A Family Tradition Preserving Culture and Heritage in Sanur

Jakarta Globe, Zack Petersen, October 7, 2013

The Puri Santrian Resort Hotel Sanur is situated along the coast of upscale
Sanur on the tranquil southeastern end of Bali. (Photo courtesy of Puri
Santrian Resort)

The mystique of Puri Santrian Resort Hotel Sanur depends on whether you arrive before or after sundown.

Arrive at night and you find yourself lost in the scents of rich soil and wet leaves of the sprawling canopy, the lapping waves of the private beach and sounds of the 182-room Sanur, Bali, resort.

But arriving in the daytime is a different rush of sensations. A gong rings out as the sweet taste of a ginger drink lingers on your tongue and a friendly porter picks up your bags and points you toward the beach.

“It was amazing from sunrise to sunset,” said Chaerany Putri, the owner and chief executive of Hadeh Corporation, based in Jakarta.

“I had the most wonderful time in Puri Santrian. After being stretched thin at work, a much-needed sanctuary was what I was looking for, and I found it,” she said.

For Jakartans like Chaerany, who pop over to Bali half a dozen times a year to get away from the hustle and bustle of the Big Durian, finding a five-star international-standard hotel run by a Balinese family is a dream come true.

And for the more than 2.5 million tourists who visit Bali every year, having a resort that is family-owned and operated by blue-blood Balinese is something the international chains simply cannot compete with.

“The setting is idyllic, with a great secluded beach and lovely shade under the trees,” Chaerany said.

“It was the perfect place for me to get the peace and quiet I needed. The pool is ample for the size of the property, the food is great, wonderful breakfast selection and you can sit and watch the sunset by the beach club with some tapas and drinks.”

Puri Santrian, increasingly admired for its blend of Balinese hospitality and international standards, has another ace up its sleeve. In a sea of resorts and international hotels, Puri, just a 40-minute car ride from Ngurah Rai International Airport, is a family-owned and operated resort, something rarely seen in today’s tourism industry.

“I’m proud, my dad started this hotel 45 years ago,” said Gusde, who owns and operates the resort.

In true Balinese spirit, Gusde believes it’s his connection to the community that separates Puri Santrian from the big-name international chains. His connection to the people of Sanur not only keeps him grounded, but gives him access to authentic Balinese customs and traditions inaccessible by big chains.

“My strength is utilizing the community, whether that is employing local carpenters and employees,” he said.

The Puri Santrian Resort Hotel Sanur is a
rare Balinese-owned resort nestled amid
the crowd of international hotel chains.
(Photo courtesy of Puri Santrian Resort)

This also gives Gusde access to the local markets. First thing in the morning, trips are organized to usher guests into the marveling markets, complete with the thick aroma of savory spices and sought-after ingredients for local Balinese dishes.

“As the second generation [owner] this is my moral responsibility,” Gusde says. “I have to pass this on to my children. I can’t look at it as one generation. We have temples and shrines and social responsibilities. That takes money, we use the money from the hotel to give back to the community. We invest in the community around us by giving back and building a strong community and preserving culture around us.”

Meanwhile, Balinese cooking classes, complete with a trip to Sanur’s Shindu morning market, allow guests to uncover the secrets to authentic dishes from the “island of the Gods.” After a trip to the market, chefs attempt to make their mark on signature Balinese dishes such as ayam bumbu (spiced chicken) and plecing kangkung (stir-fried water spinach).

For Gusde’s guests, it’s that local touch they fall in love with and keep coming back for every time they book a trip to Bali.

“Above all, the one thing that I noticed about this resort was, it’s not just about how wonderful the place is, but it is about how they can manage it so well and at the same time not lose its true identity, the local wisdom of people in Sanur,” Chaerany said.

It sounds too good to be true, a family-owned and operated resort, built on community and hospitality, but that’s just what it is.

Strolling the grounds is a great way to walk off breakfast because the resort is renowned for its Balinese architecture, embracing traditionally intricate front doors on the private bungalows and moss covered statues of Rama and Shinta throughout the lush tropical gardens that keep the grass cool underfoot.

Meanwhile, blooming orchids dot the landscape, and free yoga classes Monday through Friday offer guests a chance to relax in a quiet garden corner and strengthen both body and mind.

New resorts popping up every week and the idea of there being more than 90,000 hotel rooms in Bali for tourists to choose from should bother Gusde, but the smile never leaves his face.

He was born here. His ancestors were born here. Nothing will change for the next generation of Puri Santrian owners. They will do as their grandparents did, treat people well, be courteous, friendly, and the people will continue to come.

After all, this isn’t just a resort. It’s a family tradition.