INTERVIEW WITH  VANESSA CHUA  DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT BALI SEMINYAK RESORT 

What excites you most about being the DOSM of Courtyard by Marriott Bali Seminyak Resort?

Being the Director of Sales and Marketing at Courtyard Seminyak is by far the highlight of my career. It is a privilege to be leading such a dynamic and solid Sales & Marketing team and to be part of one of the best resorts in Seminyak. The resort has so much potential to offer, and being located in strategic location next to Double Six beach equipped with the endless genuine hospitality from our team, our guests just keep coming back for more. 

As the Director of Sales & Marketing of Courtyard by Marriott Bali Seminyak Resort, how do you compete with other established properties?

It is no doubt that Bali has so many options of fine accommodation to offer, it is the famous island of the Gods. At our resort, we promise a professional service second to none, inviting guests to have fun and be themselves at the heart of lively Seminyak. Additionally our team is amazing at building loyalty and connection with our guests, which cause guests to leave happy and always looking forward to return again. 

Who has inspired you the most in life and why? 

My mother is my inspiration ever since I was a little girl. Even though she is a stay at home mom, she has a business mindset which is very helpful for my father’s business. She is very strong-willed and hard-working and she taught me to be independent by motivating me to study abroad even though I was only 16 years old. I know that deep inside she was feeling sorrow by letting her daughter study abroad, but she put her emotions aside and put my interest first. Her determination is definitely fruitful and she is one of the reasons I am where I am today.  

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

As cliché as it sounds, the best part about working in hospitality is when we can make guests feel at home and when we are able to put smile on their faces. I remember when I was little I spent holiday with my family in Thailand and I could feel their warm hospitality, even such a simple service could make a very long lasting impression. That was the moment I realize I want to work in hospitality industry.

What’s your most memorable moment in your career?

I had many memorable moments during my career, however the best highlight would be when I was promoted to Director of Sales & Marketing from Director of Sales after just joining the company for 6 months. I was very fortunate to have such supportive leaders and mentors who guided me along the way and I am forever thankful for them. 

Share with us the latest update from Courtyard by Marriott Bali Seminyak Resort 

and some of your interesting offers.

We are proud to announce that our hotel maintains excellent level of service and cleanliness and our swim-up Pool Bar with Balinese specialty Arak offering is not to be missed. Our best-selling deal is “Seminyak Retreat Package” offering guests an undisturbed 5 nights stay in our most popular Deluxe Pool View room complete with welcome cocktails and 60 minutes spa in the “Zanti The Retreat” spa, voted no 1 in Bali in TripAdvisor. We promise guest would leave feeling rejuvenated and refreshed. 

Can you share tips for women who would like to follow the same career path?

My advice for women who would like to follow the same career path is to always have an open mind, have strong will and to never give up. I love the saying “When the tough gets going, the going gets tough.” It means when there are problems, strong people work hard to solve them. It is definitely my motto in life. With the right attitude, any dreams can come true. 

What do you do for fun during your day off?

I have a little boy that is going to turn 2 years old soon, hence during my day off I spend most of my time having quality time with him. When I have my me-time, I like to join line dance, play tennis, doing yoga or just relaxing at the beach and enjoy the scenic surrounding, that is one of the best perks of living in Bali after all!