SHERATON Bali Kuta Resort is banking on its creativity to ride through a challenging 2015, said its general manager, Dario Orsini, who was in Singapore this week to connect with clients and the media.
The 203-key property, opened in December 2012, closed at 80 per cent occupancy in 2014 and is “doing well with 80 per cent this month”, said Orsini.
“This year will be challenging due to political changes and the government’s decision to clamp down on travel and meeting spend, and also because the Australian dollar has weakened,” he explained. Australia is the hotel’s third biggest market, just behind the domestic market and Greater China.
To counter this and stand out against the competition, the hotel is leveraging its creative side. “We are now clear about the many things we can do for different clients, and we know we can use our creativity to push boundaries and create something fun, unique and attractive,” remarked Orsini.
One creative experience at the resort is the Feast Market Brunch on Sunday which is themed around a marketplace with handicraft and produce sold by local farmers, artisans and vendors. Diners get a 1kg bag of groceries at the end of their meal. There are also special events like the White Magic Sunset Nu-disco sundowner poolside parties and Junior Cooking Classes for children.
“Our young and creative events team has enabled us to pull off some unique meetings. Last June we had a beach-themed function for a client, using tattooed boys in beach shorts and girls in bikinis to hand out cocktails and canapés. We’ve done internal dine-around events, starting with drinks on the terrace and then guests get to make their own dessert before sitting down for dinner in the kitchen,” he shared.
Besides the hotel’s 1,600m2 of function rooms, meeting clients can also hold events in the Presidential Suite and The Lounge.
