Another Poppies anniversary, celebrated with a Blessing, followed by special eats, and preceded by an early morning beach cleanup by staff.

Adding to the ambiance at Poppies pool area is the recently completed mini lunch terrace beside the pool bar, and overlooking the swimming pool.

3 tables are set up daily, shaded by parasols, and gentle background music is available while you dine, should you require it.

That already-ancient coconut grove in which Poppies was built in 1980 gets more and more ancient. At that time most of what is now Kuta's built up area was covered by similar coconut plantations.

According to an expert we spoke to at that time some of our trees were 75 years old then, meaning some that remain today are well over 100 years old. Every now and again one of the grove's tallest members begins to 'lose its grip', and it's time for some euthanasia.



Pak Budi has been our agile Balinese tree surgeon for many years. He is seen here doing what he does best on an 18 metre specimen.

He works with the simplest of equipment - an axe and some rope - and has refused offers of modern gadgetry, which make him feel unsafe.

Today, January 17, is the day on which Balinese give thanks to Sanghyang Pasupati, the god of steel, for all metal implements from sacred 'keris' daggers to craftsmen's tools of the trade, which protect or make life easier for their owners in their everyday lives. Nowadays motor vehicles clearly fall into that category, and today they venture out festooned with colourful palm leaf offerings tied to their front grills and mirrors, having been blessed with holy water, incense, and offerings of food and flowers in elaborate ceremonies.

Having just taken delivery of two brand new Toyota 'Innova' luxury 7-seater limousines for our guests' comfort while touring Bali or just travelling to and from the airport, today's blessing ceremonies at the Poppies staff-house were particularly important. One van will be based at Poppies, and the other at Villa Melati.

Seen here, as well as vehicles belonging to staff, are two lovingly preserved veterans from the mid 70s - Poppies' original yellow Datsun 'bemo' used to travel 14 kms to Denpasar market and back each day for the restaurant's supplies up until the 90s, while Management's sturdy Landcruiser is still very much in use today.

Another year has glided by at Poppies. No special celebrations this time, other than Birthday Cakes and 'Babi Guling' (roast suckling pig, with Balinese spices) for management and staff.

We would like to thank all our supporters who helped to make 2008 our best year since pre Bali Bomb 2001. We all hope that many of you will still be able to visit Bali during 2009, despite the world's looming economic woes. As during previous downturns, Bali, and specifically Poppies, should prove excellent value for money, especially for short-haul travellers. Our 2009 rates have been held at almost the same level as 2008, and the Bali Great Escape package during low season remains as attractive as ever.