Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort held its annual Christmas Lighting Ceremony in the Rotunda Lobby.
On Friday, 5th December, the resort marked its debut Christmas collaboration with local artist Marmar Herayukti, who is originally from Denpasar. Partnered to create a tree based on the Balinese philosophical concept of Segara Gunung (sea and mountain). In line with the concept, Ida Bagus Eka Arista, known as Gus Eka and his dancing team, Naluri Manca, performed a visual interpretation during the lighting ceremony.
“My inspiration for the Segara Gunung concept, created in the form of a Christmas tree, allows us to appreciate the meaning of life and constantly retell the story of our love for nature,” said Marmar Herayukti. “Furthermore, the meaning of Christmas shares the same essence as Segara Gunung: a feeling of gratitude for prosperity and a sense of mercy for past actions. Even though this project bridges two different cultures, we are ultimately telling one universal story about how we connect ourselves to nature and to our creator.”
Ida Bagus Eka Arista, founder of Naluri Manca, added, “Our performance is more than mere entertainment; it acts as a guide for the audience, drawing power and evolution from literature. My approach embodies the philosophy of ‘think locally, act globally,’ emerging from a local creation presented through art and the collaboration process involving both Marmar Herayukti and myself.”
The event started with hors d’oeuvres for all guests, followed by a speech from the General Manager of Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort, Jean-Pierre Joncas, and a spectacular 10-minute performance by Naluri Manca. The highlight ended with a Christmas tree lighting procession by Marmar Herayukti and Jean-Pierre Joncas, which resulted in beautiful lights turning on across the Rotunda Lobby.
“I have always been a fan of local artistry, and to be able to collaborate with Marmar Herayukti & Naluri Manca is an honour. To be able to merge this vision with our existing light concept festive theme this year, I believe this is a perfect alignment and fusion, which is perfectly portrayed at our hotel, fusing the Balinese culture and French allure in everything that we do,” said Jean-Pierre Joncas.