The Indionesian island of Bali is a favourite of our customers, with many returning to this tropical paradise several times, but what is it like being there full time running a luxury hotel? The Turquoise holidays blog caught up with Ray Clark, General Manager of the Samaya villas resort to discuss his time at the hotel and some the best aspects of his role.
How long have you been General Manager at the hotel?
I have been running the Samaya now over 7 years
If you could sum up the hotel in three words, what would they be?
Homely, Friendly, Sophisticated
The accommodation at the hotel looks stunning; could you tell us a bit about the style of the property, and where that inspiration came from?
When we did a major makeover last year, all the improvements came from listening to my guests over the previous 6 years, and I wanted to introduce the lifestyle ingredients that one looks for now when travelling, whilst removing the inconveniences that one encounters when not at home.
Do you get to know the guests that come and stay with you at the hotel?
I attempt to meet all my guests, and often they become friends, I pay particular attention to my UK guests to ensure they have all they need.
Which is your favourite restaurant? Do you have a favourite dish?
I’m going to be a tad Biased here, (Ouch) our Restaurant Breeze is an absolute world-beater, and my favourite, and my all time favourite dish is Scallops and Pork Belly, so good when my Chef took it off the Menu, I went into one, as would many of my guests, consequently it’s back there now.
Do you tend to have a lot of repeat guests coming back to the hotel every year?
Lots and lots, I think the last time we did some calculations we came up with a number of 27%, albeit I hate these sort of calculations, as my guests are real people, so whenever I’m forced into the task of number punching, leaves me a bit cold.
Which is your favourite excursion on offer to the guests at the hotel?
For me, a Tour of Bali, taking in The Volcanic ruins, Ubud and the Rice fields, with a touch of shopping on the way serves as the most complete feel of Bali, making sure you return to Samaya for the best sunset venue, with a typical sun downer, followed by dinner at your beachfront table at Breeze.
Finally – would you say the hotel is more suited to couples, or families? Or both?
Couples for sure, this a romantic getaway.
