AYANA Zeitgeist
Translated from German, Zeitgeist means "the spirit of the moment", and is the key principle underpinning AYANA's service philosophy. Here, we share our inside tips and favorite haunts to help you experience the AYANA Zeitgeist.
Nyepi In The Eyes Of…
08Mar
Well-Placed Insider chats with 5 people to find out more what they really think and feel about this magical 24 hour in total silence known as Nyepi.
An expatriate:Giordano Faggioli
How many years have you lived in Bali?2 and and a half years.
What does Nyepi mean to you?Nyepi is definitely a unique festival. I am usually at work during Nyepi and I partake in the ogoh-ogoh parade around the hotel on Nyepi Eve with the team members and guests. Then for Nyepi Day, all guests of the resort are in-house, as no one can leave the property for 24 hours. The noise is kept to a minimum, all lights are dimmed and guests enjoy a peaceful view of the ocean. Quite amazing!
What amazes you the most about Nyepi?The absolute silence as a result of ‘non activity’ throughout the island.
Can you share tips for tourists who will be in Bali for Nyepi?Embrace it and experience it to the fullest. If you choose to stay in a resort or hotel, enjoy what is organized there be it the ogoh-ogoh parade, special dinner or activity, and learn to understand the roots of this festival.
A Balinese woman:Tri Widyastuti
Which part of Bali are you from?I am from West Bali, a small village called Menega.
What amazes you the most about Nyepi?The total silence it brings, since no vehicle or machinery is allowed to operate (which also means Bali airport closes down), no fire or electricity may be used, and no chores or work may be done. On Nyepi Day, Balinese people stay inside their house and gather with their family.
As a Balinese woman and mother, is there a particular ritual that you are obliged to do??Yes, Balinese women usually prepare offerings for Pengrupukan day. This is one day before Nyepi. We do a blessing ritual in and around the house and pray to the gods that the demons shall never come into our lives.
Can you share tips for tourists who will be in Bali for Nyepi?I recommend they stay at a hotel. The rules are more relaxed, as long as you do not leave the hotel grounds. Each hotel minimizes use of lighting and power, halts its shuttle/car service, and asks guests not to wander around outside or leave the property. But otherwise guests are welcome to use the resort grounds, restaurants, spa and other facilities as normal, while keeping noise to a minimum.
A city girl: Melinda Martini
Where are you from and how many years have you lived in Bali?I come from a busy city,Jakarta,and have been living in this paradise for 3 wonderful years.
Can you tell me about your first Nyepi experience?My first Nyepi,I stayed home and honestly I did not prepare anything. That was my mistake. I did not have any food and did not rent any movies. It almost felt like I was celebrating being in a ‘pause’ of life. So the next Nyepi, I was more experienced and prepared. I stayed at a hotel and ate, met people and took part in the cultural activities in the hotel.
What amazes you the most about Nyepi?I love watching the ogoh-ogoh procession, one day before Nyepi.? Also, the blue sky and fresh air that greets you early in the morning after Nyepi.
Can you share tips for tourists who will be in Bali for Nyepi?Stay in a hotel. ?That way you do not have to worry about grocery shopping before Nyepi which can be a pain because usually the queues at the supermarket are very long. Go to the spa, relax in the pool, order food and enjoy the complete tranquility!
A Balinese Priest:Made Suwitri
Which part of Bali are you from?I am from Kedonganan.
What amazes you the most about Nyepi?As a Balinese Priest, this is like the ‘ground zero’. Where we can do a meditation, and do a self-reflection.
As a Balinese priest a particular ritual that you are obliged to do?I do not lead the ceremony because my husband is also a priest. But, I help by preparing all the offerings needed.
What is the most challenging thing about celebrating Nyepi?I am doing it with all my heart and soul. So, there is nothing about Nyepi that I do not do wholeheartedly. However, when I was a younger parents, it was pretty hardtop tell my kids about the meaning of Nyepi. They did not find being in silence as something exciting. It is our responsibility as parents to cascade this religious tradition to the next generation.
A Balinese Kid: A.A Ayu Antika
How old are you?I am 8 and a half
What amazes you the most about Nyepi?It is just so quiet I cannot hear a sound. And no vehicles on the street!
Is there anything that you do not like about it?At night, it can be very dark and we are not allowed to play out in the street… and… oh, No TV! That is the worst. But I can spend time by just playing at home with my little brother.
Can you give advice to your friends on how to spend Nyepi at home?Maybe try a new thing at home like helping your parents in preparing the meals like what I am learning to do. I do that if my brother gets annoyed by me.
By Well-Placed InsiderPosts: 37
Here’s an up close interview by Well-Placed Insider with AYANA’s Russian speaking Guest Relations Officer, Tania Sovinska.
What brings you to Bali?
This might sound cheesy, but honestly…It is love. I am married to an Indonesian man. We met a few years ago when he and I both were at this ‘Work and Training’ program in the US. It was a cross cultural program at the Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming. We became close, got married in Jakarta, and let our daring young love bring us to Bali where we both applied for jobs in the hotel industry.
What do you like most about living in Bali?
When I first landed here, it was just a day before Nyepi. It was so magical. I experienced living in a totally ‘shut down’ island, no TV, no lights, sound kept to a minimum, and no one allowed to leave the house for that day. I always wonder how the Balinese have lived according to that belief and religious tradition for centuries and are still proudly living it to this day.
How did you learn to speak Russian fluently?
I learned it from books, TV shows and daily conversations. I never took a formal course but Russian is a regional language in the Ukraine.
I am sure it helps you a lot in doing your job?
Yes, I feel comfortable speaking to Russian guests at AYANA and they feel comfortable in delivering their requests and feedback to me as well. This is an important element in guest service, since it will enhance their engagement with the hotel too. In my department, I have a Balinese friend who speaks Russian too!
How do you enjoy living and working in such a multi-cultural environment?
I love it a lot. I love getting to know the Balinese culture, how they do their prayers and offerings to their gods. I also have friends from China, Korea and we get to discuss about our country, its uniqueness and sometimes learn a word of two from each language. Fun!
And AYANA must strengthen your value of appreciating cultural differences?
Absolutely! AYANA’s philosophy creates an environment where you would feel that you are not only here to serve the guests, but also to work at your best and be a support to your friends, be it from the same or other departments. It reinforces you to set your bar higher in doing your job and appreciates you as an individual.
If you could share one of your traditions with your friends in Bali, what would it be?
I would love to teach my Indonesian friends how to make a Varenyky z vyshneu. It is a boiled dumpling with cherry, my favorite dessert from Ukraine.
By Well-Placed InsiderPosts: 37
Lee Abbamonte is the youngest American to visit every country in the world. Along the way, he has ducked gunfire in Libya, raced camels along the beach in Kenya, and entered the eternal home of the Dalai Lama. Of all the places he has visited, Bali is one of his favorites, and he has called AYANA the best resort he has ever stayed in. Originally from New York, Lee now calls himself a ‘citizen of the earth’. He spoke to AYANA about what drives him to explore far beyond guide book hit lists
So you are known as ‘The youngest American to visit every country in the world’, how does that feel?
I feel honored for sure. I am doing what I love and it just so happens that the world is taking note about it and recognizing it.
You must have a few passports?
Yes! I have changed my passport 10 times.
How many years did it take you to travel to every country in the world?
It took me about 13 years. The last country I visited was Libya, in August 2011 just months after war had broken out. It was an extraordinary one
as I got mixed up in a shoot-out between Libyan border control and cigarette smugglers from Egypt trying to cross the border at the same time as me. Ironically, it had nothing to do with the war! I ducked down inside the car and the driver put the car into reverse and got us out of the firing line, and we waited for it to ease for about three hours. I then spent three days in Libya and felt completely comfortable the whole time I was there, no issues at all.
How many places have you visited in Indonesia?
I have visited most of the cities from all of the 33 provinces in all five major islands: Java, Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi and Irian Jaya.
The first place I visited in Indonesia was Batam, via boat from Singapore. Now, I have nearly 15,000 fans from Indonesia on my Facebook page, and most of them also follow my blog.
Is this your first time in Bali?
This is my second time on the island. I was here four years ago and I loved it so much. I adore the people, the beauty of its nature, the beaches, and the culture. That is why I have come back.
What do you think about Indonesian people? Or, to be specific, your fans or readers from Indonesia?
They are very warm and kind. They invite me to come to their hometowns, their villages, which I would love to do someday. It would be very interesting to stay with them, being so close with the local community.
Has it always been your dream, to visit every country in the world?
Not at all, it just happened this way. I did have a target to visit 100 countries, and I had achieved that by the age of 25. And I just kept on going. I love traveling and meeting new people, experiencing different cultures, and I am going to keep doing it.
What about in your own country? Have you visited all the 50 states?
I crossed 49 out of 50. I am only missing Michigan! But I will go there soon to watch a hockey championship. Sports are also one of my interests when I visit new places, other than the culture, food and of course the nature of each place.
Do you always travel alone?
I have some regular travel companions who join me for some trips, but people need not only money, but also time to be able to travel, and they may not always have it. So most of the time, I travel alone. Company is good but can be tricky too. I mean, nothing is worse than being stuck with someone who you are not comfortable with on the road. I had a bad experience once, when a girl I barely knew joined me for a trip. It was not her thing, let’s just put it that way. She found it hard to adjust to new places, kept complaining and was easily annoyed by things that I was already used to or prepared for.
What inspires you to travel?
What gets me started is my passion. But what keeps me going is actually my ‘biggest fear’. Fear of not knowing. Fear of being limited to education,
fear of not knowing the world that you are living in. And though information can now be obtained from anywhere, I feel a different satisfaction if I can see, touch, and am in it. The way to combat my fear is by going places.
What is the biggest influence you get from travelling so much?
I feel that it affects not only my knowledge, but my perspective towards life. I can see and understand why people think the way they think, be it political, cultural or otherwise. I may have different opinions from them but I can always find room in me to understand, by learning about the place where they came from.
How many days in a year do you spend traveling?
It really depends on a lot of things but in general, I can spend from four to eight months away from my home in New York City. I keep writing and posting images to my blog in between places which keeps me busy.
And how do you stay fit on the road?
It is not easy as I do enjoy trying new foods. I try to be disciplined with exercise and I walk a lot too.
Are there any other projects you are working on?
I am doing a TV program; it is called “Top Spot”. It will launch on October 18th on Discovery Network’s Travel Channel. It is a
review of hotels and places I have visited, and the local activities I got to experience.
By Well-Placed InsiderPosts: 37
The Only Way is Up
21Sep
“When you hit rock bottom, the only place you can go is up!” Ahyani – ROLE Models trainee as a therapist at Thermes Marins Bali Spa”
Where are you from? Situbondo, East Java.
What do you think about this R.O.L.E program and how did you get the opportunity?
I know R.O.L.E from a friend. I am a single mother, I used to work in a small warung, trying to make ends meet for my 10-year-old-son. I only graduated from elementary school so it is a bit hard for me to even imagine I can make a better living. But after I found R.O.L.E, trained with F&B skills, English, gardening and cooking at their training center in Nusa Dua, and getting this training opportunity at AYANA, I am confident I will do better for myself and my son.
What gets you excited about being a R.O.L.E student? And what makes you nervous?
I love the trainers at R.O.L.E . They care about the development of each student. And I love being part of a hotel that is as great as AYANA. Even though AYANA’s guests have high expectations and that makes me nervous, the hotel trainers are incredibly supportive and patient of me and the rest of my friends.
Has a career in the hotel industry always been your passion? If so, in which area specifically?
Yes. I specifically love being in the Spa department.
What is your message to friends?
If you think you are at your lowest, cry for help. Do not keep it for yourself because it will drain you and bring you to even a lower level. R.O.LE is a form of help that I am getting.
What do you want to achieve?
Working here at AYANA, and making a better future for my son.
By Well-Placed InsiderPosts: 37
A Non-Settler
14Sep
“As long as you do not settle, you will get yourself to the top.” YUNI MARIYANI – ROLE Models trainee as a waiter at Padi restaurant
Where are you from? Gilimanuk, Bali.
What do you think about this R.O.L.E program and how did you get the opportunity?
I heard about R.O.L.E from my neighbor. It gives me education about basic F&B?skills, basic working skills, English, gardening and cooking whilst at the same time giving me an income.
What gets you excited about being a R.O.L.E student? And what makes you nervous?
The chance to practice English in everyday life is the thing I enjoy best about R.O.L.E . Not to forget, that it brings me to AYANA. A resort with a name so grand that I almost could not believe it is happening to me, this opportunity! On another note, I am nervous about being trained by the
professionals at AYANA. But their kind support is really comforting and inspiring.
Has a career in the hotel industry always been your passion? If so, in which area specifically?
Yes. Always. It is always been about Food and Beverage. I love to treat people special; I love to know habits and manners or service expectations of guests from different countries.
What is your message to friends?
Do not be shy if you have to start something from the lowest level. I am not ashamed if I have to do all the dirty and hard jobs to get to where I want to be, as long as I can learn something and never settle for second best.
What do you want to achieve?
I dream of being a restaurant manager.
By Well-Placed InsiderPosts: 37
Dynamic Duo at Dava
06Sep
Formula 1 mania is about to descend upon Singapore yet again, but noise, stench and stress are not everyone’s dea of a good time. Some Singaporeans like Willin Low, acclaimed lawyer who changed his business suit for a white jacket and tall hat, are escaping to Bali.
Before building a reputation as one of Singapore’s most awarded and dynamic Chef – Restaurateurs, Willin Low led a life as a corporate lawyer from Mondays to Fridays. In the last two years of his full-time legal career, he would shed his corporate suit to become a private chef-for-hire on weekends.
In October 2004, Willin decided to make the bold move of switching careers. Though he had achieved much success as a law practitioner, Willin took up a trainee position with the Garibaldi Group. As the stars aligned, he officially hung the sharp tailored suit and changed into a white jacket, opening his signature restaurant Wild Rocket at Mount Emily a year later.
At Wild Rocket, Chef Willin applied his culinary philosophy of serving food that he himself would love to eat – Western food with a local twist. As a self-taught chef, one advantage Chef Willin has is that he possess a style that is unique and perhaps even quirky. Most of his dishes are inspired by hawker fare; his childhood craves; or by an interesting ingredient discovered while travelling. “Cooking is about providing happiness. Providing good food and service is the most basic need anyone requires. I think that is why I love cooking – and eating – so much ” says Willin.
It is safe to say that during the F1 season, there will be a noticeable absence of engine oil as Chef Willin brings his Wild Rocket recipes to Dava 21-23 September as guest chef, invited by fellow Singaporean, Dava chef de cuisine Jusman So – founder-chef of Singapore’ much-lauded Sage
restaurant (2010/2011 Miele List). Jusman will lend his kitchen to Chef Willin for three nights to serve up a special degustation menu, giving Dava guests the opportunity to experience another of Singapore’s culinary gems.
The F1 Fatigue menu by the guest chef, Willin Low from Wild Rocket in Singapore, will run from Friday, 21st September, till Sunday, 23rd September.
The prices for the menu are as follows:
4 courses @ Rp490,000 / 6 courses @ Rp650,000 / 8 courses @Rp790,000
By Well-Placed InsiderPosts: 37
Never too Old
27Jul
Fourteen underprivileged Indonesian women have begun three months of on-the-job training at AYANA Resort and Spa Bali as part of the second annual ‘ROLE Models’ program in partnership with R.O.L.E Foundation.The women are training as either Food &Beverage servers, Cooks or Spa Therapists.
Here’s another up close interview with one of them, Nunu Windarwati.
“Age should never stop you. That’s laziness, not age.”- Nunu Windarwati, R.O.L.E trainee with Padi restaurant’s culinary team.
Where are you from?
Malang, East Java, but I have lived in Bali with my husband and children for more than 15 years.
What do you think about this R.O.L.E program and how did you get the opportunity?
R.O.L.E is like a bridge to my dream. And I am in my 40s! I got the information from the social division at my home church. Basically, we were informed that R.O.L.E can provide education, training programs and job opportunities for the poor and disadvantaged. I immediately signed up to study English, cooking, gardening, basic F&B service, and other skills at R.O.L.E’s Nusa Dua training facility, and earn a small allowance working at the Foundation’s non-profit cafe.
What gets you excited about being a R.O.L.E student? And what makes you nervous?
The training program is not as easy as people would think. We work really hard. To have this opportunity of a training program at AYANA is ‘the light at the end of the tunnel’. It is like a reward for my hard work in learning new things, the fruit from pushing myself to the limit considering my background and my age. That excites me. But I am at the same time nervous about working with people who are so talented in this big resort.
Has a career in the hotel industry always been your passion? If so, in which area specifically?
To me, yes. Truth be told, I was about to give up considering my age and knowing the competition out there. Now I feel fortunate that I am doing my training at AYANA… and especially in the kitchen! I love to cook. And I now can dream about doing it not only for family but as a profession. Career begins at 40? Why not?
What is your message to friends?
Do not let your age or your past stop you from becoming the person that you want to become.
What do you want to achieve?
To work as a professional cook in a hotel. Many hotels are opening in Bali and I am confident to give it a serious shot once both R.O.L.E and AYANA certificates are earned.
By Well-Placed InsiderPosts: 37
Well-Placed Insider is starting to get all giddy about the next performer at Rock Bar . If you also have been eyeing the high tide chart of this ‘must see’ bar in Bali, do not forget to save the date to be part of the crowd this 20-21 July 2012, with Kristian Hernandez!
Not only did his fame come from his talent as a turntablist, but also from his uncanny ability to stir up a dance floor all across the globe from Sydney to Paris, London, New York, Japan and many other places in between. Kristian Hernandez is a big believer of universality in music. The
result is a multi-genre style of Afro Latin rhythms, funk meters, jazz, soul and hip hop blended into a harmony that only Kristian can live up to.
Get ready to dance!
Kristian Hernandez
By Well-Placed InsiderPosts: 37
Holiday Tips and Trick
05Jul
Top five tips and tricks from your Well-Placed Insider to make the most of your holiday in Bali:
Know your destination. Better yet, your hotel.
Read online reviews, browse through the hotel website so you can get to know the facilities and places of interests around the area. What is the best way to get there, which local attractions to visit, the must-see experiences… The smartest move is to reserve a holiday packagewhich includes transfer services, dining, tours and spa experiences. Hassle free!
Get to the airport on time.
Even though it seems reasonable to run or even sprint through the airport in your newly purchased espadrilles to get to the check in counter just before check-in closes, a better option is to keep in shape around your beach resort, not the airport. Time and place, people. So, leave the house early and do not risk an airport meltdown.
Mums and Dads: Reserve a hotel with a Kids Club is on site.
Yes, if you are with family, you are there to make your children happy. But never forget that you too deserve some time off. So, spare a day where you can pamper yourself and your spouse at the Spa while your little ones are occupied and stimulated with fun activities at the Kids Club. Both the children and you will be in a better holiday mood when reunited, and you may be surprised to hear them begging to go back to the Kids Club for more.
Never miss an opportunity to do physical activity.
Find a hotel or resort with a wide selection of guest activities, be it trekking, cycling tour along the beach , yoga session or even perfume-making. Not only will this help you stay fit but also save you from that ‘seems to stick forever’ holiday weight.
Be Adventurous!
Challenge your appetite, try the authentic cuisine, join a cooking class, get your picture taken in a traditional costume, and watch a cultural performance you will never find in your hometown. AYANA even provides a perfume making class for guests wanting to bring a bottle of a ‘Bali Essence’ to their home.
By Well-Placed InsiderPosts: 37
Sir Norman Jay, who performed for President Obama’s inauguration and received a medal from the Queen of England for his services to music, opened Bali’s high season at Rock Bar on 23 June. Over 500 guests came to enjoy sunset before dancing the night away to classic soul, reggae, hip hop, and house beats under the starry sky. Enjoy these snapshots of the event.
Audio Flirt warmed up the crowd, along with Jack McCord (Hed Kandi), Martin East and Joe White.
Hula hoops lit up the dance floor
Dancing under - and with- the stars
Sir Norman Jay in action. Doing what he does best.
By Well-Placed InsiderPosts: 37