SITHA S. ASMARAJAYA HOTEL MANAGER OF SHERATON BALI KUTA RESORT

How do you feel to be in your current position?

Very excited. I have worked in Kuta with 2 hotels before for more than 7 years now and the energy that this area give never bored me. The beauty of this resorts with amazing view of Kuta beach stretch is a dream workplace. Plus, combined with very talented team and great dining and facilities offerings, I am very pleased to be part of this team.

Having worked in Middle East for quite some time, how is it different from the working environment in Bali?

The most significant different will be the diversities of the team. In Middle East, I once have up to 19 nationalities working in my department. It is very fascinating as I can learn a lot about their culture but at the same time, I have to create one culture that everyone can adapt and use at the workplace.

Have you always known you would venture into hospitality? What sparked your interest? 

When I was a child, I was known as the shy ones in the family. Never the slightest that this industry will take me where I am today. Being a Teacher or Interior Designer were the passion back then. To challenge myself, I enroll to the Hospitality School in Bandung for Tours and Travel Major so I can learn Public Speaking in Guiding Classes hence fulfilling the passion to travel. Thus, the industry has brought me to hotel life. Never look back since and continue to grow my career in hospitality.

What do you look forward to as the Hotel Manager of Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort?

Adventure. I am very excited to lead a group of passionate team towards the same goal. Plus, with prime location in the middle of the famous beach, the hotel is always busy not only with staying guests but also shoppers alike. The perks in this industry is you will always meet new guests everyday where they will share their stories or life journey. The team and the guests are the one who give me energy every day.

What do you find fascinating about Bali in general, as well as the island’s hospitality industry?

The culture. It amazes me how TRIHITA KARANA embossed in our daily life. I also found Nyepi as one of the best day that I won’t ever missed. Likewise, the hospitality industry has been evolving a lot and impacting the island in terms of land usage and also the environment. Many of lands have changed the purpose to feed the needs of the industry. Having said that, the island’s rapid growth never fail to capture travelers from around the world as its continue to offers not only its beauty, but the best dining experiences, array of hotel brands, yoga sanctuaries and also memorable adventures.

Do you like sticking to a routine? Or going with the flow? 

I always passionate to experience something new thus, in terms of daily schedule, outlook rules me to ensure everything is organized according to plan. Not only at work but also personal life to ensure I use my time wisely.

How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance?  

Being a Libra, this is very important for me. I normally organize them through my outlook so I will have time for the family, exercise, at work, going out with friends, me time and even time to rest. It has helped me so many years especially if you do them religiously. You will only need to spend max an hour to organize your week ahead and another hour to look back in case there’s anything that you missed. I strongly believe that you need to make the time to spend the time.

What activities/hobbies do you enjoy outside of work? 

I love cooking, very much! It is fascinating how I can turns raw items into something that can be enjoy by the family. Those heat and hours in the kitchen always beat by the happiness upon seeing their happy faces. 

If you could go on a long holiday anywhere in the world, where would you go, and what would you do?

This is quite hard to choose as I have 2 countries in my mind. One being Japan where I want to travel the whole country and learn about their culture and cuisines. Their ethic and healthy lifestyle has captivate me for years. Second will be spending weeks long in Iceland chasing Northern Lights.

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

To all other fellow female out there, I must say that we are naturally very blessed with multi-tasking skill. Grab that dream, reach your goal, be discipline and focus, I am sure you can do whatever you want to be! But the most important part is, you have to love whatever it is that you want it to do and never ever forget to have FUN while doing them!