2018 WORLD LUXURY HOTEL AWARDS
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MESSAGE FROM WORLD LUXURY HOTEL AWARDS CEO & FOUNDER
MESSAGE FROM WORLD LUXURY HOTEL AWARDS EXECUTIVE MANAGER
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AYANA RESORT AND SPA, BALI
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INTERVIEW WITH AYANA RESORT AND SPA, BALI MANAGEMENT CLIVE EDWARDS - GENERAL MANAGER MANIK SUDARSANA - FOOD AND BEVERAGE MANAGER PATRICK CALLAREC - HEAD CHEF LUH PUTU SENI - SPA MANAGER
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ENTERTAINMENT
MESSAGE FROM WORLD LUXURY HOTEL AWARDS CEO AND FOUNDER
BRANDON LOURENS
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wenty eighteen has indeed been an exceptional year for World Luxury Hotel Awards. Our brand has seen steady growth and is now recognised globally as the leading luxury awards company, which in turn is attracting the most prominent hotel brands and privately-owned properties to our highly renowned company. These hotels are also increasingly seeing the tremendous benefits gained by being part of the World Luxury Hotel Awards. At the World Luxury Hotel Awards, we believe that “hospitality is in your personality�. A person cannot be taught to care for a guest, it comes from within. It is this passion, drive and inherent willingness in staff that ensures the successful daily running of hospitality operations. Luxury can be defined as marble walls, golden statues and limousine collections, but true luxury is inside the heart of each employee, providing a world-class service to guests, making them feel welcome, comfortable and most important, happy. It is with this same passion and drive that the staff of the World Luxury Hotel Awards operates.
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Each day new challenges and hurdles are overcome, ideas and concepts are created and implemented, and all with one common goal; to provide a world class service to our valued clients. Such is the team culture under which we operate, and I remain grateful towards every member who has seen the company grow from strength to strength over the last year. I do trust that you will enjoy the splendid evening we have put together for you at the Ayana Resort & Spa, Bali, and congratulations to all the award winners worldwide for 2018. This special event has been put together to honour you, and I look forward to another successful award year as we enter 2019.
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MESSAGE FROM WORLD LUXURY HOTEL AWARDS EXECUTIVE MANAGER
Tanique Echardt
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t is an honor for me to greet you as Executive Manager of this prestigious brand that represents luxury and holds the title of being the pinnacle of achievement in luxury hospitality worldwide. The 2018 Award year saw over 800 nominees representing 108 countries and participating in 131 different categories. The World Luxury Hotel Awards is proud to represent luxurious properties from all corners of the globe. In 2018 over 340 000 votes were cast by the public, a record number beating 2017’s 300 000 votes. This is a testament to the dedication and hard work of each property during the voting period. It is wonderful to be a part of this growth and partnership and know that each win is well deserved. The World Luxury Hotel Awards team believes that luxury is not just something you can see or touch but in the service excellence staff provide to guests. It is this passion, drive and inherent willingness in staff that ensures the successful daily running of hospitality operations.
We are extremely excited and inspired by the growth the industry continues to see and we remain as passionate and dedicated as ever about awarding luxury establishments for their hard work and continuous dedication to excellent service delivery. A special thank you to the World Luxury Hotel Awards team who work tirelessly to ensure that all details run smoothly throughout the year for each participant. We pride ourselves in not only offering the highest achievement of winning an award, but on the service we provide to our participants on a daily basis. We look forward to 2019 and will strive to continue dedicating ourselves to building lasting partnerships and providing a world class service to our valued clients.
Yours in luxury 8.
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AYANA RESORT AND SPA, BALI
Set across 90-hectares along Jimbaran’s golden mile, AYANA Resort and Spa, BALI, is a world-class destination resort. As the property approaches its 22nd birthday this November, the privately owned resort holds more fame than ever. AYANA is recognized for prolific sunset and ocean views, as well as offering a choice of five-star accommodation and facilities, coupled with the genuinely warm Balinese hospitality that has put AYANA on the map. Over the years, AYANA has received many topshelf accolades including Luxury Honeymoon Resort Global Winner for the World Luxury Hotel Awards 2017.
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As part of Bali’s only fully integrated resort concept, AYANA invites guests to feel at home with a choice of 775 rooms, suites, and private pool villas. There are 12-designer swimming pools (including 2 adults-only pools and 2 pools featuring children’s waterslides), plus 19 individual restaurants, bars, cafés, and entertainment spaces. Amongst the abundance of dining options, which range from traditional Indonesian, Japanese, and Mexican options to Indian, Chinese, and Western favorites, guests have the privilege of priority access to the iconic Rock Bar, BALI where you can experience an exceptional sunset from a bar perched on natural rocks amidst the Indian Ocean. No holiday to Bali would be complete without the feeling of sand between your toes, which is why AYANA proudly offers guests their own white-sand beach and private beach club. Launched in June 2017, the beach club is representative of a bygone era in Kuta in the 1960s. Its rustic edge and easy feel make it the ideal venue to kick off your shoes and relax in a cabana with a chilled coconut. In true AYANA style, Thermes Marins Spa at AYANA is also an award-winning destination that attracts those who appreciate the finer things in life. Signature treatments, stylish treatment rooms, and one of the world’s largest Aquatonic Seawater Therapy Pools are ready to whisk guests away to tranquility. In addition to the regular treatment rooms, Spa On The Rocks offers 2 unique treatment villas set on rocks upon the Indian ocean. With the sound of seawater easing away tension, Spa On the Rocks presents a one-of-a-kind spa experience. AYANA means “a place of refuge” in Sanskrit and AYANA Resort and Spa, BALI is truly the definition of the ultimate holiday sanctuary for business, leisure, fun, and pleasure.
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INTERVIEW WITH
Clive Edwards
GENERAL MANAGER
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Firstly, please tell us a little bit about yourself and how your path led you to where you are today? I am a Jamaican who swapped Islands to be in Bali, Indonesia. The opening of Capella Singapore represented my introduction to Southeast Asia after having joined the Capella Hotel Group who were operating a resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica. I first started working with AYANA in 2009 as the Executive Assistant Manager and was with the resort through its evolution during the addition of RIMBA. My time with AYANA has been focused on growing professionally and personally, including one stellar year in our Corporate Office working in Atlanta, Georgia with Mr. Horst Schulze, an icon of the hospitality industry.
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General Managers have a huge hand in hiring choices at a hotel. Are there particular staff members who’ve become like family? What qualities do you look for, from bellhop to receptionist? It warms me to believe that all 1,387 team members are my family, the truth is that not all 1387 reciprocate my feelings. Understandably, this is could be a function of the limited time I am able to devote to all. In the purest form of the definition, I am their parent, and as a parent with too many children, I am closer to many of them which I could not mention one by one. We select talent based on attitude, train the necessary skills, and focus and measure scientifically on positivity, empathy, honesty, strong work ethic, and ‘love of the team’ which are a few of the talents we value in creating the culture we have.
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What’s the best part of your job? The most difficult?
The best part of my job is working with friends who are professionals. I am committed to making my friends better and they are committed to making me look good. Synchronicity with this team makes my job incredibly rewarding. The most difficult part of the job, as with most general managers I’m sure, is possessing a strategic vision for the resort and having to exercise the patience to have resources and shared opinions align with the vision. The second challenge is elevating the team’s self-perception, which has obstacles steeped in culture at times.
“The best part of my job is working with friends who are professionals. I am committed to making my friends better and they are committed to making me look good.”
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Your hotel is known for its high level of service. Can you tell us some of the unusual or hard requests you have dealt with on your watch? I once had a potential wedding from a wealthy Indian businessman who wished for me to ensure/guarantee that the Rock Bar (an open air venue) would be the same temperature as the Business Class Lounge for Singapore Airlines.
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If you weren’t doing this what would you be doing instead?
I would be a personal trainer, motivational speaker and lecturer.
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Please name a recent travel experience that you have enjoyed as well as other hotel and travel trend that you find interesting. Island hopping in the Maldives. As a Caribbean national, I didn’t expect how impressed I would be by the beaches. I was completely blown away. Voluntourism is a travel trend I find fascinating as it appeals to my altruism. However, my need for 4G and 500 thread count sheets poses an obstacle in consistent participation.
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In your opinion, does winning an award for service excellence change a guest’s perception? Absolutely no one visits a doctor without a certificate, and people tend to visit the doctor who graduated from Harvard. Perception of quality is about aligning with forces seen as the hallmark of quality - this recognition reinforces perception.
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DINING AT AYANA RESORT AND SPA, BALI Rock Bar, BALI Year after year, Rock Bar, BALI is recognized as one of the world’s best bars. Uniquely perched on rocks amidst the Indian Ocean, Rock Bar, BALI is a sought after hotspot for cocktails, sunset, and Mediterranean menus. Each night, people flock to Rock Bar, BALI from the globe, excited to experience unrivaled sunset views, cool island vibes, and trendsetting DJ beats.
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DAVA Steak & Seafood Themed as a modern steakhouse, DAVA Steak & Seafood raises the bar for premium cuts and fresh seafood on the island of Bali. Set within The Villas at AYANA Resort, the main dining room opens to a lush tropical terrace with idyllic ocean views that are almost as mouthwatering as the food itself. In addition to the top-shelf menus, a drink at DAVA’s Martini Bar will no doubt add extra cheer to a fabulous evening.
Kampoeng Bali Set within a Balinese village atmosphere at AYANA’s sister resort, RIMBA Jimbaran BALI by AYANA, Kampoeng Bali gives guests a taste of tradition with an authentic dinner and dance performance. Dine to a buffet fit for royalty as performers light up the stage with a well-known Kecak dance, also called 'the monkey chanting dance' dating back to the 1930’s.
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Firstly, please tell us a little bit about yourself and how your path led you to where you are today? I started working in the restaurant business as a pool server, which was a great place to gain extensive knowledge and insight into providing outstanding customer service. I learned how to anticipate guests’ needs, provide genuinely caring service, engage with guests from all over the world, and fulfil individual customer expectations. I was a very motivated server, disciplined in following the role to perfection and maximizing all tasks that were assigned to me. I made sure that the daily set-up was impeccable, learned how to upsell naturally, created wow experiences on a one-to-one basis, and also engaged with every guest to make sure they felt nurtured. I continued to grow in my ability, leading a team in the banquet department. I started with leading small events, and worked my way up to large, dynamic events. Those valuable experiences inspired me to expand my leadership skills, delegate tasks when needed, and gave me the ability to lead complex and large operations. I stay focused on employee satisfaction and building teamwork. I strive to lead by example, be organized at all times, have an attention to detail, be quality minded, and ensure that we are always fulfilling customer expectations. Currently, I am on the F&B senior management team, where I have the opportunity to lead a complex and large food and beverage operations team within the resort. I continue to manage F&B operations in the hotel and have been chosen to lead pre-opening training for new dining outlets throughout the resort, including restaurants, bars, banquet departments, and F&B divisions. By continuing to learn, be disciplined, and understand culture and philosophy, I am committed to inspiring team members to achieve the company’s objectives.
INTERVIEW WITH
Manik Sudarsana
DIRECTOR OF FOOD & BEVERAGE
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Your hotel has a selection of dining options, please briefly summarize what makes each venue experience unique?
Each restaurant at AYANA and RIMBA offers authentic dishes from many countries across the world, helmed by chefs originating from China, Japan, Thailand, India, Greece, Mexico, and Italy. We are also very well-known for our traditional Balinese and Indonesian cuisine. In addition to exceptional food and beverage options, each venue offers a very unique setting, location, and experience, such as Padi and Damar restaurants, which present an ambience surrounded by lily ponds and enchanting Balinese architecture. Sami Sami offers Italian food surrounded by lush gardens on the cliff-front with a sunset view. Kisik Bar and Restaurant, designed to embody a Balinese seafood grill, offers relaxed dining on the sand with ocean and sunset views. For the ultimate romantic dinner, I recommend Kisik Pier for our famous Pesta Lobster Champagne experience.
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Rock Bar, BALI, hovering 14 meters above the sea, offers a stunning sunset view every night of the year. Our Greek chef serves savory tapas for sharing and fresh Mediterranean specialties. Mixologists serve both classic and contemporary cocktails from sunset, well into the evening. DAVA Steak & Seafood is a great spot for the modern steakhouse and seafood grill vibe. Chic and sophisticated, the chill atmosphere is set against a dramatic backdrop of sunset and ocean views. Kubu Beach Club is located 197 steps down to the beach, or a quick 35-second ride up and down AYANA’s newly installed inclinator, offering a memorable scene reminiscent of 1960s Kuta Beach. The Beach Bar reflects an aesthetic of true Balinese camaraderie.
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Please name the top 5 restaurants in the world that you personally would like to visit and experience? Odette - Singapore Gaggan - Bangkok, Thailand Ithaa - Maldives Mirazur - France Grotta Palazzese - Italy
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If you had to pick any other career, what would it be?
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What is your beverage of choice when it’s time to relax?
I like to drink specialty cocktails, hand-crafted and muddled with fresh herbs.
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How do you and your team feel about hosting the leaders of the hotel industry? We are very honored, delighted, and proud to have the opportunity to host such a world prestigious event.
A chef!
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INTERVIEW WITH
Patrick Callarec
EXECUTIVE CHEF
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Can you tell me a bit about where you’re from and how you started as a chef? My culinary career began early, starting at age 15 with an apprenticeship in France. My passion for cooking started young thanks to my grandmother who was a wonderful cook.
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What influenced you to become a chef?
I was very lucky that my grandmother had a farm. She was always busy making the best meals for our family.
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Of all the dishes that your grandmother made, what was your favorite? My favorite was the homemade pork country pâté.
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Do you have a favorite dining establishment?
My top pick is Alain Ducasse Monte Carlo.
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Why is Alain Ducasse Monte Carlo your favorite, what makes it special for you? His food is amazing, the ambience is like royalty while the service is simply exceptional.
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Please name three legendary chefs that have inspired you.
They area Chef Alain Ducasse, Chef Jasques Pic, and Chef Jacques Maximin.
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In your opinion what are the top ten restaurants in the world at the moment. I think the Anne Sophie Pic in France should be the best restaurant in the world.
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What do you like to eat at home?
I really enjoy making paella, or couscous, or grilling something simple.
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What restaurant varieties does AYANA resort offer?
We have so many options at AYANA, including western favorites, traditional Indonesian, flavorful Mexican, spicy Thai, fresh Greek, authentic Italian, steakhouse style, classic Chinese, and contemporary Japanese.
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In your opinion, what does the future hold regarding restaurant trends in Bali? In my opinion, the future and already starting food trend in Bali will be more Organic food and also more use of local produce as well as working closer with local farmers and growers, especially since imported produce is becoming harder to get and it is better in the long run to support local farmers and growers.
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What are your favorite destinations?
France , Italy, and Japan. I also love Thailand and Vietnam. I fall in love with every place I go as long as the food is good and I continue to indulge my passion for the culinary arts.
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We all have our personal preferences, is there an ingredient or food that you avoid eating? Yes Nato and Durian.
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The 2018 World Luxury Hotel Awards Gala Ceremony will bring a lot of international guests to your resort. What is your inspiration for the evening’s menu design? To feature local grown products of what Indonesia has to offer and also to support local farmers.
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SPA & WELLNESS
INTERNATIONAL
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Spa at AYANA
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oaking up the sun and sea in paradise does wonders for your soul, so when you add a touch of Thermes Marins Spa to your regime the benefits are abundant.
At home within AYANA Resort and Spa, BALI, Thermes Marins Spa Bali gives guests more than a typical spa experience. Each of the 53 treatment rooms are architecturally-perfected with beautiful Balinese finishes andplenty of luxury touches including showers, bathtubs and warmed treatment beds. The treatment menu has been crafted by experts and brings together ancient Eastern healing therapies and modern European treatments, from Thalassotherapy to unique signature treatments developed exclusively for Thermes Marins Bali, as well as non-surgical cosmetic procedures such as anti-aging facials and body slimming. Only the highest quality products are used, including La Mer, Thermes Marins, and LPG technology. Those who prefer a treatment with added splash will feel watery-spoiled as they soak into one of the world’s largest AquatonicŽ Seawater Therapy Pools. The specialized pool holds over 700,000,000 liters of warmed seawater with 60 individual therapeutic jet streams ready to soothe your body from top-to-toe for up to 2 hours. The most exclusive venue for an indulgent wellbeing experience is Spa On The Rocks, consisting of two treatment villas anchored on natural rocks surrounded by the waters of Jimbaran Bay on the Indian Ocean. Experience signature spa treatments that take indulgence to the next level. The Luminous Radiance, for example, is designed by Dior Prestige while the Dazzling Pearl massage uses oils bound with Mother of Pearl elements.
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INTERVIEW WITH
Luh Putu Seni
SPA MANAGER
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I started my career in the wellness industry back in 1999 with a day spa in Nusa Dua, as well as notable hotels on the island. I enjoyed two years enhancing my career and overall spa knowledge in Japan before becoming part of the AYANA family as Spa Coordinator. Over the span of my time with AYANA, I have been able to upgrade my position to Assistant Spa Manager, and currently I am the Spa Manager.
• Personalized service in a unique setting with inspiring architecture, luxe interiors, incredible views, and upscale spa product lines that are natural, yet highly effective.
Where did you start your career and how did you progress to this point?
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How does Spa at AYANA differ from other spas?
With our recent expansion, we have one of the most extensive collection of single and double treatment suites in Asia. • Our award-winning Aquatonic Pool is one of the world’s largest with seawater directly supplied from the underlying Indian Ocean and warned to optimum temperatures to provide curative and preventative properties.
What do travelers typically demand from a luxury spa? How do you meet these expectations?
• Spa On The Rocks presents an unmatched spa journey with stunning spa treatment gazebos perched on dramatic rock formations. We offer the best range of products including Créme De La Mer, and soon, will launch a new treatment featuring DIOR Prestige Crème.
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Please name the next travel destination you would like to visit and why? Bhutan! I have heard that Bhutan is extraordinary, a sacred place where traditional Buddhist culture is still very strong. I would love to experience the beautiful scenery and taste the fiery cuisine crafted with local chili.
• We present an impressive menu of unique treatments including European inspired thalassotherapy and traditional body treatments that have been passed down through the generations, cutting-edge cosmetic treatments, a luxurious range of signature treatments and packages, and slimming/detoxification programs.
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• AYANA’s brand of genuinely caring and warm hospitality allows for a personalized spa experience with therapists that are impeccably trained to provide 5-star service.
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What is your signature treatment?
Spa On The Rocks offers an opulent destination with two exclusive spa villas hovering just meters above the Indian Ocean. Here, guests can enjoy indulgent signature experiences, such as Renewing Treatment, 7 Chakra Dara, and Ayana Fusion.
What spa trends do you find interesting?
Utilizing energy-rich crystals and botanical aromatherapy oils always create a remarkable spa experience.
As per your expertise, what are the vital steps to remaining healthy, happy, and beautiful in modern society when a visit to the spa is not always possible? Consistent yoga practice, spending time at the beach at least once every two weeks, thinking positively, and of course, thoroughly washing your face every night before going to bed.
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ENTERTAINMENT
Master of Ceremony
We are thrilled to present notable hosts, Maria & Elizabeth Rahajeng, as distinguished MC's for the World Luxury Hotel Awards, held at AYANA Resort and Spa, BALI on 10 November. Currently, the twin sisters are known to their fans as beloved TV hosts of E! News Asia. Darlings of the fashion industry, their careers skyrocketed shortly after starting a blog on a whim during a student exchange program in Germany in 2012. Each sister is a renowned role model in her own right. Maria was crowned Miss Indonesia 2014 and is passionate about helping others through her social work with children in remote villages. Elizabeth's natural talent as a television correspondent has led her to interview international fashion icons such as Diane Von Furstenberg, Thakoon and Dion Lee, Paloma Faith, and many more. Please join us in welcoming Maria & Elizabeth Rahajeng to the Island of the Gods.
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Gus Teja Gus Teja is a flute maestro from a small village near Ubud, Bali. He is the youngest of four children from his parents I Nyoman Kadjil and Ni Wayan Darpini. He began playing the flute while attending elementary school. Gus Teja World Music has been invited to hold performances at local events in Bali, national events, as well as international events such as in Malaysia and South Korea.
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Panyembrama Dance The Panyembrama Dance is a traditional balinese welcome dance.
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Kecak Dance Kecak is a form of Balinese hindu dance and music drama that was developed in the 1930s in Bali, Indonesia. Since its creation it has been performed primarily by men, with the very first women's kecak group starting in 2006. The dance mainly plays about the Ramayana and is traditionally performed in temples and villages across Bali. Also known as the Ramayana Monkey Chant, the piece, performed by a circle of at least 150 performers wearing checked cloth around their waists, percussively chanting "chak" and moving their hands and arms, depicts a battle from the Ramayana. The monkey-like Vanara, led by Hanuman, helped Prince Rama fight the evil King Ravana. Kecak has roots in Sanghyang, a trance-inducing exorcism dance.
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