Midweek Interview with Rika Chachacha
We talk to the W Insider for W Retreat & Spa in Seminyak, Bali
But first, an introduction:
The challenge for the industry is… Personalising the guest experience.
The things I like about my job… Meeting with local creatives and business owners to explore new and interesting ways I can bring W Hotels’ Whatever/Whenever service culture to life.
And the frustrations are… Living on an island with relatively limited resources makes it difficult to fulfil the Whatever/Whenever service promises but on the flip side it has taught me to be creative when it comes to personalising the guest experience.
If I didn’t work in travel I would be… Working as a television travel presenter, immersing myself into different cultures.
Favourite airline? Garuda Indonesia for their genuine Indonesian hospitality, service and their luxury cabin facilities.
My proudest moment was… When I successfully organised a wedding ceremony in just four days. An Australian couple came to stay at W Retreat & Spa Seminyak – Bali for a holiday, as soon as they arrived they checked out the wedding facilities and decided they wanted to get married then and there.
I had to find the groom’s tuxedo, the bride’s wedding gown, as well as the rings. It all turned out perfectly and even better than expected; the weather was amazing, the sunset was beautiful and 25 associates joined the ceremony.
The naughtiest thing I ever did was… Test driving W Bali’s smart car around Seminyak without prior knowledge of the vehicle.
I try to relax by… Taking time out to catch up with friends.
The last time I feared for my life was… Never, because whatever happens in life it makes us feel alive.
If I can, I always try to avoid… Traffic jams! I have become pretty good at finding alternative routes to avoid any type of hold up.
I really wish I had… An anywhere door, so I can go anywhere in the world whenever I want.
The best advice I’ve ever received was… When my father said “where there’s a will, there’s a way”.
I don’t understand why people… Are surprised when I tell them about the Balinese rain stopper; a traditional Balinese ritual to stop or hold off the rain.
My greatest weakness is… POD Balinese organic dark chocolate. I would happily eat chocolate for dinner.
And my greatest strength is… My colleagues call me the energizer bunny, because I’m am always going and always smiling.
If I won a $1 million lottery (aside from travelling), I would… I would produce my own travel TV series.
If I could be someone else for one day I would be a… Genie… so I can make your wish come true!
I’ve always wanted to travel to… Lapland to see the aurora and to W Hotel’s ski resort in Verbier, Switzerland.
My favourite holiday was… In February this year, when I discovered the crystal clear water at the hidden Angel’s Billabong in Nusa Penida, Bali.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
Agent Zone bali midweek interview seminyak w hotel & spa bali w insiderLatest News
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