NIKKO BALI UNITES MEDITATION ENTHUSIASTS FOR ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

Nusa Dua – Bali, November 2006… Nikko Bali Resort & Spa recently hosted a meditation and relaxation workshop as part of a series of events to celebrate the property’s 10 th anniversary. This three-hour program entitled, ‘A Peaceful Retreat at Nikko Bali Resort & Spa with Merta Ada’, attracted 75 participants who were instructed on the benefits of meditation.

Mr. Merta Ada is an award winning instructor and founder of the Bali Usada Meditation Centre. Over the years he has taught over 60,000 students his unique meditation practices. Mr. Ada is a well-known public figure in Bali through his regular appearances on local television and radio.

Taking place in Nikko Bali’s Graha Sawangan Ballroom, the event was divided into two main sessions with a refreshment break in between. Participants were enlightened with information regarding the many positive advantages of meditation including how it can release tension, promote relaxation and strengthen the mind to overcome various kinds of emotional imbalance.

The primary aim of the workshop was to unite people from within the community who have an interest in meditation. It gave a brief insight into how the practice of mediation on a daily basis can enrich life and bring about a sense of harmony.

Towards the end of the final session Mr. Ada graciously answered questions regarding the practice of meditation put forward by the participants. The workshop closed with a lucky draw that saw some extremely attractive prizes given away. Prizes included complimentary accommodation vouchers to stay in one of Nikko Bali’s luxuriously appointed Ocean View rooms, spa vouchers as well as several items of merchandise. Finally all workshop participants were invited to join Mr. Merta Ada and the Nikko Bali team for a nutritious vegetarian luncheon at Braserrie des Celebrites.

The meditation workshop was the ninth event held over the duration of this year to celebrate Nikko Bali Resort & Spa’s anniversary. Management was delighted that Mr. Ada could share his wealth of knowledge regarding the practice of meditation and it is hoped that all participant gained something of value from this experience.

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For further information, please contact:

Fretty W. Zahfithri
Asst. Public Relations Manager
Nikko Bali Resort & Spa
Jl. Raya Nusa Dua Selatan, Nusa Dua, Bali - 80363
Ph: +62 361 773377, Fax: +62 361 773388

NIKKO BALI TO HOST MEDITATION WORKSHOP

Nusa Dua – Bali, November 2006… Nikko Bali Resort & Spa is delighted to announce that in conjunction with its 10 th anniversary celebrations it will host a meditation and relaxation workshop on Saturday 18 th November 2006. Entitled ‘A Peaceful Retreat at Nikko Bali Resort & Spa with Merta Ada’, this three-hour program will take guests’ on an exploratory journey that delves into the benefits of meditation and how it can be applied to daily life situations.

Award wining instructor, Mr. Merta Ada, is the founder of the renowned Bali Usada Meditation Centre and he has taught over 60,000 students his unique brand of healing meditation practices. He conducts meditation workshops throughout Indonesia and regularly appears on a local television and radio station to share his knowledge with the Balinese community.

Daily meditation offers practitioners many positive advantages including releasing tension, promoting relaxation and strengthening the mind to overcome various kinds of emotional imbalance. This workshop has been designed to unite people who are interested in meditation and show how it can enrich life and bring about a sense of balance.

Commencing at 9.00am at Graha Sawangan Ballroom, Nikko Bali Resort & Spa, this meditation workshop is open to all interested participants for a token registration fee of just Rp.70,000-. This includes a meditation book and a healthy luncheon in a garden party setting to be served at midday.

The names of all participants attending this exclusive meditation workshop will be entered into a lucky draw to win some attractive prizes including accommodation vouchers to stay at the resort as well as other worthwhile incentives. Those participants who choose to stay at the resort for the entire weekend will be eligible for a generous package room rate.

or further information regarding A Peaceful Retreat at Nikko Bali Resort & Spa with Merta Ada and how to register, please contact Ms. Fretty W Zahfithri, Assistant Public Relations Manager on telephone: 62 (361) 773377 or email: pr@nikkobali.com.

NIKKO BALI HOSTS TENNIS PRESENTATION GALA DINNER

Nusa Dua – Bali, November 2006… Nikko Bali Resort & Spa recently held a successful week-long event especially for local tennis enthusiasts. The Nikko Bali 10 th Anniversary Open Tennis Tournament & BTA Championship saw registered entrants participate in an exciting knock-out competition in an attempt to win a generous cachet of prizes. There was also a tennis clinic for juniors coached by professional players as well as an exhibition match featuring Indonesian Federation and Davis Cup players Lisa Andriani, Hendri Pramono and Nesa Artha.

The event concluded with a gala presentation dinner held in Nikko Bali’s elegant Graha Sawangan Ballroom, which saw members of Bali’s tight-knit tennis community gather together to enjoy a sumptuous international buffet. At various intervals throughout the evening Nikko Bali’s General Manager, Mr. Thierry Joho together with the Chairman of the BTA, Mr. Julio Arcaras presented awards to tournament winners for the adult and junior singles and doubles match categories. Every winner and runner-up received a stylish engraved glass commemoration plate as well as a sports or racquet bag. There were also token cash prizes for specific match categories.

After dinner entertainment was a stunning fashion show featuring the latest collection by Bali based designer Mr. Raymond who enthralled the audience with his inspiring evening wear. Attractive lucky door prizes of dinner and spa vouchers from different sponsoring companies were drawn during the evening. The highlight was a grand prize of return airline tickets to Tokyo sponsored by JAL Hotels International and accommodation at Hotel Nikko Tokyo for one very lucky winner.

The Nikko Bali 10 th Anniversary Open Tennis Tournament & BTA Championship was held as part of a series of events taking place this year to celebrate a decade of excellence. The next scheduled event is entitled ‘A Peaceful Retreat at Nikko Bali Resort & Spa with Merta Ada’.

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For further information, please contact:
Fretty W Zahfithri
Assistant Public Relations Manager
Nikko Bali Resort & Spa
Jl. Raya Nusa Dua Selatan, Nusa Dua, Bali
Telephone: 62 (361) 773377, Fax: 62 (361) 773388
pr@nikkobali.com ; www.nikkobali.com

GALUNGAN (29 November 2006) and KUNINGAN (9 December 2006) DAY

The day commemorated as the victory day of "Dharma" (virtue) upon "Adharma" (evil) according to the old history of Bali (Purana). This day the Hindus thank the God and feel grateful for His blessing and for the creation of the earth and its contents. This day is the day of rituals, festivities and celebrations with "Penjor" the artistically decorated bamboo-pole stuck at every house entrance, adorning the both sides of the village-roads symbolizing of prosperity.
There are several processions need to be done to celebrate Galungan Day:

	PENYEKEBAN (3 days before Galungan) On this day, people begin to prepare the necessities for the Galungan ceremony. They collect fruits and store them in a special place until they get ripe.
	PENYAJAHAN (2 days before Galungan) On Penyajahan day, people keep on maintaining awareness, patience and the purity of the soul in order to control the demons. Another meaning of Penyajahan is making or cooking Balinese cakes (jaja). Therefore, on this day, people have to cook various kinds of Balinese cakes for the ceremony to come.
	PENAMPAHAN (1 day before Galungan) This is a sacrificial day. This is the day to slaughter sacrificial animals like chickens, ducks or pigs. People cook them into various kinds of Balinese food, such as satay, soup, lawar (a special Balinese food made of meat or vegetables, mixed with coconut sauce).
	GALUNGAN DAY, 29 November 2006 On the Galungan day itself, Balinese Hindus go to temples and other holy places to pray. People are dressed in colorful Balinese costumes. Women carry the offerings on their heads and men bring palm leave offerings in their hands, while the children walk hand in hand next to their parents.
	MANIS GALUNGAN (1 day after Galungan) On this day, Balinese Hindu communities usually visit their relatives, friends and neighbors. They forgive each other and remain together. It is also a day to relax and visit places of interest, after the long days of preparations for the celebration.
	KUNINGAN DAY, 9 December 2006 The last day of Galungan celebrations, believed as the rising day of the holy spirits and deities back to heaven on this day, special offerings consisted of yellow rice and temples look amazing with ornaments made of young coconut leaves and flowers.