Hitchbird Exclusive: The Sakala Resort Bali
Editors' Choice
Best of both worlds – A modern design amidst the lush landscape for city couples who want a touch of the mother nature.
Editors' Choice
Best of both worlds – A modern design amidst the lush landscape for city couples who want a touch of the mother nature.
Hitchbird recently sat down with the General Manager of The Sakala Resort Bali, Patrick Murray to discuss about the wedding trends in Bali and the wedding experience in the resort.
Tell us about the resort and perhaps some highlights of the resort for weddings?
The Sakala Resort Bali is a 261-room resort, promises a hospitality experience on culinary sophistication, sublime wellness opportunities and a room-by-room spaciousness that is otherwise a rarity on the Island of the Gods. The hotel’s 247 suites each offer a minimum of 64sqm that includes a kitchenette. The two-bedroom, ocean-view suites deliver up to 125sqm and feature a separate living room, dining room and walk-in pantry. Infinity pools with built-in whirlpools and full kitchen are the highlights of each of the 14, two-storey pool villas.
Beyond the generous personal space, the hotel is polishing a reputation as one of Bali’s most exclusive dining experiences. A harbinger of its lofty ambitions, Sakala Beach Club opened on the resort’s ground on 2011 and quickly garnered acclaims for dishes that marry local product with Asian Fusion culinary sensibilities. From small intimate parties to big celebrations, Sakala Resort Bali has a world-class array of exceptionally stylish and authentic Balinese venues where you can host your special event.
For weddings, outdoor venues like the Sakala Infinity Pool can accommodate up to 30 guests for a floating Water Wedding reception and The Beach Wedding has a capacity of 200 guests. The Garden provides the perfect setting for an evening cocktail party. Indoor reception venue includes our 630sqm ballroom, which seats up to 650 guests and our range of award winning dining outlets include Sakala Beach Club and The Restaurant.
What do you think is the general trend of weddings on the island?
Destination weddings are fast becoming a popular trend in the travel industry. Bali, otherwise known as the ‘Island of the Gods’, is one of the top dream wedding destination within Asia.
The tropical island of Bali used to be known as a romantic destination for couples to enjoy their honeymoon. However, over the past two decades, it has been gaining its reputation as a dream wedding spot and continues to draw an increasing number of local and international couples. Weddings in Bali are a cost effective alternative. You may achieve substantial cost savings if you hold your wedding in Bali, as opposed to having your wedding celebration held in a local destination. For example, a similar wedding celebration in Bali costs three times lesser than if it were carried out in Australia and approximately five times lesser if it were held in more developed cities in Asia, such as Singapore.
Besides that, the laws in Indonesia makes it a straightforward process for foreign couples to get married in Bali. Also, the rising numbers of celebrity couples flocking to the island to have the wedding of their dreams also helps to boost Bali’s image as a top wedding destination. Stars who have tied the knot in Bali include the gorgeous Miss Universe Australia, Jennifer Hawkins and her partner, Jake Wall. In January this year, Asian celebrity Yang Mi held their wedding on the island.
What's the largest wedding you have done? Can you share some of the weddings you have hosted recently?
The daughter of Sakala's owner where she had a three-days wedding at the Sakala. It was an amazingly good value, very luxurious, and unbelievably fun. There were parties for the wedding every night, and everyone (including the bride and the groom) was chilling at the beach. It was relaxed, fun, low-stress, and beautiful. The setting was wonderful, the people were great and the ceremony was lovely with more than 500 guests.
What's the usual size of the weddings here and where do couples come from? Do you see an increase from China?
Average number of wedding guests at Sakala Resort Bali is 50 people but if you wish to have more than 200 people we have beach wedding that can be pretty for wedding ceremony! Our wedding clients are mostly from Australia, China and Indonesia. Yes, of course because Bali has become a sought-after wedding destination after several high-profile nuptials by mainland and Taiwanese celebrities.
How many do you host each year?
The Sakala Resort Bali can cater 50 to 60 weddings per year. Last year we are proud to say we hosted about 50 weddings!
Please share the wedding options at your venue - what can our couples choose from?
We have four venues available for wedding ceremonies; The Wedding Venue, an iconic purpose built wedding chapel overlooking the Indian Ocean with a capacity of 50 guests is ideal for stylish contemporary weddings. We also have the Water Wedding which floats on the Sakala Infinity Pool which can be decorated in both Balinese or contemporary style. The garden wedding as well as the beach is suitable for an intimate or big wedding celebration or vow renewal for up to 200 guests. Our ballroom is designed to host the most glamorous private events in formal yet contemporary elegance. Seats up to 650 guests including dance floor and stage, the ballroom can be transformed into a magical setting with the help of any of our recommended wedding designers.
What else do you think Bali has to offer over other wedding destinations such as Phuket, Koh Samui, Danang, etc?
With Bali’s gorgeous scenery, many luxurious resort and villas, green rice terraces, dramatic beaches, Hindu temples, madcap flowers and boldly painted fishing boats, it is often the dream destination for couples to hold weddings, pre-wedding photoshoots and go on their honeymoon. In Bali, you will find better value for money accommodation and great services. Bali is full of vendors from whom you can order flowers, wedding cakes and any extra amenities along these lines. There are a number of bakeries on the island that produce delicious wedding cakes too.
Top 3 cool pre and post wedding activities you would suggest for our wedding couples on the island or at your resort.
Not only is Sakala Resort Bali a beautiful place to get married but it also offers dozens of fun activities for your bridal party — before, on or after your big day. Kick off the celebration with celebratory drinks at the Sakala Beach Club. With tons of rock n’ roll memorabilia tasty menu and thirst-quenching drinks, you’ll have a great time hanging out and enjoying the unique atmosphere.
Being part of a big event can be stressful so head over to The Wellness Spa and treat yourself to some pampering and relaxation. Book a private spa day for your group and experience one of their signature facials for that beautiful glow or let the staffs create a custom package for you with massages, facials and body treatments. If meditation and fitness are more towards your style, schedule a private group yoga class.
For some fun in the sun, enjoy the watersport activities at the Benoa Beach. For more actions, you can hit the water with boat, jet ski, and etc. Or, enjoy your afternoon in the sun working on your pre-wedding glow from the shore of the beautiful beach.
Another fun way to spend the day is at beach. Start a game of volleyball as the court is free and volleyballs are available at anytime. For a really unique experience, step into The Restaurant kitchen for a Bebek Betutu cooking demonstration. Your group will have a blast in this intimate cooking class with Head Chef, Nyoman Wardhana. It’s an ideal way to enjoy your bridal party!
Is this resort exactly the way you envision your dream wedding would be? Talk to The Sakala Resort Bali today!
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