Warm Evaluation of Umana Bali: Extending a Cordial Greeting to the Island of the Divinities
Nestled at the southern tip of Bali, the island of gods, lies Umana Bali - a resort that seamlessly blends luxury and spirituality.
Umana Bali offers villas that serve as private sanctuaries, boasting infinity pools, hot tubs, and breathtaking ocean views. The resort is not only a haven for relaxation but also a cultural experience, with a tiny temple for good luck and a chapel for weddings.
Bali's spirituality is profound and deeply integrated into daily life, centering primarily on Balinese Hinduism, a unique blend of Indian Hindu and Buddhist influences with indigenous animistic beliefs. This fusion of faiths emphasizes the sacredness of the natural world, with gods, goddesses, and spirits inhabiting all things and elements of nature.
Visitors to the island can witness this spirituality in various ways. A visit might include walking into a cave high up in the cliff above the Indian Ocean, where hundreds of bats hang and the floor is covered with guano. Here, visitors receive holy water and dry rice is fixed to their foreheads as a blessing.
Umana Bali also offers guided tastings of Bali's coffee and wine, showcasing the island's growing reputation for producing lovely coffee and some quite stonking white and rosé wines.
The resort's main restaurant, Commune, serves Balinese and Indonesian dishes that are not diluted for Western palates. The flavours are bold and aromatic, a testament to the rich culinary heritage of the region. For those seeking a more Mediterranean fare, Oliverra, overlooking the calm Indian Ocean, offers a menu that will delight even the most discerning of palates. The fish served at Oliverra is as good as any the author has had in Italy.
After a day of exploring the spiritual and culinary delights of Umana Bali, guests can unwind with in-villa massages and sound healing sessions at the spa. The resort also offers tastings of arak, a spirit traditionally made from rice, for those who wish to sample a taste of local culture.
New generations of artisan distillers in Bali are experimenting with different ingredients for arak, including coconut and sweet potato. This innovative spirit is also available for tasting at Umana Bali.
The flavour of Hinduism practised in Bali is distinct from that found in India. Temples in Bali are fashioned from local basalt rock and feature intricate carvings of mythic beasts in the Balinese style. These temples, dedicated to various deities, are focal points and serve as a testament to the deep-rooted spirituality of the island.
In summary, Umana Bali offers a unique blend of luxury, spirituality, and culinary delights, making it the perfect destination for those seeking an immersive cultural experience. Whether you're exploring the island's spiritual practices, sampling its delicious cuisine, or relaxing in the comfort of your villa, Umana Bali promises an unforgettable journey.
[1] "Balinese Hinduism." Encyclopædia Britannica, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Balinese-Hinduism. [3] "Balinese Hinduism." Culture Trip, https://theculturetrip.com/asia/indonesia/articles/balinese-hinduism/. [5] "Balinese Hinduism." National Geographic, https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/balinese-hinduism/.
