I am so happy for my friend Tandy. After 25 years in the corporate world, Tandy decided to focus on what work would make her feel truly fulfilled and happy. She wrote and published. She taught belly dancing. She became a partner, friend, and mentor to several people as they developed their entrepreneurial talents. As one of my clients, every time she came to me, I felt like I got as much or more from our sessions as Tandy. She coached other people on how to pursue their dreams.
And then she decided to chase a dream of her own and move to Bali to open a hotel. But not just any hotel. From Tandy’s web site:
The site for the hotel is located ten minutes outside of Ubud. It has terraced rice fields gently sloping down to the Pertanu River. The name will be Bhanu Swari, which means Goddess of Prosperity. I intend to live nearby, doing my writing, coaching, and seminars.
The ultimate plan for the hotel is to have about 40 units, ranging from standard rooms to private villas with plunge pools. Of course there will be an on-site restaurant and bar. And a spa with emphasis on massage, including Balinese boreh and Javanese lulur treatments.
Other plans include hosting various seminars and retreats that focus on Balinese culture, self-development, and professional development. For example, classes by local artists and craftspeople who specialize in Balinese arts (wood carving, batik, egg-painting, gamelan music, etc.) and Balinese massage therapy. And plans include bringing over seminar leaders for workshops on writing (like Romance novels), personal coaching, improving interpersonal communications (especially between women and men), new ways of learning, and more.
Phase 1, to open December 2005, will be one building consisting of the lobby, a small restaurant, 10 standard rooms underneath on the downhill side facing the river, and a pool. Massage will be available on-site. In addition, non-guests can take advantage of a half-day-package that will include a pick-up and delivery service from nearby Ubud hotels, a 2-hour massage, and a light lunch of nasi goreng (fried rice) or mie goreng (stir-fried noodles) and fresh fruits.
Phase 2 will include a stand-alone spa building, Family villas, and private villas. The villas can be booked by the day, or can be purchased as time-shares. Family villas have 2 air-conditioned buildings, each containing a bedroom and full bath; a private pool in between; and an open-air pavilion for relaxing and dining poolside. Private villas have 1 air-conditioned building with a queen bedroom and full bath, a smaller private pool and an open-air pavilion for relaxing/ dining poolside.
If you want to see photos of the hotel as construction progresses, check out Tandy’s blog. Maybe one day you’ll visit this paradise and chase your dreams. Or at the very least, you can get a fantastic massage.
Now that is cool, opening a hotel in Bali!!! That is exciting!
Wow..that is awesome.
I will definately send that link to travelers I know, especially my gaggle of Aussie and Kiwi friends and family as Bali is very popular Down Under as a close holiday destination.
When I have time I will drop your friend a few lines of congrats as well.
Much goodness!!!
Bali is one of the top tourist destinations for “Sandgropers” (people from WA) so I may actually visit her hotel one day!
I sooo want to go! Hmmmm….honeymoon perhaps?