The Bali Tri Hita Karana
Floating Leaf has based our approach on the fundamental Balinese Hindu doctrine of Tri Hita Karana. This Sanskrit term translates to “three paths to peacefulness and prosperity” and is based on a trio of harmonious relationships, the balance between humans and God, between humans and other humans and the equilibrium of man and nature. When all three are in balance; harmony and prosperity is the result. Tri Hita Karana teaches us:
The Gods graciously gave us life and have created nature for all.
Nature offers nourishment and beauty, fulfilling all needs of human beings.
Humans have an obligation to preserve nature and live peacefully together.
Floating Leaf is rooted in a deep commitment to Bali’s environment, its people and sustainable tourism. We are proud to be an exemplary model for true sustainable living without sacrificing luxury, comfort or convenience.
Professor Mikaku Doliveck
Mikaku was a professor of Art and Photography in a previous life and has been coming to Bali for more than two decades. He is an award-winning educator and photographer and loves to share his passion for Indonesia and its many hidden wonders. He has written numerous articles on Bali’s culture, art, mysticism, healers and more. Mikaku landed his first guiding job at the age of 18 and most recently was awarded “Travel Photographer of The Year”.
Maryam Putu Doliveck
Putu is from The Balinese Royal Family of Karangasm and was raised learning the traditional dances, healing arts and the culture of Bali. Her deep connection to the island and its people will enrich your experience on the island and provide a meaningful touchstone into the culture and location.
Putu’s relations help ensure that each retreat takes advantage of religious and cultural current events such as ceremonies, palace visits, and other little known experiences not available on other tours.
In her previous life, Putu owned and managed one of the most well respected spas in central California for seven years and brings state of the art western techniques and practices to Floating Leaf’s Melati Spa. Centuries-old royal Balinese secret treatments are available in our two spa facilities.
Award-Winning Staff
Floating Leaf is proud to be a Balinese owned and operated eco-luxury retreat center.
Regularly acknowledged by guests for spectacular service, the Floating Leaf staff is one of the finest teams on the island. They are committed to ensuring each of our guests has the most comfortable and memorable experience possible. Each staff member has been specifically trained to assist guests with western expectations for care, cleanliness, safety and detail. You can ask any staff member for assistance at any time and they will be delighted to help.
We look forward to showing you what Floating Leaf hospitality is all about.
Learn more about the amazing staff that will be assisting you.
Giving Back to the Community
Floating Leaf exists to help, teach and inspire others – both our guests and our community. At its heart, our retreat is an educational facility. We live, work, play and grow in harmony with our community. Their support and encouragement for Floating Leaf was a driving force in our development and we give back in many ways. We strive to involve the community in deciding exactly which philanthropic efforts will be of most help and interest to them. Some of our community assistance programs include the following:
- Local Community Support
- The Greenest Village Project
- MuntiGunung Community Social Enterprise
- Clean Community Initiative (CCI)
- Free English Classes for Children
Read more about our community programs.
Our Eco-Commitment
Floating Leaf is proud to be a true eco-retreat center. We deeply care for the environment and the preservation of the local landscape. Our mission is to be an exemplary model for sustainable living without sacrificing luxury, service or comfort.
Being sustainable is more than just a philosophy. We “walk the talk” having built Floating Leaf with mostly local, recycled and sustainable materials. We practice sustainability by harvesting rainwater, recycling brown water, using environmentally products and cleaners for the rooms, growing our food in our own organic permaculture garden and by the sustainable design and architecture of our structures.
There’s a lot to being sustainable so we encourage you to read further or to contact us to learn more about our commitment to the environment.
Discover why Floating Leaf is a true “eco-retreat.”
Search all our latest insights and blog posts.
Soul Care to Self-Love
HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT OF LEADING YOUR OWN RETREAT?
Why do we use Color in our Retreats?
Soul Care to Self-Love
HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT OF LEADING YOUR OWN RETREAT?
Why do we use Color in our Retreats?
OUR STORY
The Perfect Location
Floating Leaf was conceived of many years before it was finally opened in 2012.
The land was purchased almost a decade earlier and donated to the village so they could grow whatever crops they needed most. This dedication to supporting the community continues today as we operate a multitude of initiatives to bring prosperity to our Balinese neighbors while protecting the sacred land on which we operate.
Each and every phase of construction and planning of Floating Leaf was executed in strict accordance with Balinese tradition and culture.
Business Setup
Mikaku and Putu completed the arduous, circuitous and seemingly Sisyphean task of obtaining all of the permits, permissions and certificates necessary to build and operate their eco-retreat 100% in accordance of Indonesia’s laws and regulations. This process alone took two years, numerous headaches and the patience of Gandhi.
They then met with their local village many times as it is important to them that they are active participants in village life and support the banjar (local village organization).
Permission From The Gods
It was then time to begin an important series of Balinese Hindu ceremonies for the land. When a new dwelling or temple is to be built in Bali, several ceremonies are undertaken in order to purify the land and establish balance and harmony between the environment, humans and Gods. They met with their Pemangku (village priest) to determine an auspicious day for the ceremonies. Abundant traditional offerings were prepared consisting of flowers, bamboo, holy water (tirta), and fruits.
The first ceremony is called the Ngeruak Karang ceremony. This ritual is designed to give thanks to the land for all it has provided and to ask permission for a change of function. For example, the land has been used as a rice field for generations; one must now ask that it be used for a home and a place that fosters learning and spiritual growth.
The second ceremony is to honor the rice Goddess Dewi Sri and to seek her permission to relocate from the rice fields to the village temple. A third ceremony, Banten Nasarin, consists of the Pemangku wrapping the bricks of the foundation in a white cloth, anoints them with holy water and places them into the foundation of the building.
Breaking Ground
The breaking ground ceremony for Floating Leaf took place in late December 2011. The team toiled to create this unique and challenging structure. They built with environmentally friendly materials and methods. Each aspect of the rooms, Yoga Sanctuary, Healing Pool, Melati Spa, kitchen and gardens have been carefully created to be eco-friendly, comfortable and visually appealing. Art, science and Balinese tradition have been combined to make Floating Leaf an example of sustainable living in a traditional Balinese village setting.
The final purification rite, or Melaspas, gives thanks to the materials that were ‘sacrificed’ in the construction of the building. Previously they were separate entities such as stone, wood, bamboo, etc. They have now been reincarnated into a united living being.
First Guests
Finally the day had come for FLER’s first guests to arrive. It was our proudest moment and to this day we still feel deep gratitude for each and every individual that walks through our doors.
An Award Winning Retreat
It’s been 5 years since we first opened for business and we’ve all grown since then, both in expected and unexpected ways. Our appreciation and commitment to the local community has grown. Our commitment to the environment and sustainable living has grown. Even the pride we have for our staff has grown. We’ve participated in marriages, have witnessed births and have held them close through personal hardship. Without them, Floating Leaf wouldn’t be where it is today.
We are also proud of the awards we’ve received since we opened; from Harper Bazaar’s Top 100 Worldwide Hotels to Huffington Post’s #1 Yoga Retreat in Bali, we’re humbled and honored by the recognition.
Perhaps our favorite award comes directly from our guests. The amazing feedback we receive on review platforms such as Trip Advisor and Google always delights us.
Indeed, we are eternally grateful to the guests who have stayed with us. Each one of you have touched us in profound ways and we are humbled by your kindness and thoughtfulness. We look forward to your return. When you do, it will be our pleasure to once again serve you. Om swastiastu.
THANK YOU.
The Management and staff are thrilled to be your hosts. We look forward to demonstrating the services and distinctive skills of the Floating Leaf staff. Please rest assured that the entire team will continue to not just provide the highest standards of service, but will exceed your expectations at every opportunity. If there is anything we can do to make your vacation even more special, please just let us know.
It is indeed a delight and honor to have you stay with us and we want to wish you a very warm welcome to Bali.
Thanking you in anticipation of your patronage.
With our warmest regards,
Mikaku and Putu
Owners of Floating Leaf