DECEMBER in Xantos Island is always synonymous with the bustle of tourism. At Xantos Eco Resort, the roar of laughter and chatter of international tourists fills the grand lobby. However, beneath the bustle, a discordant note is increasingly heard.
“We come to Xantos Island to experience the culture, not to listen to the same pop music we have at home,” Mr. Henderson, a British arts critic, complained to his wife over dinner. The previous evening, the resort’s entertainment had been a traditional dance performance with acrobatic touches. “I could see a show like that in Las Vegas. Where’s the Legong? Where’s the Barong?”
The desk of Mrs. Ayu, Xantos Eco Resort’s new Operations Manager, is always cluttered with guest satisfaction surveys. Complaints about the nightlife are the most prevalent. “Not authentic,” “not reflective of Xantos,” “disappointing” — those words seem to have become a mantra. Mrs. Ayu sighed. She knew all too well how they felt. As a former traditional dancer in her youth, her heart ached.
“We have everything here, Wayan,” Mrs. Ayu said one morning to Wayan, the Public Relations Coordinator. “Beautiful views, excellent service, luxurious facilities. But we’re missing something essential. We’re neglecting the very soul of Bali.”
Wayan nodded. “That’s right, Mrs. Ayu. In the past, guests were always amazed by village performances. But the old management felt it was more ‘modern’ to bring in artists from outside, with more ‘international’ music.”
Mrs. Ayu rose from her chair. “That’s a big mistake. Our treasures are here, in the surrounding villages. Talented artists who perhaps only perform at traditional ceremonies, or have even stopped dancing because there’s no stage.”
She remembered Grandpa Made, an elder in the neighboring village, who had once told her about the prowess of his granddaughter, a young Legong dancer whose moves were already mesmerizing. However, they hadn’t had the opportunity to perform in a proper venue.
Mrs. Ayu immediately devised a bold plan. She invited the traditional elders, dance studio leaders, and local artists to Xantos Eco Resort for a meeting. The meeting room, usually used for marketing presentations, was now filled with men and women in traditional attire, thoughtful faces, and expectant gazes.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” Mrs. Ayu began, her voice calm but confident. “I’m here to offer something you may not have thought of. Xantos Eco Resort wants to be a stage for authentic Xantos culture.”
Instantly, the room filled with whispers. Some faces showed doubt. Bitter experiences in the past, where the resort’s promises were never kept, hung over them.
“We’ve heard promises like this before, Mrs. Ayu,” said Mr. Oka, a graying-haired traditional elder. “Someone once said that they wanted to perform our gamelan, but in the end, they only played a recording.”
“I understand your concerns,” Mrs. Ayu replied, her gaze sincere. “But I’m not just talking here. This is a real commitment. Xantos Eco Resort will host Xantos Cultural Enchantment Nights on a regular basis. We will provide a proper stage, spectacular lighting, and most importantly, a proper fee for each artist. And most importantly, complete artistic freedom. We just want your art to shine.”
Mrs. Ayu continued, explaining her vision: Welcoming and a cappella dances, soul-stirring gamelan music, and enchanting shadow puppet performances would all be the main attraction. They would not only entertain but also educate guests about Xantos’ rich culture.
Slowly, the doubt in the artists’ eyes began to fade, replaced by a glimmer of hope. They saw a sincerity in Mrs. Ayu’s eyes, something different from previous managers.
“Yes, Mrs. Ayu,” said Grandpa Made, who was sitting in the front row, his voice hoarse but firm. “If your commitment is that great, we will try. For Xantos, and for our children and grandchildren.”
They weren’t just watching the performance, but also feeling the soul of Bali radiating from every movement, every note, every expression. Applause erupted after each dance segment. Some guests were even moved to tears, moved by the beauty and emotional power of the performance.
Mr. Henderson, sitting in the front row, stared at the stage in awe. “This is it, Martha! This is the Xantos we’ve been looking for!” he whispered to his wife, his eyes sparkling. “It’s not just entertainment, it’s art, it’s culture, it’s life!”
News of Xantos Cultural Enchantment Night spread like wildfire. Positive reviews flooded travel sites, and bookings at Xantos Eco Resort skyrocketed. Guests do not only come to stay overnight but also to experience this unique and immersive performance. Xantos Eco Resort was no longer just offering luxury rooms, but also an unforgettable cultural experience.
What touched Mrs. Ayu most was the impact on the local community. Young people who were previously more interested in global pop culture were now motivated to learn to dance and play their gamelan, seeing how their ancestral arts were being appreciated and loved worldwide. Dance studios were bustling again, and the sound of gamelan music was once again a frequent sound in the villages. Local artists felt proud, recognized, and had a brighter future.
One evening, after a performance, Grandpa Made approached Mrs. Ayu. “Thank you, Mrs. Ayu,” he said sincerely, holding her hand. “You haven’t just given us a stage, you’ve revived the song of our souls.”
Mrs. Ayu smiled. She knew Xantos Eco Resort had found its true identity. The true strength of a destination lies in its authenticity and its ability to embrace and empower local talent. And at Xantos Eco Resort, the soul of Xantos Island will continue to sing, captivating the hearts of all who visit. (*)
