This festive season, TA’AKTANA, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Labuan Bajo, invites guests to a series of meaningful celebrations inspired by the cultural spirit of Flores. Guided by the theme “Rooted in Culture, Wrapped in Luxury,” this year’s festivities pay homage to Indonesia’s living traditions, infused with the refined sophistication and heartfelt warmth of The Luxury Collection.
As part of Marriott International’s luxury portfolio, TA’AKTANA continues its dedication to crafting authentic, immersive experiences that celebrate togetherness, cultural heritage, and the natural beauty of Labuan Bajo. The festive calendar blends ritual and refinement, offering guests a journey of light, flavor, and connection, where every moment feels purposeful, heartfelt, and distinctly Flores.
The Sacred Light of Larantuka
The season begins on 1 December with The Sacred Light of Larantuka, a celebration inspired by East Flores’ revered traditions. The day opens with creative workshops such as Christmas Lantern Crafting and Bracelet Making at the open-air Pendopo, filling the morning with color, creativity, and joy. As the sun sets, guests are invited to join the Lantern Parade beneath the twilight sky, followed by a children’s choir performance and the illumination of TA’AKTANA’s beachfront Christmas tree, a radiant symbol of unity, gratitude, and the beginning of the luminous festive season.
A Culinary Celebration of the Season
Embracing the art of celebration, guests are invited to indulge in a journey of taste and togetherness that captures the warmth of the season. The Festive Afternoon Tea at Nera Lounge sets a graceful rhythm to the day with aromatic blends and handcrafted pastries, while the Journey of Flores at Maiga! Bar celebrates the island’s essence through cocktails combining traditional Sopi with Flores flowers. On Christmas Eve, the resort’s dining venues — Leros, Umasa, and Taba— each present a distinctive culinary experience that blends global sophistication with local flair. This leads into the festive day with Santa’s arrival by traditional wooden boat, followed by a lavish Christmas Brunch at Leros, a joyful feast of indulgent classics and seasonal confections that reflect the island’s spirit of connection and celebration.
A Soulful Transition into 2026
Guided by the theme “Rooted in Culture, Wrapped in Luxury,” TA’AKTANA closes the year with an extraordinary Beachfront Gala Dinner and Countdown. The absolute core of this evening is the exclusive showcase of Flores’ hidden cultural treasures, which is delivered through the debut of the Flores Grand Orchestra.
This magnificent undertaking, composed by Manggarai-born musician Felix Edon, represents a groundbreaking artistic milestone for Flores Island, an unprecedented assembly of local percussion artists, vocalists, and dancers, harmonized with the ethereal tones of the Sasando, and cultural performances by Sanggar Wela Rana. This initiative to showcase local potential aligns perfectly with the brand’s mission and is designed to elevate local culture and tradition, powerfully highlighting the true spirit and rich heritage of Flores as the shining pearl of Eastern Indonesia.
As midnight draws near, the rhythm of drums carries through the evening air beneath a sky shimmering with fireworks over the Flores Sea. The moment feels both intimate and grand, a serene celebration of renewal that honors the island’s spirit and welcomes the promise of a new year with warmth and reverence.
An Invitation to Celebrate the Spirit of Flores
Discover the warmth and artistry of Flores through experiences that celebrate togetherness, creativity, and reflection. From lanterns glowing at dusk to the rhythm of traditional dance and the scent of the sea carried on laughter and song, each moment captures the island’s spirit of generosity and joy. Rooted in culture and elevated by refined luxury, TA’AKTANA reflects The Luxury Collection’s promise to craft experiences that are authentic, heartfelt, and unforgettable.
For more information and reservations, please visit the hotel’s website at www.marriott.com or follow @taaktanalabuanbajo
