Cancer Care Massage with guidance from Christine Clinton and SATCC
– Luisa Anderson
Following intensive training with certified specialist Christine Clinton, Four Seasons has launched a Cancer Care Massage at its two Bali spas: the all-new Healing Village Spa at Four Seasons Jimbaran Bay, and Sacred River Spa at Four Seasons Sayan.
In a first for Indonesia, a dozen therapists from both spas completed training along with regional spa director Luisa Anderson – herself a former oncology nurse who has seen first-hand the side effects of cancer treatments, and how massage can improve quality of life.
The therapists were paired with women living with breast cancer known as “Bali Pink Fighters”, a support group of the Bali Pink Ribbon Foundation.
The Pink Fighters then participated in massage trials for the hands-on part of the two-week training and shared their personal cancer stories.
“It was a very emotional training experience,” said Anderson, who is based at Four Seasons Jimbaran Bay.
“The therapists were so touched by their connection with the ladies from the foundation, and the participants were grateful to be touched both physically and emotionally through massage – something the rest of us take for granted, but which they haven’t had access to until now.”
Anderson said many spas don’t offer massage to those touched by cancer as there is a misconception that massage can spread the disease.
“In fact, massage can have a huge impact on treating the side effects of cancer treatment and improving quality of life – as long as there are appropriate training and protocols in place,” she said.
“Plus it’s been clinically proven to improve immune function, reduce pain and enhance sleep.”
The Four Seasons training followed the Standards Authority for Touch in Cancer Care (SATCC) – launched by industry veteran Sue Harmsworth in 2020 and recognised as the national standard in the UK and Ireland for spas, salons and therapists.
Available as a 60- or 90-minute experience, the Cancer Care Massage uses bespoke oils to soothe dry or radiation-irritated skin, release scar tissue and provide lymph support.
A 60-minute treatment costs £94 (US$129, €107), while a 90-minute massage costs £117 (US$160, €134), both excluding taxes.
It’s a personalised experience and recommended at any stage during the cancer journey – pre-treatment, during treatment or rehabilitation – to soothe the nervous system, and increase the sense of calm and emotional support.
Before the first session, therapists conduct an in-depth consultation to find out the guest’s type of cancer, treatment and side effects.
They then adjust the massage including body position, bed set-up, pressure and technique.
The Cancer Care Massage is the first step towards comprehensive self-care programmes being launched at Four Seasons Resorts Bali in 2021, led by resident wellness experts.
The retreats will cater for people at various stages of the cancer journey, incorporating sleep therapy, chromotherapy, sound healing, touch therapy, energy rebalancing, yoga and meditation and good nutrition.
“Our intention is to complement and support cancer treatment plans with programmes centred around mindfulness, healthy lifestyle and nutrition,” Anderson explained.
“We’ve expanded and reconceived our two spas and are proud to offer a much deeper level of holistic wellbeing than ever before.”
Christine Clinton Sue Harmsworth Four Seasons Luisa Anderson Standards Authority for Touch in Cancer Care cancer massageFour Seasons sets Q1 2021 opening date for California winery retreat and spa
GOCO collaborates with Jean-Michel Gathy to create riverside urban wellness centre for upcoming Four Seasons Bangkok
Jennifer Young launches free cancer awareness training to instil confidence in therapists
Julie Bach launches donation-based Wellness for Cancer training course during coronavirus shutdown
Exclusive: Sue Harmsworth launches Standards Authority for Touch in Cancer Care
FEATURE: Interview – Luisa Anderson
FEATURE: New opening – Four Seasons Tokyo
BIG unveils Eve Music Hall as Croatia venue nears completion
Bob Rogers hands BRC to long-serving leadership team
Wellness care hospital opens in Vilnius with innovative spa and hospitality concept
Universal and Puy du Fou projects point to rise of Oxford–Cambridge corridor
A proposed Puy du Fou development near Bicester and Universal Destinations and Experiences’ planned resort in Bedford are emerging as part of a wider transformation of the Oxford–Cambridge Growth Corridor into a major centre for UK leisure and tourism investment.
For years, the corridor has been associated primarily with science, technology, housing and university-led economic growth. However, the clustering of large-scale visitor attraction projects along the
All-inclusive eco-wellness development Auko to open near Vietnam’s Son Doong caves
Shedd Aquarium upgrades its visitor experience with new Immersion Theater
Shedd Aquarium has opened the Immersion Theater developed in partnership with SimEx-Iwerks, as part of a wider strategy to enhance the guest experience and create additional revenue opportunities.
The attraction has transformed the aquarium’s Phelps Auditorium into a multi-sensory venue combining panoramic projection, environmental effects and interactive technology.
A new pre-show area allows visitors to engage with augmented reality marine animals before entering the
Mandarin Oriental announces standalone Mansions-branded residences for Abu Dhabi
MCR is planning a luxury hotel for London's BT Tower
Joy as a radical act: Yinka Ilori launches solo exhibition celebrating the rebellious power of spreading happiness
Work gets underway on Madrid's €800 million leisure complex
Work is underway in Madrid on one of Europe’s most significant multi-functional complexes, combining sport, entertainment, culture and education.
The €800 million initiative to regenerate the former Olympic Aquatic Centre in the north-east of the city, next to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano stadium, is being led by Barsento – a joint venture between Live Nation Entertainment, Oak View Group and Atlético de Madrid. The project will
Therme Manchester reveals 90:90 strategy – 90 per cent of the UK population within a 90-minute drive of a Therme
Four Seasons’ Naples Beach Club opens 2,800sq m Sanctuary spa inspired by indigenous Calusa people
Orient Express Corinthian to host Ocean Rebirth wellness retreat in collaboration with Guerlain
Famed London nightclub, Tramp, launches Tramp Health
First look: Miraval opens on the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia
Hainan Science Museum by Ma Yansong, opens in China
A new science museum has opened to the public in Haikou after attracting more than 350,000 visitors during a four-month soft opening period.
Designed by Ma Yansong and his practice MAD Architects, the Hainan Science Museum is located on the edge of Wuyuan River National Wetland Park and has already recorded peak attendance of more than 5,800 visitors in a single day.
Commissioned by
Zannier Île De Bendor launches with design by Hardel Le Bihan Architectes
Sæl Spa readies for launch in London: “a modern British sanctuary”
Immersive art bathhouse Submersive announces debut location in Austin
Construction begins on regenerative wellness destination The Shenandoah Nature Resort
Royal Caribbean reveals record-breaking cruise ship
V&A East opens in London
David Geffen galleries open at LACMA
New venue The Lands by Capella includes a longevity centre to complement sister hotel Capella Sydney
World of Frozen launches at Disneyland Paris
Pical Resort by Valamar reveals first Croatian spa under the ESPA brand
Mandarin Oriental creates end-to-end Egyptian journey with two new hotels and first-ever luxury river cruise
Designers Mendil + Meyer launch new division called Lām Concepts for strategic wellness projects
Wilderness Bisate in Rwanda reveals brand’s second Sanctuary spa
4a Architekten shares details of wellness extension at Salinarium Bad Dürkheim Thermal Spa
