Innovative, inspiring, and heart-stirring were just some of the words heard from those attending a lavish “unity in diversity” celebration held in the opulent lobby of The Apurva Kempinski Hotel at Nusa Dua on Saturday, 15 January 2022.
Translated directly from the Indonesian national motto of “Bhinneka Tunggal Ika” and engraved on the national emblem – the earliest historical trace of the phrase “Unity in Diversity” is found in the 14th century Majapahit poetry of Mpu Tantular. The Majapahit maritime empire that stood for more than two centuries stretched from Sumatra to New Guinea. The last great Hindu empire, Majapahit laid the early groundwork for the dazzling diversity of modern-day Indonesia that is home today to more than 17,000 islands and hundreds of languages and cultural groups.
Holding dear the inclusiveness and cherishing the never-ending cultural kaleidoscope that is Indonesia, The Apurva Kempinski Bali has adopted the national motto as its branding, heralding a celebration of the rich cultural diversity, heritage, and core philosophy of seven of Indonesia’s main regions: Sumatra, Java, Nusa Tenggara, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Maluku, and Papua.
The Saturday evening launch of the “Unity in Diversity” program at the resort on 15 January 2022 displayed to magnificent advantage the monumental lobby area of The Apurva Kempinski, a non-stop program of songs and dances from the seven regions of Indonesia. Drinks, including local specialty brews, were served together with unique tasting opportunities of culinary delights from each of the four corners of the Pendopo Lobby.
Embracing the challenge of enriching their guest experience, The Apurva Kempinski Bali is sharing Indonesia’s traditional legends and mystical stories, holistic wellness treatments, culinary specialties, handicrafts, dance, music, and games from the seven selected regions.
Throughout 2022, The Apurva Kempinski Bali will host distinctive bi-monthly programs, special events, exhibitions by leading artisans from various regions and complementing a dizzying picture of Indonesia’s diversity.
Each of the resort’s eclectic collection of dining venues will invite guests and hotel visitors to explore the traditional dishes of many regions of Indonesia, while The Apurva Spa will present healing and wellness therapies. Meanwhile, The Jalak Family Club will introduce children to the wonders of traditional games and play.
During the continuing program of festivities, some of the most distinguished proponents of Indonesia’s cultural panorama will be showcased, including:
- An aromatic journey with Tanamera Coffee;
- The savoir-faire and bon vivant artistic outlook on life of Cyril Kongo;
- Insights into life and culture along the Indonesian archipelago with anthropologist and film-maker Dr. Lawrence Blair;
- A rolling program of art and local craftsmanship exhibitions curated by architect-designer Raul Renanda;
- Inspiring the next generation of leaders via vocational programs operated in conjunction with Politeknik Negeri Bali and the Bali Culinary Pastry School;
- A monthly jazz soiree in partnership with the Ubud Village Jazz Festival;
- Colossal spectacular performances by the Bali campus of the Institut Seni Indonesia;
- Exhibitions featuring tops designers, such as Torang Sitorus, Asha Smara Darra, Era Soekamto, and Franklin Firdaus.
Each element of The Apurva Kempinski Bali’s year-long “Unity in Diversity” celebration will be carefully curated to share Indonesia’s culture, heritage, and philosophy. As host and backdrop to this year-long showcase, The Apurva Kempinski Bali strengthens its reputation as an unequaled repository for modern Balinese architecture that pays respectful homage to the Island’s natural landscapes and many temples. The resort’s opulent interior spaces, created by Indonesia’s finest craftsmen and artisans, pay tribute to the country’s rich design heritage.
At the heart of each visit to The Apurva Kempinski Bali is the unspoken charm, pride of place, and the genuine welcome radiated by every member of the resort’s multicultural team. The respectful warmth and hospitality of refined ladies and gentlemen who work at the Island’s most opulent resort are at the very core of its mantra of “unity in diversity.”
Now and for the future to come, the award-winning Apurva Kempinski Bali Resort will continue to celebrate the family spirit at the core of “Bhinneka Tunggal Ika.”
“Here at The Apurva Kempinski Bali, we strive to celebrate Indonesia’s diversity every single day,” said general manager Vincent Guironnet. “We have been meticulously laying the groundwork to prepare the stage for this spectacular moment. It shows our identity in embracing the archipelago’s rich culture, and now, we are extremely excited to invite our guests to explore these unique experiences themselves.”
Presented here are photos taken at the Saturday evening gala held in the lobby of The Apurva Kempinski Bali, where all in attendance experienced first-hand the joy of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika.
We were many
We were one.
We are Indonesians
The Apurva Kempinski Bali
Jalan Raya Nusa Dua Selatan, Benoa, Nusa Dua Bali.
Phone: (0361) 2092288