The Fivelements Puri Ahimsa is one of Bali’s most lauded eco-tourism resorts. Located away from the hustle and bustle of central Ubud, amid tranquil highlands that are surrounded by lush rainforests, waterfalls, rice padi fields and with the sacred Ayung River flowing through, the Fivelements is a premier eco-conscious holistic healing destination to experience inner peace and deep rejuvenation of the senses. Time honored traditions and deeply rooted principals of the Balinese civilization pervade this natural sanctuary where modern plant-based science meets ancient sacred arts.
Written By: Luke Elijah
This article was written in 2018
The name Fivelements is inspired by the revered Balinese concept of “Panca Mahabhuta” which is based on the five essential elements: air, water, fire, earth and ether. Dedicated to a motto of ‘love in action’, the retreat encourages guests to nurture a harmonious equilibrium through spiritual practices and wholesome organic diet.
Guided by the “Tri Hita Karana” philosophy, which takes into account the characteristics and notions of each of the five elements of life, the architects and builders of this elemental sanctuary consulted with respected Balinese priests and involved the local community in every step of their design conceptualization and construction process. Built with natural unprocessed materials such as bamboo, rattan, stone, timber and coconut, the Fivelements was designed to utilize passive cooling systems such as the unique “bio-mimicry” ceiling fan design and environmental shades to reduce the carbon footprint of air-conditioning. Other eco-friendly initiatives include the use of LED lighting technology and low-level wattage that leads to an impressive 95% reduction in electricity consumption.
The retreat has a lot to offer: sacred ceremonies, family friendly activities, luxurious spa treatments and appetizing organic foods.
Guests are greeted in an ambrosial sanctum comprising spacious coconut husk roof hut structures strewn over lush gardens and well maintained courtyards teeming with vibrant tropical flora and fauna.
I felt as if I was walking through an enchanted Smurf village that had been given an authentic Balinese makeover. An amazing experience I had at the Fivelements was the highly popular Agnihotra fire purification ceremony that is led by an experienced Balinese priest. Other notable activities included water hydrotherapy, djembe drum jamming sessions, spiritual Aikido, as well as holistic yoga sessions at the two purpose built shaded bamboo framed structures.
The best part of my stay at the Fivelements was the incredible organic raw vegan food which was second to none—a plethora of scrumptiously delicious offerings jampacked with vitamins, minerals, enzymes and nutrients.
As a leading healing destination, the Fivelements appreciates and understands that food is more than simply body fuel. The retreat is centred on a philosophy that focuses on the consumption of fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, seeds and legumes in their natural state, as much as possible. When food is prepared raw, or only lightly heated at under 48 degrees Celsius, it retains the vital life force and is full of nutrients and enzymes that are required for proper digestion and cellular regeneration.
Talented and knowledgeable chef Made Tantra supervises the Sakti dining room with his decades of experience, meticulously preparing gourmet raw food using ancient Ayurvedic principals. Chef Made prides himself with curating the most exquisite and delectable artisanal raw vegan dishes for all retreat guests and day visitors. A gastronomical trip to the Sakti dining room is guaranteed to make any raw food neophyte squeal with wonderment and amazement. Who would have thought that raw vegan food could look so appealing and also taste this good?
www.fivelements.org
Luke Elijah is a Singapore-based health coach, spiritual practitioner and professional photographer. You can reach him at lukelijah@gmail.com
This article was first published in the print edition of Yoga Journal Singapore, which is now Yogahood Online.
