Behind the Winners of THK Awards 2005

Year 2005 has just gone by, bi-lingual (English & Japanese) tourism media, Bali Travel News—a subsidiary of Bali Post Group, presented 19 trophies, one of them was Emerald Trophy for the winner of eco-friendly hotel and Tourist Object and Attraction in the perspective of Tri Hita Karana (Tri Hita Karana Tourism Awards and Accreditation—THK Awards) in six categories: (1) Boutique Resort Category: gold trophy went to Ritz-Carlton, Jimbaran-Badung; silver to Ibah Luxury Villas, Ubud, Gianyar and bronze to Bali Tropic Resort & Spa, Tanjung Benoa—Badung. (2) Hotel category of 5-star & 5-star plus: gold trophy achieved by Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa, Nusa Dua-Badung; silver by Sofitel Seminyak Bali, Kuta-Badung and bronze by Melia Benoa All Inclusive Resort Bali, Tanjung Benoa-Badung. (3) Four-star hotel category: gold by Alila Ubud – Gianyar; silver by Alila Manggis, Karangasem and bronze by Bali Dynasty Resort, Kuta-Badung. (4) For 1, 2 and 3-star hotel category: gold by Puri Santrian Hotel, Sanur, Denpasar; silver by Nusa Lembongan Resort, Klungkung and bronze by Tanjung Sari, Sanur, Denpasar. (5) Non-star or jasmine hotel category: gold by Cempaka Belimbing Villas, Pupuan, Tabanan; silver by Waka Di Ume, Ubud, Gianyar and bronze by Puri Bagus Hotel Candidasa, Karangasem. (6) Tourist Object & Attraction (TOA) category: gold by Taman Ayun, Mengwi, Badung; silver by Waterbom Bali, Kuta, Badung and bronze by Sangeh TOA, Petang, Badung.
Different from the year 2004, the only hotel achieved the Emerald Trophy in the 2005 presentation was Cempaka Belimbing Villas. This non-star hotel recorded to have achieved gold trophy for three times successively (2003, 2004 and 2005). Emerald Trophy is the highest award in the THK Awards program and only rewarded to hotel or TOA that accomplished to win the gold trophy for three times in succession. In 2004, there were two hotels—Melia Bali Villas and Spa Resort and Griya Santrian Hotel—succeeding in achieving the emerald trophy.
To learn more about what and how the hotel management implements the THK as a harmonic concept in integral oneness between human devotion and the Creator (parhyangan), mutual love and assistance amongst the human fellows (pawongan) and nature preservation (palemahan), simply read up on the report of Bali Travel News that highlights the hotel profile of THK Awards 2005 achievers. In this number 4 volume VIII edition that you are reading in progress, we start from Ubud, namely Waka Di Ume Resort, the silver achiever of non-star hotel category.
Waka Di Ume Resort located at Banjar Sambahan, Ubud Village—1.5 km north of Ubud premier tourist resort. Commitment of its management to implement THK concept has been appeared since the initial establishment of this hotel. For instance, in terms of Parhyangan aspect, the hotel is marked by the existence of hotel buildings that entirely employed local materials. Every corner of the room or villa is designed in the blend that puts priority on Balinese architectural style. Meanwhile, Parhyangan aspect at Waka Di Ume that obviously discernible is the placement of sanctum and religious and cultural symbols in accordance with their function. Similarly, it gives the opportunity to non-Hindu employees to perform worship service on particular days.
In terms of Pawongan aspect, according to the Operational Manager of Waka Di Ume, Wayan Duarta, his party has put into effect the open management to all employees. Every problem arising related to employee was communicated at all times to management party through a representative or socio-religious unit existing at hotel. On that account, they would find win-win solution for both parties. Except for establishing internal harmonic relation, his party also organized good relation to the surrounding community. For instance, on every occasion of ritual activities at the local village, his party did not only deliver financial assistance but the employees also actively get involved. They have frequently carried out such a concept for the sake of maintaining harmonic relation to community at the vicinity of hotel. “And, it’s the commitment of the owner since the hotel first operated in 1995,” Duarte affirmed.
The natural, convenient and serene allure of Waka Di Ume as well as enclosed by the expanse of green rice field presents the farmer’s activity cultivating the land in modest and traditional way makes Waka Di Ume have high selling point at Asia Pacific and European market.
By such atmosphere, it’s not astonishing if the hotel remains to be a prima donna for European, Asian, Australian and Japanese tourists up to these days. “Even, nearly 25% of guests who stayed here were repeater guests coming in-group for 2 to 4 times annually,” remarked Duarta. Other than for recreation, they, mainly group from Australia, America and Japan, also come with the purpose of practicing meditation.
“Final objective of THK concept implementation at our hotel,” according to Duarta,” is to establish 3H (Healthy, Happy and Holy) at Waka Di Ume Resort. Guests who stayed at our hotel can indeed enjoy fresh air, alluring panorama, spacious room and ever assured security, comfort and serenity. (BTN/013)