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.

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Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

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