Global Day of Discovery with Renaissance Uluwatu

One of the key values of the Renaissance brand is to encourage guests to get to know and explore the local neighbourhood of the resorts throughout their stays. Once a year all Renaissance resorts from around the world celebrate a Global Day of Discovery (GDOD). A day filled with activities celebrating the local neighbourhood of each Renaissance resort. 

Last week we were invited to join Renaissance Uluwatu for their celebrations and activities for GDOD, and boy did we have fun and learn a lot!

Celebrations kicked off early the evening before GDOD with an Endek workshop & fashion show. Endek is the traditional woven fabric of Bali and not only did we learn about how it’s made, but we were also treated to a stunning sunset Fashion Show by Dwi Iskander. The outfits featured in the show used traditional fabric, in modern catwalk-style designs. 

The fashion show was kicked off by the famous Renaissance punch bowl ritual. Something that happens at every Renaissance resort at sunset time. Our punch bowl cocktail was made with a modern local Arak, Selaka which is produced using Sanak (a local fruit commonly known as Snake fruit). We were also treated to cocktails made by the iconic Indonesian mixologist Kiki Moka. 

The next morning we had an early start and headed down to the resort’s Beach Club – Rooster Fish, for an ocean-inspired breakfast. We feasted on lots of local produce and the stars of the show were the Jimbaran prawn omelettes and the seafood laksa.

During breakfast, we heard from the Pandawa community about their local coral restoration projects which happen on the shores just outside the beach club. It was heartening to learn about this project and see so much time and effort being put into not only coral regrowth but also education (for both locals & tourists) about the important role coral plays in our ecosystem. To do our bit we planted some baby coral ourselves, which was then transported out to the ocean nursery. 

During GDOD we also visited the R.O.L.E. Foundation’s Zero Waste Centre. This centre helps businesses to reuse their waste while employing locals to reuse and repurpose goods collected. Renaissance Uluwatu collects and sends all of their used soap bars here to be sanitised and remade into new soap bars. These soaps are then distributed to orphanages across the island. At the centre, we also got a chance to do some plant-based fabric dying, recycle paper and plant seed balls. We learnt a lot about not only how the R.O.L.E. Foundation is helping to reduce waste in Bali, but how we can all this in our own homes also. 

During the evening of GDOD Chef Wisnu Adiyatma treated us to a 12-course Navigator Chef’s Table feast which featured local dishes, produce and flavours. Each dish was paired with a sample of a Sababay wine, which is locally produced in Bali. What a treat! During the evening there was a performance by talented local musician Gus Teja, which truly complemented a day of discovering the many local delights, talents and initiatives happening in the neighbourhood of Renaissance Uluwatu. 

Before we bid farewell to Uluwatu we took an e-bike ride to the lookout at Balangan Beach. Here we explored the secret temple that sits below the cliff which overlooks the beach. On the e-bike journey from the resort, we got to explore the local area, including a gorgeous road lined by trees, creating a gorgeous photo backdrop. 

We well and truly got to explore and connect with the local neighbourhood of Renaissance Uluwatu. We love this feature of the Renaissance brand, for us, it makes for a more meaningful stay where you not only enjoy the luxury and hospitality of the brand but really learn about the area your resort is located in. 

Already looking forward to next year’s Global Day of Discovery! 

Renaissance Bali Uluwatu Resort & Spa

Address: Jl. Pantai Balangan I No.1, Ungasan, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361

Instagram: @renhotelbali

Tel: +62 361 2003588