Risata Bali Resort & Spa Newsletter | August 2026

There’s a particular kind of energy that settles over Bali in August. With clear skies and Indonesian Independence Day filling the island with red-and-white decorations, community celebrations and a festive atmosphere, it’s a wonderful time to experience Bali beyond its beautiful beaches. The street outside gets a little louder, the neighborhood gets a little more colorful, and at Risata Bali Resort & Spa, we start planning how to bring a bit of that spirit in with us.

Back at Risata Bali Resort & Spa, we’ve prepared a collection of seasonal dining experiences to complement your stay. Gather for a relaxed BBQ dinner by the pool, celebrate Indonesian and Indian Independence Day through thoughtfully crafted menus or unwind with refreshing cocktails as the sun begins to set. However you choose to spend your days, we hope these experiences add another memorable chapter to your Bali holiday.

Celebrating Indonesian Independence Day in Bali

If you’ve never spent Indonesian Independence Day here, it’s worth knowing what to expect. From early August onward, villages and neighborhoods across Bali start preparing. Flags go up along the streets, red-and-white bunting gets strung between shopfronts and by the time the 17th arrives, entire communities gather for traditional games. Think sack races, kerupuk-eating contests and the ever-popular panjat pinang, where teams scramble up a greased betel-nut trunk for prizes tied at the top. At Risata Bali Resort, we wanted to bring that chaotic, fun and deeply communal spirit into our hotel.

Last year, we turned the 17th into something the whole hotel looked forward to. One staff from each department dressed in traditional Indonesian clothing from different regions in Indonesia. What started as a simple show of pride quickly turned into a friendly competition and our guests got to be the judges, casting their votes for the department that wore the day best.

This year, we’re doing it again, but with a twist that means a little more to us. Our team’s outfits will be made entirely from recycled and upcycled fabric. It felt like the right next step — dressing our team in reimagined materials is part of our broader push to be a more sustainable hotel in Bali, one small habit at a time.

Alongside the celebrations, we’re marking the week with a small gesture that highlights the diversity of Indonesian cuisine. Running from the 17th through the 23rd of August, enjoy our Indonesian specialties served at a special discount. And if the festive spirit have rubbed off on you, wear red and white to get one free soft drink alongside your meal!

Beyond Our Hotel: Things to Do in Bali This August

Independence Day isn’t the only reason to love Bali in August. For anyone who loves live music in a relaxed setting, take a day trip from Kuta and watch Ubud Village Jazz Festival 2026 take over Sthala Ubud on the 7th and 8th, filling a garden setting with the kind of intimate sets that jazz festivals are made for.

Closer to home, Pantai Jerman comes alive every evening as the sun starts to dip, just five minutes from our Risata Bali Resort & Spa. You’ll experience one of the simplest, most local things to do near Kuta as locals gather with traditional Balinese kites, letting them catch the evening wind.

And this month brings a new reason to stay out a little later. Zumana, a beach club by the Savaya Group is opening its doors just 1.3 km away or about a 15-minute walk from our hotel. It’s a fresh addition to the neighborhood, and we’re already looking forward to sending guests down the road for sundowners before they wander back to our quieter corner of Kuta.