Bali can trace its ancient heritage of natural healing and beauty practices back to the 15th century when rulers of Java’s mighty Majapahit Kingdom migrated to the island and claimed it as their own. With them came a legacy of timeless treatments and therapies that were later combined with the healing wisdoms imparted by wandering holy men from India.

Spa at Tepi Sawah Villas & Spa

The Balinese have always taken a holistic approach towards living by utilizing indigenous herbs, spices and plant materials to heal and rejuvenate. Such a wholly natural approach is closely bound to the fundamental Hindu belief that a state of balance between the mind and body is the essence of overall wellness.
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Coming Soon - Seminyak, Bali

Stunning sunsets. Rich culture. Luxury living.

Awaken to the rustle of a sea breeze through coconut palms. See the world-famous Seminyak sunsets from your own private piece of Bali’s sunset shore…every day. Live out your island fantasies in a luxurious beachfront suite in Bali’s hippest international playground.

The newest member of the Anantara family, Anantara Seminyak is a premier real estate development offering an exclusive chance to own beachfront property in Bali. Situated on 3,500 square metres of prime beachfront in Seminyak, one of Bali’s most upscale enclaves, Anantara Seminyak will feature 59 seaview suites of approximately 80 square metres on four floors.

In true Anantara style, all suites will be decorated and furnished to the most exacting standards, including plasma screen TVs, contemporary Asian-inspired furniture, broadband internet connection and a private bar. The development’s facilities will include a destination restaurant on the ground floor offering an al-fresco and indoor international dining experience, a rooftop terrace bar to enjoy the famous Seminyak sunsets, an onsite Anantara Spa, and two infinity-edge swimming pools overlooking the Indian Ocean.

Construction is due to begin in September 2006, with completion due December 2007.

Monday, 3/19/2007, early in the morning, the island of Bali will be blanketed with silence. Nyepi, Balinese New Year is celebrated with day of silence, fasting, and meditation.
Observed from 6 a.m. until 6 a.m. the next morning, Nyepi is a day reserved for contemplation and as such, anything that might interfere with that purpose is restricted. The main restrictions are Amati Geni (no lighting fires); Amati Karya (no working); Amati Lelanguan (no entertainment or pleasure); and Amati Lelungan (no traveling); and for some, no talking or eating at all. Prohibition against lighting fires includes the use of light bulb and electricity, but there is an exception for those who sick or if there is an infant in a family, a minimum light is allowed. However, the emergency services such as hospitals are operational. Exceptions are granted for emergency vehicles carrying those with life-threatening conditions and women about to give birth and the pecalang, traditional security force will open roads and assist people to a hospital in emergencies.

www.geocities.com/madeartha/
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Three days before Nyepi, Balinese new year is celebrated a melasti must be performed. Melasti, according to the ancient scripture of Sundari Gama and Swamandala is “melasti ngarania ngiring prewatek dewata anganyutaken laraning jagat, papa klesa, letuhing bhuwana, amet sarining amertha ring telenging segara“. In English this sentence means “Melasti means to follow the deity in the purpose to drift away impurities, miseries and poor mundane elements and take tirtha amertha, or holy water of life in the sea”.

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Pangrupukan, Balinese New Year eve is always full with celebration and festivity, and ogoh-ogoh, the monstrous doll of Bhuta kala, evil spirit or the personification of negative force, is an indispensable part of this festival.

The ogoh-ogoh is truly monstrous in size and appearance. The inspiration for creating this monster is usually drawn from the Ramayana epic, the tale of Calonarang, and other Balinese folktales. The ogoh-ogoh must be in a form of Asuri Sampad or scary monster, giant, witch and other kinds of monster.

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The great Tawur Kesanga, an extortion payment to the bhuta kala (personification of negative force) that is held a day before Nyepi (this year Nyepi falls on Monday 3/19/07) will not be complete without Tabuh Rah (spilling blood) ritual or cockfight as a matter of fact.

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