Bali's Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve Debuts 'Mini Explorers' Program

Nestled in the heart of mesmerizing Ubud, where ancient stone carvings, scenic plantations, and rich cultural traditions await exploration, Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve invites young experience collectors to go on a learning adventure with its new immersive program, ‘Mini Explorers' at Mandapa Camp. Tailored for children or the entire family to enjoy, ‘Mini Explorers' offers a chance to learn new skills, make new friends, and take part in a wide range of creative activities, all under expert supervision.

Tucked away amidst the verdant rice paddies, the expansive Mandapa Camp facility includes an organic garden, an enlightening Kid's Hut, and an educational farm where young explorers can take care of the resort's cow, chickens, ducks, rabbits, and more. Inspired by Balinese huts that nestle in Ubud's lush jungles, Mandapa Camp was designed as a wantilan, or meeting pavilion, where activity of adherents take place and the location for supporting facilities of a temple. Debuting two curated journeys – one full day and one half day – children are encouraged to embrace their innate curiosity for the world around them.

Bringing to life the spirit of Ubud, ‘A Taste of Healing Traditions' is a half day journey highlighting the destination's most cherished traditions. Guests will start the morning off in a healthy way with a yoga demonstration, where an instructor will teach five basic yoga poses, followed by making their own healthy breakfast. After harnessing their inner chi, adventurers are led on an excursion in the organic garden, where they will participate in an interactive activity of not only foraging and tasting various vegetables and herbs, but also learn their health benefits and how to cook them. Rounding out the day, children will participate in a workshop on natural plant dyes, followed creating their very own Balinese herbal drink, Jamu. Originally made from Java, the drink contains ingredients such as ginger, turmeric, and lemon grass – all beneficial to maintain children's energy levels and their immune system.

A learning adventure inspired by nature, ‘A Day of Eco-Discovery & Culture' is a full day program allowing children or the whole family to dive into discovery, sustainability learning, and culture captivation. The day encompasses a variation of nature-based activities such as ‘Penjor' Bamboo Tower making and ‘Canang' Making, with special visit to the local temple and traditional sacred tree, and Subak Farming, or rice planting, at the resort's rice field. Guests will be well-nourished throughout, making their own healthy breakfast, tasting tropical fruits, concocting their own ‘Daluman' – a traditional Balinese jelly drink – and enjoy a picnic lunch at Lumbung, the traditional Balinese hut on the rice field at Mandapa. Once the sun sets and the night sky glistens, guests will complete the experience with an exciting night safari exploring the nocturnal fauna at Mandapa. Inspiring meaningful journeys for the young experience collector, these Balinese-inspired daily life and nature-based activities capture the charm and cultural effervescence of Ubud, providing an immersive introduction into the destination.

Opened in September 2015, Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, the third property in the prestigious Ritz-Carlton Reserve portfolio, features 60 luxurious suites and villas, four restaurants and lounges, and a Mandapa Spa. Designed as a sanctuary to relax one's mind, body, and soul, Mandapa offers individually tailored spiritual, wellness and health programs as well as the personalized attention of a dedicated Patih or butler.

For more information on ‘Mini Explorers' at Mandapa Camp and Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, visit www.mandapareserve.com and join the conversation using #RCReserve.