INTERVIEW WITH ANKIT AIRON GENERAL MANAGER HOLIDAY INN RESORT BALI CANGGU

Congratulations on your new role! How do you feel about stepping into the position of General Manager at Holiday Inn Resort Bali Canggu?
Thank you for the kind wishes. It is a privilege to be part of the opening journey of this beautiful, global brand resort in such a vibrant part of the Island of Gods.

As clearly evident, this brand-new resort prioritizes guests’ comfort in every aspect – the beautiful wooden accents carved in Balinese heritage, a perfect backdrop of the sun setting into the Indian Ocean to be admired from our rooftop pool bar and everything Canggu has to offer within easy reach due to our central location, we have everything that a savvy traveler would want from a restful retreat.

We have had great reviews from our guests so far who have admired our product and appreciated our teams for their genuine, friendly service to ensure every guest enjoys their stay. Our F&B team, led by Chef Suhaimi, has created a breakfast experience not to be missed and has won over the hearts of many of our Guests every morning.

Knowing that we have put together all of this from the scratch makes me super proud of all our achievements.

Canggu is currently one of Bali’s most sought-after destinations. What sets you resort apart from other hotels around the area, and what can guests expect when they stay at your resort?
Canggu is rapidly gaining popularity among young travelers who cherish its vibrant, village-like atmosphere. At Holiday Inn Resort Bali Canggu, a proud member of the IHG Hotels and Resorts family, we are dedicated to elevating the guest experience above all else.

While Canggu offers numerous accommodation options, our brand-new resort distinguishes itself by prioritizing your comfort in every detail. From the exquisite wooden accents that reflect Balinese heritage to our premium lifestyle decor, every aspect is designed with elegance and relaxation in mind.

Guests can enjoy a perfect rooftop view of the Indian Ocean, with breathtaking sunsets each evening, and our enviable location places you right in the heart of everything Canggu has to offer.

However, what truly sets us apart is the warm and genuine service provided by our dedicated team. We are committed to ensuring that every guest has a memorable and enjoyable stay.

Our guests have shared their positive experiences through glowing reviews on social media and booking platforms. We invite you to see for yourself what makes our resort so special.

With experience working in various continents, what do you think is special about Bali?
Every place has its own charm and I’ve been very blessed to have encountered many remarkable destinations, but Bali’s two inseparable treasures are its people and culture.

The island’s cultural richness is evident in its vibrant ceremonies, traditional art, and unique culinary heritage. Each day in Bali offers an opportunity to experience its deep-rooted customs, from intricate dance performances to the colorful offerings adorning its temples.

Equally special is the warmth and hospitality of the Balinese people. Their genuine kindness and welcoming spirit create an atmosphere where visitors feel like part of the community. This harmonious blend of culture and people makes Bali not just a place to visit, but a place to experience and remember.

Have you always known you would venture into hospitality? What sparked your interest?
While I initially didn’t set out to become a hotelier, immersing myself in the world of hotels quickly made it clear that this was my true calling. The initial allure of the glamour and sophistication of the industry drew me in, but it was the reality of the hard work behind the scenes that truly captivated me.

What started as an attraction soon became a challenge that I embraced wholeheartedly. The dedication required in this field fueled my passion and motivated me to continue, and I’m grateful for that journey.

My career has been incredibly rewarding, allowing me to work in diverse locations such as Miami, Edinburgh, London, Glasgow, Singapore, and now Bali. This global experience has given me the opportunity to manage city hotels and beach resorts, each offering unique lessons and experiences. I’ve enjoyed every moment of this journey, and it has enriched my perspective on hospitality and the world, in profound ways.

Share any exciting updates about Holiday Inn Resort Bali Canggu with us.
At Holiday Inn Resort Bali Canggu, we’re just getting started! Everything we do is focused on placing our guest experience at the heart of what we offer.

We’ve been thrilled by the positive feedback from guests, especially regarding the resort’s stunning aesthetics—from our beautifully designed rooms and premium amenities to the rooftop pool with breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean. Our breakfast has been hailed as ‘the best ever’ by many, and our prime location provides easy access to all that Canggu has to offer.

We’re also excited to announce the launch of a range of complimentary activities for both adults and kids. Adults can unwind with sunrise rooftop yoga, aqua aerobics, and Balinese craft-making classes such as Canang and Janur. In addition, we’ll soon be introducing group pool activities to keep everyone engaged and entertained during their stay.

For younger guests, the BubbleBum Kids Club offers endless fun with arts and crafts, storytelling,

Balinese dance lessons, treasure hunts, and more. There’s something exciting for everyone, ensuring a memorable and immersive experience at the resort.

We look forward to creating many more memorable moments for our guests.

What is the most challenging thing in your current position you have experienced so far?
I have thoroughly enjoyed the journey of bringing this project to life from scratch. As the first person recruited to lead the resort operations, I faced the challenge of opening the hotel within just six months of joining.

From arriving in a foreign country to assembling a team of skilled professionals, to finally opening the doors of this beautiful resort and delivering exceptional guest experiences—it has been an intense but rewarding journey, with countless moments that kept me up at night. Thankfully, I received incredible support from the owners, the IHG Hotels & Resorts team, and some kind and helpful peers, who helped me overcome each challenge along the way.

The team we’ve built, from top to bottom, is the perfect fit for the vision we had for the resort, making every challenge we faced worthwhile. Seeing everything come together has been incredibly fulfilling.

How do you maintain a work and life balance?
Maintaining a work-life balance as a General Manager, especially after opening a new hotel, can be challenging, but I believe it’s essential to prioritize both aspects for long-term success. I’ve learned that planning and setting boundaries are key. I make sure to delegate responsibilities effectively, trusting my team to handle day-to-day operations, which gives me the space to focus on the bigger picture while also carving out personal time.

I’ve also found that embracing the local Balinese culture, which emphasizes mindfulness and balance, has helped me personally. I take time to unwind by enjoying the beauty of Bali— whether through a walk on the beach, a short trip into nature, a yoga session, or simply spending time with family and friends. These moments allow me to recharge, come back to work with a fresh perspective, and lead with more clarity.

Ultimately, I believe that work-life balance is not about a strict separation, but about blending both worlds in a way that supports well-being and professional growth.