Shiitake Loves Fivelements
Bali is vibrant and the roads chaotic. After the short twenty minute drive out to the Fivelements retreat, I stepped off the motorbike and had to breathe out…If the surrounding area is any indication of the spirit and depth of a particular place, then the serenity enveloping Fivelements set it up to be fantastic. I wasn’t disappointed!
On my arrival, I met up with Lahra, who along with her husband Chicco owns and runs Fivelements. Lahra is the drive behind Fivelements with its focus on a healing center based on the philosophies and traditions of Bali, including the rituals, healing practices and sacred arts that have existed and evolved in Bali for centuries. She showed me around and explained the principles of their philosophy.
The Philosophy of Five Elements
“Fivelements is designed with eco-conscious principles, Balinese vastu and sacred geometry. Fivelements, Puri Ahimsa is a place for Learning to Love and Respect Life. We welcome you to experience sacred healing therapies in our private riverfront suites, Water Meditation pools and Beauty Sanctuary. Learn how traditional remedies are prepared in our Laboratorium. Join us in ceremony, yoga and other sacred arts. Share a meal at the Sakti Restaurant, offering an inspiring gastronomical healing journey based on innovative living cuisine, prepared by our team of devoted Chefs. At Fivelements, Puri Ahimsa, we aim to foster a space for Life Transformation and Love in Action.”
Chicc is from Italy and Lahra is half Korean and half American. The way they met is far more interesting than the Eat Pray Love story! Keko and Lahra met one night in Bali during the rainy season. While Chicco was reading a book, he heard a knock at his door. Chicco said that he found Lahra soaking wet and muddy and offered her shower and warm clothes. The stars aligned and a couple of years later, they were married.
I often find people as interesting as what they are involved in. It is due to their essence, elements of which they are, their vision and philosophy followed by their actions and engagements with the community that we can understand their nature.
Chef Made Runatha
Chef Chicco is a humble Balinese raw food chef trained at Culinary Light cuisine in California for 3 months. He has traveled the world and worked as a chef in numerous places with the emphasis on Culinary Art Cuisine. His talent in raw food cuisine should put him on the radar as one of the future leading stars in the field. It was a pleasure to taste his food by having him as company while taking me through the journey of Fivelements’ menu. His exquisite flavors were kept to a minimum while the artistry of his food rivals Chad Serno.
