Joshua Torai has been appointed Hotel Manager for the Kemang Icon in Jakarta. As a new addition to the Alila team, Joshua brings a wealth of expertise from his earlier experience with renowned hotel groups including Aman Resorts, Atlantis Palm Jumeirah and the Shangri-La Group. Originally from Singapore, Joshua has worked all over the world, including Turks & Caicos, Seychelles, Dubai and Europe.
Irra Malik joined Alila Hotel and Resorts in 2009 as Resident Manager at Alila Villas Soori as a key member of the opening team. Irra has now been promoted to General Manager, taking the helm at the west coast Balinese all villa resort. She has over 17 years’ experience in the hospitality industry having worked with leading hotel groups including Ritz-Carlton, InterContinental and Hyatt International in both Indonesia and London. Irra can be contacted at irra[at]alilahotels.com
Best Western International (BWI) has expanded its portfolio in Jakarta, with the launch of an exciting new hotel - BEST WESTERN Mega Kuningan. Located in the prime business and commercial area of Mega Kuningan, close to several embassies and the offices of multinational companies, BEST WESTERN Mega Kuningan is truly in the heart of the city.
Stephan Winkler has been announced as the new general manager of the Anantara Bali Uluwatu Resort & Spa. A German national, Winkler has 30 years’ experience including spells with Kempinski and Starwood in Europe, Africa and Asia. He previously managed in Indonesia at the Sheraton in Lombok.
Puri Bagus Villa Resorts, one of the major players on the Bali hospitality landscape, has found the perfect distribution technology partner in eRevMax to boost its online bookings and expand its online presence. All its properties have been using RateTiger Channel Manager for several years with significant success.
Mirroring the growth seen in the Asia-Pacific market, Trust International has been steadily growing its client roster and bookings in the Asia-Pacific region. Trust’s Asia Pacific revenue has increased 38% since 2010, with increases in each of the years. This continues in the third quarter of 2013 with the addition of TAUZIA Hotel Management contracting its 13 midscale HARRIS Hotels to use Trust’s centralized reservation and distribution system and services.
Best Western International (BWI) has unveiled plans for an extensive and fast-paced expansion across Indonesia, more than double its portfolio across the country by this year. The company announced the plans today in a press conference held at the new upcoming flagship hotel in Bali.
In its continual efforts to support the arts, The Chedi Club Tanah Gajahin Ubud has launched a programme designed to bring hotel guests a new art experience. Together with the Hadiprana owning family, Art Expressions lets guests put paint to paper as a form of self-expression and meditative release. As part of this art
Following the successful launch of Mantra Nusa Dua earlier this year, Australian hoteliers Mantra Group have announced their second property in Bali – the BreakFree Sing Ken Ken in Legian – which also marks the debut of the BreakFree brand in Asia. Formerly known as the Sing Ken Ken Boutique Hotel, the property which opened in late 2012, will officially rebrand to BreakFree Sing Ken Ken in early October.
Marco Groten will move to Alila Villas Uluwatu as General Manager in August. Groten first joined Alila in February 2009 as the opening General Manager for Alila Villas Soori. During his time at Soori, Groten successfully introduced the West Bali Journeys and established the property as one of Bali’s premier resorts. In his new role he will continue to build on the strong foundations the current team has put in place at Alila Villas Uluwatu.
Best Western International (BWI) has continued its rapid expansion in Indonesia with the signing of a new hotel in the bustling business hub of Tangerang, West Java. Set to open in the fourth quarter of 2013, the seven-story BEST WESTERN Serpong has 196 modern rooms, including 12 suites.
Over the past 21 years, Austrian national Richard has gained a wealth of international experience across the globe. Before becoming General Manager of Raffles Hotel Le Royal Phnom Penh, he held key roles including Director of Operations for Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Abu Dhabi, as well as Regional Director of Food & Beverage for the Middle East and Director of Food & Beverage, Fairmont Dubai. With an extensive background in operations, particularly in Food & Beverage, he has also held senior positions in Michelin-starred restaurants, various award-winning spa and golf resorts in Europe and luxury cruise lines. As General Manager, Richard Schestak will oversee the opening of the hotel in the heart of Jakarta’s central business district, set in Ciputra World Jakarta, a prestigious new development with luxury boutiques, office buildings and an art museum. Raffles Jakarta will feature 173 exquisitely-designed rooms and suites, as well as an exciting array of restaurants and bars, and a large spa.
This July, Alila Jakarta promises a refreshing break from the 9 to 5 routine with the refurbished Spa Alila. As part of its bespoke wellness experience, Spa Alila now offers new "Spa Suites" for dedicated therapies, providing a surprisingly different lifestyle sanctuary for business and leisure travellers.
Rich in natural resources and experiencing an era of dynamic economic progress, Indonesia is a market not to be missed. Tourism arrival is expected to increase from the current 250 million in 2012 to an estimated 400 million by 2023 based on a 5% compound annual growth rate. An additional 100,000 guestrooms will be required, translating to an estimated 700 to 800 hotels to be built in the next decade, creating tremendous opportunities for developers, investors, financiers, hotel management groups, airlines companies, travel agencies, consultancies and other stakeholders.
The most expansive resort to date by luxury hotel management group GHM is set to welcome its first guests on the tranquil beaches of Tanjung Benoa at the end of 2013.
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is set to make a celebrated return to the island of the gods with the opening of The Ritz-Carlton, Bali, Indonesia in 2014. The stunning island of Bali enjoys an enviable reputation as one of the world’s most luxurious retreat destinations with its combination of sandy beaches, local Balinese artisan culture and relaxed ambiance.
Gindo Sianturi has been appointed as the new General Manager of U Paasha Seminyak Bali, effective 24 June 2013.
Pan Pacific Nirwana Bali Resort has announced the appointment of Mr. Ivan Casadevall as General Manager.
Bandung Institute of Tourism in West Java, Indonesia, has signed an agreement with the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (EI) to be a Global Academic Partner (GAP) school, offering EI's courses and certifications to hospitality students and professionals in Indonesia.
In Indonesia, the boutique east coast resort of Alila Manggis has appointed Putu Susenayasa as General Manager. An Alila stalwart, Sena’s previous management positions include stints at sister Alila properties Kemang Icon in Jakarta and Alila Ubud. Alila Manggis is situated on tranquil Buitan Beach within the regency of Karangasem, close to the town of Candidasa, and provides the perfect base from which to explore the unspoilt East. This area of the island is renowned for its spectacular beauty where the steep rise from coast to mountain creates magical scenery.