One of Renaissance’s key brand values ​​is to encourage guests to learn about and explore the resorts’ local neighborhood during their stays. Once a year, all Renaissance resorts around the world celebrate a Global Day of Discovery (GDOD). A day full of activities celebrating the local neighborhood of each Renaissance resort.

Last week we were invited to join Renaissance Uluwatu for their celebrations and activities for GDOD, and we had a lot of fun and learned a lot!

Celebrations kicked off early in the evening before GDOD with a workshop and fashion show by Endek. Endek is the traditional weaving of Bali and we not only learned how it is made but were also treated to a stunning sunset fashion show by Dwi Iskander. The outfits featured in the show used traditional fabrics, in modern runway-style designs.

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

The next morning, we got an early start and headed to the resort’s beach club, Rooster Fish, for an ocean-inspired breakfast. We feasted on plenty of local produce and the stars of the show were the Jimbaran prawn omelettes and seafood laksa.

Over breakfast, we hear from the Pandawa community about their local coral restoration projects taking place on the shorelines just outside the beach club. It was heartening to learn about this project and to see so much time and effort put into not only regenerating corals, but also educating (both locals and tourists) about the important role coral plays in our ecosystem. To do our part, we planted some baby coral ourselves, which was then transported to the ocean nursery.

During GDOD we also visited the ROLE Foundation Zero Waste Center. This center helps businesses reuse their waste while employing locals to repurpose and repurpose collected goods. Renaissance Uluwatu collects and sends all of its used soap bars here to be sanitized and made into new soap bars. These soaps are then distributed to orphanages throughout the island. At the center, we also had the chance to dye plant-based fabrics, recycle paper, and plant seed balls. We learned a lot not only about how the ROLE Foundation is helping to reduce waste in Bali, but also about how we can do all of this in our own homes.

During GDOD night, Chef Wisnu Adiyatma treated us to a 12-course Navigator Chef’s Table feast featuring local dishes, produce, and flavors. Each course was paired with a sample of a Sababay wine, which is produced locally in Bali. What luxury! During the evening there was a performance by the talented local musician Gus Teja, which really rounded off a day of discovering the many local delights, talents and initiatives taking place in the Renaissance Uluwatu neighbourhood.

Before saying goodbye to Uluwatu, we took an electric bike ride to the Balangan Beach viewpoint. Here we explore the secret temple that lies below the cliff overlooking the beach. On the e-bike ride from the resort, we were able to explore the local area, including a lovely tree-lined driveway, making a lovely backdrop for the photo.

We were really able to explore and connect with the local Renaissance Uluwatu neighborhood. We love this feature of the Renaissance brand, for us, it makes the stay more meaningful where you not only enjoy the luxury and hospitality of the brand, but really learn about the area in which their resort is located.

I’m already looking forward to World Discovery Day next year!

Renaissance Bali Uluwatu Resort & Spa

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

Instagram: @renhotelbali

Phone: +62 361 2003588