ASHLEY LAI CLUSTER GENERAL MANAGER SHERATON BALI KUTA RESORT ALOFT BALI KUTA AT BEACHWALK 

Congratulations on your new role as the Cluster General Manager of Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort and the new Aloft Bali Kuta at Beachwalk! Tell us a little bit about your career journey.

I have been working with Marriott International for the last 18 years. My journey has brought me to different properties starting at the JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur, The Ritz Carlton Kuala Lumpur to the JW Marriott Phuket and then several GM roles until I recently joined the Sheraton and Aloft Bali Kuta as the Cluster General Manager.

With such an extensive experience working in various countries, what do you think is special about Bali?

Despite being a first timer in Bali, it’s easy to immediately fall in love with its culture, the people, and their warm hospitality. Bali truly has so much to offer everyone, and here, we are blessed with the beauty of nature. From the mountains to waterfalls, from the green rice fields to pristine beaches and stunning sunsets. 

You have worked in the industry for some time, what is your biggest achievement that you have accomplished?

Well, to be honest, it’s difficult to say what the biggest achievement would be as each one of them I consider a great success story, and I cherish the memories including numerous talents that I have met along the way, who are now very much a part of my extended family.

However, if I really had to mention one, it probably would be the opening of the first Marriott hotel in Cambodia perhaps also because it was my first General Manager role. Not only to be a part of the opening team to see it grow from ground up but also developing local talent along the way who were very much as proud as I was to be a part of the project.

How do you cope with the competitions in Bali these days? What is your hotel doing to stay competitive?

While there are many aspects that one can do or improve, in my opinion, we need to aim to stay fresh and relevant with the market’s ever evolving needs. Consistent reinvestment into the product is key. 

How do you maintain your work and life balance?

When I first started my career, I found it hard to know when to stop when you are so passionate about what you do. Sometimes, I made excuses to work till late, it was almost a guilty pleasure. Years later, I have learned the art of switching off. It allows me to get rest and do things I love.

What do you do for fun during your day off?

My current answer perhaps the same with anyone new to Bali – explore and discover ☺ I cannot wait also to explore dive spots around the island.

What is your advice for the young generation should they choose hospitality industry as their career?

Hospitality is all about passion and dedication. These two are keys to sustainable success. Be open to different experiences and seek opportunities to continue to learn and grow.

Share with us the latest update or promotion at Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort.

Renowned as one of the most sought holiday destinations in Kuta, Sheraton Bali Kuta has a strategic location adjacent to the biggest mall in Bali, Beachwalk, and just a few steps away to Kuta Beach. With these strong selling points, we are constantly striving to take our products and services to the next level. Not only rooms, or spa, but also the F&B. Last week, we have just launched our restaurant called Daily Social. It is exciting for all of us since ours is the first Daily Social among the Sheraton hotels in Asia Pacific excluding China. 

Due to the popular demand, we brought back the famous Sunday Social Brunch 2.0. Guaranteed value for money, the brunch has an extensive buffet – from our hearty local favourites go-to Asian comfort, fresh-shucked oysters, Jimbaran-style grilled seafood bar, signature Balinese pork ribs, to endless options of scrumptious desserts. Live music entertainment and free-flow beverage packages are available to elevate the diners’ experience. Follow our Instagram @SheratonKuta and @DailySocialBali to seize the limited Buy 3 Get 4 deal.

Share with us the latest update or promotion at Aloft Bali Kuta at Beachwalk.

Uniquely designed to fit with the millennials and gen Z’s preferences, we have been serving guests for just about seven months now. Time flies, eh? Located right in the lifestyle complex of Beachwalk, Aloft Bali Kuta offers the vibrant mall vibes, sassy services, and bold interior design. People especially love the 55-inch in-room TVs and our not-so-square Splash Pool.

One of our signature brand program is the Live@Aloft Hotels music entertainment, and we are going to hold our first LAAH event on Saturday, 29th October 2022 from 6 to 10 PM. There will be fun games, grand prizes, B&F stalls, and as the highlight, we have invited the Hydra Band as our guest star to perform live from our W XYZ Bar. All food and beverage selections are priced at IDR 40K only. Free entry for all and if you are staying with us on that night, you are entitled to an extra 20% off our regular B&F menu. Checkout our Instagram @AloftBaliKuta for more details, and see you next week!