Our Values

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.