Rather than escaping from the stillness of the island’s Day of Silence, AYANA Bali has crafted an authentic experience to fully immerse guests in the essence of Nyepi
AYANA Bali Honors Bali's Annual Day of Silence With The Captivating Nyepi Retreat
Bali, Indonesia (February 5, 2024) – As part of its commitment to celebrating and preserving Bali’s vibrant living heritage, AYANA Bali has created an experience for guests to completely immerse themselves in the meaning and magic of Nyepi from March 10 to 12, 2024. Known as Bali’s Day of Silence, Nyepi is part of the island’s most sacred religious festival marking the start of a new year in the Balinese Saka calendar, which this year begins at 6am on March 11.
On the night before Nyepi, known as Pengrupukan, giant Ogoh-ogoh statues are paraded through the streets of Bali to ward off evil elements, and create balance between humanity, nature and the spiritual realm.
In late 2023, AYANA Bali became the island’s best destination to learn about Nyepi, Ogoh-ogoh, and all forms of traditional and contemporary Balinese culture with the opening of SAKA Museum. An important cultural hub for celebrating the island’s creative, spiritual and philosophical expressions, SAKA Museum will play a central role in AYANA’s Captivating Nyepi Retreat, with museum tours having a particular focus on Nyepi alongside several special events.
With AYANA Bali’s Enchanting Nyepi Retreat this experience will be brought to resort ground with its diverse range of cultural immersion and wellness activities, guests will come to understand why Nyepi is Bali’s most beautiful and important time of the year. A highlight for all guests will be the Ogoh-ogoh parade at 4pm on Sunday March 10, which guests are encouraged to join. AYANA Bali worked with local communities in nearby Jimbaran and Gianyar to create two large Ogoh-ogoh, which will be paraded from AYANA Resort Bali Lobby and RIMBA by AYANA Lobby to the area around SAKA Museum and then to the SAKA Garden. The parade will be followed by a special Ogoh-ogoh and dance collaboration choreographed by renowned Balinese dancer, artist, author and educator, Professor I Made Bandem.
Nyepi is also a perfect opportunity to connect with Balinese culture through its sumptuous local cuisine. The Nyepi Retreat package includes a one-time dinner for two at RIMBA by AYANA’s dramatic amphitheater venue Kampoeng Bali on March 10. Here guests can savor a cultural feast for the senses and be mesmerized by a sunset procession and traditional dance and music performances.
As the island settles into silence on March 11 and the Balinese observe the Nyepi rituals of fasting and meditation, guests can focus on their own meditative journey with AYANA’s thoughtfully curated wellness activities. These include sunrise and sunset yoga, guided walks through the tranquil gardens of AYANA Farm, and group sound baths to harness the healing power of resonant sound waves. The Nyepi Retreat also includes A one-time complimentary Thalassotherapy treatment at the award-winning AYANA Spa for two persons. A warm seawater labyrinth heated to the optimum temperature overlooking the Indian Ocean, the Thalassotherapy treatment rebalances mineral deficiencies and stimulates blood circulation, tonicity and muscular rehabilitation.
As the sun sets and the island descends into complete darkness, the night sky is filled with the brightest stars of the entire year. A true highlight of Nyepi for residents and travelers alike, guests are invited to join AYANA’s stargazing event at 8pm at RIMBA Lawn to witness the wonder of the sky blanketed in stars.
"AYANA Bali’s Enchanting Nyepi Retreat is an immersive experience that invites guests to deeply connect with Balinese culture and this truly magical time of the year,” said Giordano Faggioli, General Manager of AYANA Resort Bali. “With SAKA Museum as our cultural hub, this year's Ogoh-ogoh parade and the special performance reaffirm our commitment to celebrating and preserving the extraordinary culture of this island. Join us on this journey to strengthen your connection with Bali and experience the profound meaning of Nyepi."
