Cross Hotels unveils new brand and village retreat in Bali | TTG Asia

Cross Hotels & Resorts, in collaboration with Discova, has launched its sixth brand Kaura, and introduced Kaura Bali, the first-of-its-kind immersive village experience in Bali, in direct partnership with the villagers of Manggis.

Located in the hills of Karangasem, East Bali, Kaura Bali has been hand-crafted with the environment and sustainability first. It started as a community project to repair a damaged irrigation pipe that threatened the survival of the entire community who were heavily dependent on rice farming.

Aside from the resort’s offerings – infinity pool, yoga sessions, Balinese spa treatments – guests will also get to connect with nature and a new culture with the specially curated and guided experiences by the villagers of Manggis.

Harry Thaliwal, CEO of Cross Hotels & Resorts, said: “Our goal of self-sustaining retreats, created in partnership with local communities, is at the core of Cross’s vision for an evolving industry. Through education, and sustainable development with the villagers, Kaura will deliver life-changing experiences for travellers.”

Working with Discova, the villagers will offer a range of experiences, from touring and working in the newly-converted organic farms and rice paddies, to guided treks and cycling through the emerald Balinese steeps, or traditional cooking classes and holistic wellness workshops with the villagers.

Suyin Lee, managing director, Discova, said: “The villagers wanted to adopt organic farming, to improve farming practices and to bring prosperity back to their village. Now they are welcoming everyone to experience the real Bali and in doing so, creating an alternate source of livelihood.”