Trip to Bali: culture, spirit, nature
Travel is always a unique opportunity to acquire knowledge, to learn, celebrate, and to take a break from our various routines. Bali was my most recent destination, and a trip that is definitely worth sharing.
We were in Bali at a special time for these people: Galungan is a Balinese holiday that celebrates the victory of “dharma” over “adharma” (victory of good against evil). It marks the time when ancestral spirits visit Earth. During this period, all the places are decorated, and in every house, there is a sacred place where the whole family gathers and makes their prayers and offerings.
It was incredible to experience these moments because they helped us to connect with the community and showed us how important human and spiritual connection is.
Bali has three basic pillars, which describe the fundamental elements that make up the island’s unique cultural, spiritual, and ecological identity:
1. Tri Hita Karana
This is the Balinese philosophy of harmony and balance, which translates into the “three causes of well-being”. It emphasizes the balance between:
- Human and God (spiritual wellbeing)
- Human and Human (social wellbeing)
- Human and Nature (ecological wellbeing)
It reflects Bali’s deep-rooted spirituality, promoting a holistic life approach where everything is interconnected.
2. Saraswati
This pillar emphasizes knowledge, education, and wisdom. Saraswati is the Hindu goddess of knowledge and learning, and this pillar encourages the pursuit of intellectual and spiritual growth through education and the arts.
3. Gotong Royong
This refers to community cooperation, where people work together to benefit the wider community. It is a fundamental part of Balinese society, where everyone pitches in to help, ensuring mutual support and well-being.
Together, these three pillars epitomize Bali’s unique approach to life, integrating spiritual practices, intellectual pursuits and community cooperation with respect for nature.
With this trip, I wanted to experience this unique “concept” of genuine wellbeing, but in reality I was deeply disappointed. The essence of Bali is being destroyed by over-tourism and lack of planning.
However, I have had the privilege of staying in a few hotels that really make the most of this philosophy and where hospitality is truly one of the richest factors. I remember every smile and every service, always felt and offered with love and respect. Such wonderful people. Grateful.
One of the hotels I visited was Fivelements Retreat Bali – Healing & Wellness Sanctuary, a wonderful example of a hotel focused on holistic and sustainable wellbeing, where retreats are undoubtedly one of the most important markets.
Many thanks to John Nielsen for his exceptional tour of the unit and for sharing his wisdom in this segment, Wellness & Healing Hospitality.
I also had the opportunity to enjoy a 2h30 wellness treatment based on “home-made” natural products produced in a “laboratory” incorporated into the Wellness Center. The wisdom of the therapists, combined with their essence of caring for others, was undoubtedly one of the best experiences I’ve ever had.
Ana Beatriz
Ana Beatriz
CEO & New Business Manager | Key Traits: Inspiration, Leadership, Pro-activity
Leave a comment