Dear friends,
In these first fresh days of 2011 we’d like to share a little news with Pantai Mas friends all over the globe. In The Netherlands we had a very cold period with beautiful snow. Bali is hot, green and in full bloom. Where we are doesn’t matter, the pure and light energies of Pantai Mas connect us in our hearts.

The renovation at Pantai Mas is progressing slowly but surely. The upstairs meditation and yoga hall is taking it’s new shape. Within this space a small temple will also be built honoring Nyai Loro Kidul, the Queen of the South Sea, which will be for women only. Generous donations for this temple were made by Roberto Uding, Michelle Sparreboom, Claudia Scheffel, Janneke Mulder, Youetta de Jager, Lies van Staveren & Hans de Hartog, Arjan van Breemen, Wim Tettero, Evert & Dayu themselves, a staff member of the Singarajah immigration office, carpenter Bapak Putu Arcana, who gave a large discount on the wood carved doors, and Pamangku Gusman, who gave advice on the way the temple is to be situated.

The rainy season has brought very stormy weather to the north coast of Bali this year. The heavy rains are falling early in the morning and before noon, instead of at the end of the afternoon like other years. Sadly, the rough sea has damaged the seawall and the “stage” in the front by the beach at Pantai Mas. The sea wall is being repaired. Also, the daily rains are delaying the building work. These are the downsides of the rainy season, which brings so much life-giving water to the island…

Even though the building work in the side wing has to wait because of the rains, the bunk beds for the dormitories are ready and they are looking really good! Once this area is finished Pantai Mas will have the capacity to host groups of up to 30 youngsters.
Thom Henley spent Christmas at Pantai Mas, where there was also time for him and the Pantai Mas team to further prepare the group trips for youngsters to Bali.

Several new staff members have started at Pantai Mas. They will be introduced in a next news letter. Despite the renovation and the storms guests keep coming and enjoying at Pantai Mas. It turns out that more and more people wish to stay long-term at the center.

Reny Haakmeester is starting up special holidays for handicapped people to Bali, with Pantai Mas as home base. Several adaptations have already been made in the rooms and the car, and also beds and bathrooms will be adapted, so that guests in wheelchairs can be welcomed and feel comfortable. The first holiday for handicapped guests will take place in the first half of this year. Reny is travelling to Bali this month together with his father, Reny Haakmeester senior, who is handicapped and in a wheelchair, for a test holiday. More information about this wonderful initiative coming soon!

Some last family news: Sera, the “grandmother” of the Pantai Mas dogs, gave birth to seven adorable puppies some weeks ago. Nobody has kept count, but it must be a very large dog family she has by now… J By the way, several guests have asked, and we found out that exporting puppies form Bali is not permitted. So, dog lovers will have to visit Pantai Mas to enjoy the doggies!

The Pantai Mas family wishes you and your loved ones a beautiful 2011. May the new year bring harmony, good energy and inspiration to all!

Om शान्तिः, शान्तिः, शान्तिः om,
The Pantai Mas Family
& Wietske