Every new year, in place of festivities, a shrouded silence falls over the entire island nation for 24 hours.
Fireworks, food, friends – most new year celebrations around the world involve the above trifecta of good, delicious things but in Bali, things are celebrated in quite the different order.
In place of festivities, a shrouded silence falls over the entire island nation for 24 hours. Instead of singing and dancing, airports shut down; instead of merry-making, shops draw their shutters and all forms of vehicles from cars to bicycles clear the roads; instead of wining and dining with friends, locals stay in, pull shut their windows and draw close their curtains.
People refrain from talking or engaging in any activity that will make noise and revel in the silence. There is to be no working, no entertainment or pleasure, no traveling and, for some, no talking or eating at all.
This one day of the year is called Nyepi and it begins at 6am. The Balinese observe this to practise inward reflection for one day of the year in order to move into the new year refreshed and pure.
It is a festival well worth a trip to Bali if only to experience company with no one but one’s mind. Sure, there won’t be much to do when you’re there since you cannot leave your villa or resort on the day of silence, but many stays offer perks and discounts to make the day even more special.
Here, our friends at leading luxury villa booking portal TheLuxeNomad.com help us out with a list of resorts offering special perks for Nyepi, so we can be in the heart of the peace and serenity of the celebration falling this year on 28 March.
Maharaja Villas – Seminyak
Nestled in the heart of Seminyak, Maharaja offers 1 to 2-bedroom villas designed by a renowned architect with a Balinese touch. Each villa comes with a private pool and royal garden, perfect for families or couples.
Book a 3 day / 2 night package during Nyepi (27 – 29 March) for the following inclusions:
-Welcome drink and cool towel on arrival
-Welcome tropical fruit basket
-Daily breakfast
-Daily Balinese afternoon tea
-Shuttle to see the “Ogoh-ogoh Parade” in Kuta or Seminyak
-10% discount at Kayumanis restaurant
-20% discount at spa
-Free 1x set lunch during Nyepi
-Free 1x afternoon light meal during Nyepi
-Return airport transfers
1-bedroom pool villa: IDR 3,500,000 net / package (~ RM 1,170)
2-bedroom pool villa: IDR 5,000,000 net / package (~ RM 1,670)
Bisma Eight – Ubud
Experience Nyepi in spiritual Ubud at Bisma Eight, a boutique getaway offering intimate 1-bedroom suites with artisan interiors. The resort features a sleek infinity pool surrounded by jungle views, as well as a rooftop herb garden where ingredients for the restaurant are grown.
Book “The Silent Escape”, a 3 day / 2 night package during Nyepi (27 – 29 March) for the following inclusions:
-Daily breakfast for 2 adults and 2 children under 12
-1x refined Balinese dinner at Copper Kitchen and bar for 2 adults and 2 children under 12
-Daily in-house activities during The Silent Day include: Hatha and Vinyasa Yoga Class, Canang Sari (Balinese Offerings) Class, Traditional Balinese Dancing Class, Balinese Traditional Cooking Class, and Crafty Master Mocktail Class
1-bedroom Garden Suite: IDR 4,950,000 nett / package (~ RM 1,650)
The Purist Villa – Ubud
A tranquil retreat set among an expanse of rice fields and natural forest, The Purist Villas Resort was designed with the concept of privacy, comfort, and modern architecture combined with traditional charm, giving you a truly Balinese atmosphere with all the luxuries of a 5-star resort.
Book a 3 day / 2 night package during Nyepi (27 – 30 March) for the following inclusions:
-1 x 3 courses lunch for 2 persons (exclude alcoholic)
-1 x 3 courses dinner for 2 persons (exclude alcoholic)
-Cool towel & Passion fruit cooler welcome drink upon arrival, Afternoon tea,
-Free wi-fi
-Free bicycle usage
-Shuttle bus to Ubud city base on hotel schedule
-Coffee – tea & mineral water in the room
-Daily fresh fruit in the villa
-Free sarong usage for the Ogoh – Ogoh parade
-Daly turn down homemade cookies
1-bedroom Garden Suite: USD 462 net / 2 nights (~ RM 2,060)
1-bedroom River Villa: USD 506 net / 2 nights (~ RM 2,255)
1-bedroom Jungle Pool Villa: USD 600 net / 2 nights (~ RM 2,675)
1-bedroom Bamboo Pool Villa: USD 730 net / 2 nights (~ RM 3,255)
2-bedroom Hill Pool Villa: USD 919 net / 2 nights (~ RM 4,100)
2-bedroom Residence: USD 1,221 net / 2 nights (~ RM 5,445)
Soori Bali – Tabanan
Escape the crowds for Nyepi when you stay at Soori Bali, a villa resort nestled between lush rice fields in peaceful Tabanan, near the island’s famed Tanah Lot temple. The resort offers spacious pool villas, 24-hour butler service, and has won numerous awards for its eco-friendly design.
Book a minimum of 2 nights during Nyepi for the following inclusions:
-Roundtrip airport transfers with meet & greet
-Daily ‘tasting-style’ daily rotating breakfast for two at Cotta
-One 3 course set Lunch
-One Nasi Kuning Set dinner served Rijstaffel Style at Ombak Restaurant
-Daily afternoon tea at The Reading Room for two from 4:00pm to 6:00pm
-Soori Spa credit up to $100 per person per stay (not inclusive of Spa Retail)
-Observance of Ogoh-Ogoh Parade on the beach in front of Soori Bali (Parade will be held on Ngerupuk Day – eve of Nyepi – on 27th March)
-Dedicated villa host
-Sunrise and sunset gentle yoga and meditation classes
-Traditional kite making
Mountain Pool View / Beach Pool Villa: $655++ / night with minimum 2-night stay (~ RM 2,920)
Villa Tjitrap – Seminyak
Created as an ode to the old plantation house, Villa Tjitrap is a sprawling 6-bedroom villa with impeccable design, offering lots of space and light for you to zen out during Nyepi. The fully-staffed villa features a beautiful infinity pool and can comfortably accommodate up to 12 guests.
Book anytime around Nyepi (28 March) and receive 30% off your entire booking.
4-bedroom Villa: USD 725 / night with discount (~ RM 3,230)
5-bedroom Villa: USD 850 / night with discount (~ RM 3,790)
6-bedroom Villa: USD 1010 / night with discount (~ RM 4,500)
Katamama – Seminyak
A tropical hideaway with modern luxuries, Katamama blends a minimalist contemporary design with refined craftsmanship. Each of the spacious suites boasts a fully-equipped bar with custom-made cocktail equipment, plus organic, locally-sourced amenities inspired by the Balinese culture.
Book a 3 day / 2 night package for 2 people during Nyepi (27 – 29 March) for the following inclusions:
-Daily Cultural programs
-A welcome cocktail on arrival
-Daily Breakfast at MoVida
-1 x Lunch at MoVida set menu for 2 people
-1 x Dinner at MoVida set menu for 2 people
-IDR 500,000 resort credit valid at Akademi and Pool Bar per suite
-Airport transfers
1-bedroom Garden Suite: IDR 10,200,000 nett / package (~ RM 3,400)
For more information or options, log on to The Luxe Nomad’s official website here.