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Silence Day, a sacred holiday in the Balinese Saka calendar, welcomed me to Bali. The friendly customs officer greeted me and asked if I knew about the upcoming day of silence. I admitted it was my first time experiencing this sacred holiday and was already captivated.

My driver, Suta from Vision Villas, handed me a cold bottle of Aqua as we navigated through the vibrant parades that lined the streets. The Hindus were celebrating with fervor on the eve of their day of silence.

Suta informed me about the island-wide exorcisms and activities taking place. Devotees dressed in traditional Balinese attire gathered at puras to worship and collect holy water. They also carried and burned large papier-mâché statues called ogoh-ogoh, symbolizing evil spirits. The following day would be a day of complete peace and tranquility, where everything comes to a halt. No leaving homes, cooking, or engaging in any activities. The streets remained deserted, the airport closed, and tourists confined to their hotel complexes. Suta chuckled and said, “It’s only one day, but it’s good for the environment. The air will be clean tomorrow.”

And he was absolutely right. There was always a logical explanation behind the ancient wisdom.

Located in Medahan, not far from the artisan villages of Gianyar, Vision Villas awaited me. Surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty in rural Bali, this personal enrichment resort piqued my curiosity.

Komang, the friendly and efficient receptionist, greeted me with a refreshing lemon drink. After registering, she asked if I wanted dinner on my verandah, even though it was late. How could I resist such an offer?

She led me through a well-manicured garden, illuminated by candles. We walked past the pool and up a few steps to the Ganesha room.

In the middle of the room stood a four-poster bed with silk cushions, adorned with fluffy pillows. Beautiful artworks and a Ganesha statue were displayed in a wooden case, cleverly concealing a stocked mini fridge. The welcome fruit basket was arranged with artistic precision, and frangipani flowers adorned every corner. The bathroom was a work of art, complete with a flower arrangement inside a fresh young coconut and a graceful lady statue concealing the outdoor shower. The attention to detail in this luxurious five-star boutique resort amidst rice and vegetable fields was astonishing. And to top it off, the resort offered wireless internet throughout. Pure heaven!

Arriving with an open mind, I knew this place held many insights and special experiences for me, particularly during this auspicious time. I pondered the thoughts and reflections presented in the information booklet about the Ganesha room.

Having studied in India, I knew Ganesha, the god of knowledge and new beginnings, represented wisdom and cosmic reality. The booklet urged me to connect and reflect on what I was grateful for and who I was thankful to. The questions teased my mind as I settled onto my verandah, observing the beauty that surrounded me.

The lush foliage, the shimmering pool, the joyous fountain, the buzzing bees, and fluttering butterflies enveloped me. I sat on my wooden sun chair, supported by a silk cushion, with John Grisham’s latest book in my lap. Yet, I couldn’t seem to find the desire to read. The allure of this place drew me in. Was this the Eden we all longed to be in?

As I surveyed my surroundings, I delved into the hidden meanings and symbolism embedded in the resort’s design. Ancient mythology played a significant role in its creation. Would I uncover the deeper meanings as my hosts had challenged me to do? Or should I simply bask in the beauty and let it rejuvenate my spirit? I snapped pictures, capturing the inspiring and gorgeous spots, filling my mind with beautiful thoughts of beautiful places.

Eager to explore the special rooms at Vision Villas, I searched for Renate, my guide and hostess who graciously opened her home to me during this holiday. She had even kept some staff members to ensure my comfort. I felt humbled and grateful for her hospitality. Renate shone with passion and enthusiasm as she showed me around her resort.

“There are 12 rooms that follow a cycle, telling a tale from creation to preservation to completion. Each room represents a Hindu god who is part of this cycle,” Renate explained.

I peeked into each room, marveling at their uniqueness and the intricate decorations sourced by Renate and her talented interior designer friend, Desley Truscott. They had transformed the entire place in just three weeks before the XL Results Foundation Country Managers’ meetings. The resort wasn’t even fully completed when guests started arriving. It was Roger’s vision that guided them, ensuring that each room, statue, fountain, and pathway was connected in a cosmic cycle.

The information provided in each room provided glimpses into Roger’s profound vision and his depth of knowledge. Harmony and completion resonated throughout the chain of 12 rooms, with the 13th room watching over them. Questions were posed, but only those who truly sought answers would find them.

However, one needn’t be a philosopher, a devout Hindu, or even religious to appreciate the thought and effort put into creating this resort. Anyone can enjoy the fabulous ambiance and numerous amenities that it offers, as well as the impact it has on charities in Bali.

Charity was close to Renate’s heart, and she volunteered three days a week at the John Fawcett Foundation. Every night spent at the villa resulted in a donation that funded an eye operation for a Balinese individual. Each day at Vision Villas gave someone the gift of sight. Renate was passionate about giving back and believed in making money to give it away. She set up a gift shop within the resort, filled with locally made unique items, with all proceeds benefiting the foundation. Silver jewelry, wooden statues, silk ware, handmade soaps, and toiletries were among the items on sale.

The previous year, an auction was organized after the Entrepreneur Business School meetings, raising RP40 million for the John Fawcett Foundation. Renate proudly displayed the donation receipts at her gift shop.

As I spoke with Renate, I couldn’t help but notice her radiant, healthy glow. Curious, I inquired about her fitness routine. She casually mentioned being a champion swimmer in her youth, winning numerous trophies in national and county meets in Ireland. Her worldly yet grounded nature impressed me greatly.

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Ihab Salloum