INTERVIEW WITH ALFONSO ROMERO GENERAL MANAGER OF BANYAN TREE UNGASAN

You must have worked with several hotels around the world, what is unique about Banyan Tree Ungasan Bali?

The people, culture, climate, and many other factors.

It is not simply one thing that makes Bali a unique and stunning island, but rather a mixture of its different features. And we always work on our roots to achieve our mission, which we want to give an inspiring exceptional experiences amongst our guests by developing our associates and working closely with local community surroundings.

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

Personal attentions to the client, as well as keeping up with the latest trends in regards to our front liners and staff from back of the house.

We also have very motivated staffs that are always working to make sure that the client will have a positive experience and will return, rather than going to a competitor. 

One surprising story, this month we just had a very great news that Banyan Tree Ungasan is one of the 58 Most Luxurious Hotels in the World by Forbes Travel Guide which we never knew when Forbes’s inspectors came to do over 900 checklists to give us this prestigious recognition.

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

The hospitality industry includes many fields, which is what makes it such an enticing profession. Hospitality deals with sales and marketing, finance, food and beverages… every day is different and exciting.

What attract you to work in Bali?

As I have previously mentioned, Bali is a magical island that attracts people. Not only it offers mesmerizing scenery, but also a fascinating culture that make for an incomparable experience, which only Bali can offer.

What do you think your strongest personal quality is?

People said I am a good person, hahaha. Well besides what people said, I know that I am hard working, consistent, and really passionate with what I am doing. That’s maybe why people said I am a good person.

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

I would surely spend more time with my family. Working in 7 different countries has fulfilled me professionally, but I have sacrificed and lost many moments that I could have otherwise spent with my family.

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

Bali is what I would consider the dream destination, and the thousands and thousands of tourists that are here, confirm it everyday.

What is one skill that you would like to learn and why?

Learning any sort of skill is important, moving forward and staying up to date with the latest technologies is essential. Everyday that you learn something new you are also a better yourself overall as a person. 

What do you do for fun during your day off?

Spend time with family, do some sports, read or simply relax after a full week of work.

What is your most favourite Indonesian food?

Nasi goreng or Babi guling. In Spain we have very similar dishes, they’re called paella and cochinillo asado. I often refer to paella as the “Spanish nasi goreng”.