CHRISTINE SANDNER DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING THE WESTIN RESORT NUSA DUA, BALI AND BALI INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE

You must have worked with several hotels around the world, what is unique about The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali 

Yes I have worked in many cities, including Hong Kong, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, London, Dubai and now Bali. The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali is not only a fantastic family resort but also has one of Asia’s leading Convention Centre’s as well.  As we speak, preparations are under way to host the IMF/World Bank Annual Meeting which takes place this October. The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali is looking forward to welcoming the 15,000+ delegates to our resort and Convention Centre.

What attracted you to work in Bali?

I have been fortunate enough to visit Bali with my family many times before as a globetrotter and to attend private weddings of close friends. I have always been fascinated by Bali’s natural beauty and the charm of the Balinese people, so when the opportunity arose it was a unanimous vote from the family that we couldn’t wait to move to “The island of the Gods”

What do you enjoy most about working in the hospitality industry?

I grew up living in a hotel in Hong Kong so for me it is second nature. My two sisters and I appreciated how special we were always made to feel by the team who treated us like VIP’s (even though we were so young) It was unconditional hospitality that I now like to return to our guests.

What’s your most memorable moment in your career?

I believe my most unforgettable moments are welcoming HRH Princess Diana to Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong and meeting Elton John who is my absolute favorite artist.

What do you think your strongest personal quality is?

I am a completely fair and open leader. I encourage new ideas and approaches from my team and take great pleasure to see them succeed and advance in their careers. I have a total open door policy and am always available for advice.

If you were given a chance for a fix up in life, what would you do differently?

If I hadn’t found myself in hospitality, I would have been a pilot. Either way, I’ve managed to see most of the world so there’s no regrets.

If you could pick one place anywhere in the world to be your dream destination, where would it be?

If I could snap my fingers and be anywhere in the world right now, I would be enjoying an espresso on the terrace of the Gritti Palace Hotel in Venice with my husband. It’s one of our favorite places to watch the world go by.

Where are some unusual places you’ve been?

There are many…. The breath-taking Ganden Monastery (in Dagze, Lhasa, Tibet), Victoria Falls on the boarder of Zambia & Zimbabwe, Diving in Palau, the amazing art-deco subway stations of Moscow, and the pink sand beaches of Harbour Island in the Bahamas…..I could write a book!!!

What do you do for fun during your day off?

Oh that’s an easy one… Relax with my family and explore the island of Bali. This weekend we’re off to North East coast.