LUX October 2017

LUX - September 2017 11 Hard to Find, Hard to Leave Hard to Find, Hard to Leave The Damai is very much in-line with the property filled with the riches of the Balinese culture that’s infused with a strong European and Scandinavian service and operational aspect. Guests who stay at the venue feel a sense of peace with its location, based on the mountain of Kayuputih, which is where the hotel is located. Hidden away from the busy tourist destinations in the south, The Damai has the advantage of being able to deliver the true getaway that guests require, resulting in guests being able to step back from life’s busy routines and be at peace, a luxury commonly required. Christy comments on what makes the establishment different to other resorts, and how the experience of staff benefits guests. Many guests just want to get away from the hectic working lifestyle, something most find easy to do at the Damai. “The Damai team boasts over 20 years of experience and that is the difference. It is something visitors appreciate greatly when coming to stay. The Damai began its journey as a home and grew into what it is today, thanks to the venue’s passion of sharing the beauty of the nature, as well as the hospitality of the community and obviously, the overall experience of escaping life to the world. “Having that strong foundation really gives us the upper hand of delivering the true core or soul of what hospitality industry is, enabling us to be passionate about how we genuinely serve our customers. Our spa is filled with a rich and traditional approach towards the way we deliver the experience to our guests. We combine the traditional ingredients, spa techniques, plus the setting of the spa treatment bungalows that are designed to incorporate the connection with nature to take the rejuvenating experience further.” Locations can be taken account when discussing why a hotel is perfect for a quiet getaway. Enabling visitors to relax is vital to the success of the facility, The Damai is celebrating its 20th anniversary of delivering the classic getaway experience in the northern part of Bali. Christy Guna Desa does into detail when discussing the venue, as well its achievement as being named Best Luxury Hotel – North Bali & Most Luxurious Spa 2017 – North Bali. “The industry is becoming increasingly more digital, but Christy notes that the team and its staff still place a firm emphasis on direct guest engagement.” and Indonesia is a great place for tourists to come and relax. Christy highlights the culture within Bali as one of the best reasons that guests come to stay at The Damai. “Indonesia, especially Bali, is known for the genuine warm hospitality, this is the reason why it’s known as paradise in the first place, thus that simple touch of a friendly smile really goes a long way in making our guests feel that they are home, so to speak.” Employees of The Damai are highly trained and well versed in providing only the best possible service. Christy notes that staff can make decisions on their own, and this enables them to have the creative freedom to meet guests’ rising expectations. “The staff have been trained to deal with any situations with a strong sense of empowerment given to the team. They have the ability to make decisions and to be proud of the decisions that they make. “Guests will be guests but it is always important to meet, or exceed their expectations, and anticipate their needs. Basically, great hotel product comes with all key touch points which are comfortable bed, phenomenal spa and food and beverage and great service.” Looking ahead, Christy is keen to tell us about the renovation of The Damai’s restaurant. The industry is becoming increasingly more digital, but Christy notes that the team and its staff still place a firm emphasis on direct guest engagement. “Regarding the future, we are in the midst of changing our restaurant and finance back end systems. We have gone digital with customer feedback as well. The key focus is direct guest engagement, however, amidst the rapid growth of technology we do retain the human touch aspect in everything we do, that is what we believe is important in this business. “Ultimately, it will be a phenomenal achievement if we are able to continue in a similar vein in the next 20 years, the way that we have expanded in the past 20 years. There is a plan of another airport to be constructed in the North Bali and that is obviously an exciting development for the island and tourism - and definitely for The Damai.”