WORK HISTORY
Here is our
work history
AMBER KAMPOT
CAMBODIA
Nestled beside the tranquil waters of the Kampot River and directly across from the local town center, 25 pool villas at Amber Kampot offer guests ultimate privacy and relaxation.This is a luxury retreat that offers a deep immersion into Cambodian culture. Designed for the modern traveler, the resort seamlessly integrates contemporary villas, reminiscent of local fisherman villages, along its meandering paths. Recognized as the best countryside resort in 2022 by Condé Nast Johansen, it was also hailed as the "hottest new hotel in Cambodia" by Travel & Leisure magazine.
In my capacity as advisor to the owner and Managing Director of the resort, I played a key role from the very beginning. I spearheaded the development of operational guidelines, implemented robust quality control measures, and established a framework for effective change management. This comprehensive approach ensured a smooth launch and positioned the resort for long-term success.
MAP_1BEDROOM2
Photo courtesy of Amber Kampot
The Pioneering Spirit of
AMAN RESORTS
The luxury hospitality industry has undergone a dramatic transformation, and I'm fortunate to say I witnessed this shift firsthand. My career began even before the term "luxury boutique resort" became commonplace. In my opinion, Aman Resorts played a pivotal role in its rise to prominence, particularly with the entrance of Amandari in Bali in September 1989.
I was privileged to join Amandari, one of the resort's pioneering properties. This was a pivotal moment, not just for my career, but in my opinion for the entire resort industry. Working under visionary leader Adrian Zecha, I learned a tremendous amount about the changing landscape of luxury travel. Amandari, launched just a year after Aman's flagship Amanpuri, marked a paradigm shift from purely beach-centric resorts to a focus on rich cultural and historical immersion.
My time at Amandari was marked by a period of tremendous growth. I began my tenure as the Assistant Manager responsible for guest activities. Through dedication and hard work, I steadily progressed to the role of Front Office Manager. My commitment even extended to acting as General Manager during development periods at other Aman resorts.
The success achieved at Amandari was truly phenomenal. We consistently secured the highest guest satisfaction ratings, achieved exceptional average room rates, and maintained outstanding profitability. This success transcended mere numbers. Amandari garnered international acclaim, attracting a prestigious clientele. Witnessing this, and having the opportunity to serve such esteemed guests, was a truly rewarding aspect of my 12 years within the Aman Resorts portfolio.
As a local Balinese, I take immense pride in contributing to the guest experience at Amandari. From concept to execution,I played a role in shaping Aman-way, a program that continues to delight guests to this day. My success story with Aman didn't end there. The experience at Amandari propelled me to become an "Amanadvisor," joining the Aman Resorts Sales and Marketing team across various locations, including the Corporate Marketing Office in Indonesia, Singapore, and the opening teams for Amanjiwo in Central Java, the Support Team for Amanwana, Umaid Bhawan Palace, Aman New Delhi, and Amankora Bhutan.
My journey with Aman Resorts a total of 12 years period, has been an extraordinary privilege. It allowed me to witness the birth of a groundbreaking concept in luxury travel, contribute to its success, and learn from one of the industry's most visionary leaders.
From Pioneering to Polishing : My Hospitality Journey Continues
Four Seasons
From Aman to Four Seasons: A Broader Hospitality Canvas
Following my incredible Aman experience with Aman Resorts, I transitioned to the world of large-scale luxury at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay. Their arrival in Bali in 1991 marked a significant turning point for Southeast Asia's hospitality industry. It signified a shift from smaller, regional operators to the world stage, catering to both mainstream and upper-tier tourism segments. This coincided with significant infrastructure development, with airports expanding to accommodate the influx of travelers arriving on larger planes.
The Four Seasons Jimbaran Bay held a special distinction – it was their first resort in all of Asia. During my three years there as Front Office Manager, I had the privilege of learning the intricacies of managing large-scale hotels and resorts. The Four Seasons approach to guest experiences was a revelation. I gained invaluable knowledge in organizing small, medium, and large groups with meticulous efficiency. Additionally, I honed my skills in training and personnel management, as well as financial management for a much larger organization.
This shift from the intimate world of Aman Resorts to the expansive world of Four Seasons broadened my skillset immensely. Witnessing Bali and Southeast Asia flourish under this new model, achieving record guest satisfaction, revenue, and profitability, was truly rewarding. It solidified my understanding of the diverse landscape within luxury hospitality.
A Quiet Signature in the Heart of Phnom Penh
Bassac Signature Hotel & Residence
A City Retreat: My Time at Bassac Signature
In a city that never truly slows down, there are rare places that invite you to pause. For me, Bassac Signature Hotel & Residence is one of them.
Nestled in the vibrant rhythm of Phnom Penh, this space feels like a quiet signature—subtle, intentional, and deeply considered. From the moment I stepped inside, the noise of the city softened, replaced by a sense of calm that is hard to come by in an urban setting.
What makes Bassac Signature special isn’t just its modern design or comfortable rooms—it’s the feeling of balance. The architecture reflects a contemporary lifestyle, yet there’s a warmth in the details: soft lighting, clean lines, and spaces that feel both functional and personal. It’s a place designed not just for staying, but for living.
There’s something unique about waking up here. The city is right outside your window—alive, dynamic, constantly moving—but inside, time seems to stretch just a little longer. Whether it’s a quiet morning coffee, a moment by the pool, or simply resting after a long day, the experience feels intentional.
Bassac Signature also reflects a new kind of Phnom Penh—one that blends hospitality with lifestyle. It caters not only to travelers passing through, but also to long-stay residents, professionals, and digital nomads seeking comfort and connection in the city.
In many ways, it represents a shift. Not just a hotel, but a space that understands how people live today—flexible, connected, and always in motion.
My time here reminded me that even in the busiest places, there are pockets of stillness waiting to be discovered. And sometimes, all it takes is the right space to feel at home.
Brand Manual, Architecture & Hospitality Excellence
The Heavenly
Begawan Giri Estate
Now COMO SHAMBALA
Haven in the Jungle: My Time at Begawan Giri
As a Balinese with a deep appreciation for local folklore, one place holds a special place in my heart: Begawan Giri Estate. Lush jungle, crystal-clear spring water, fragrant blooms, and an indescribable sense of beauty – this wasn't just a resort, it was a paradise straight out of a Balinese "Durma" tale. My connection to BGE began in 1990, even before it officially opened. It was during this time that I met Bradley and Debbie Gardner, the visionary couple behind the project. I had the unique opportunity to drive them from Amandari through charming Balinese villages, eventually reaching their breathtaking bamboo house nestled amidst the jungle. BGE wasn't simply a resort; it was an embodiment of harmony between sustainability and a deep respect for the local culture and environment. One inspiring example was the "Bali Starling Project," which transformed from a dream into a successful reality. I didn't do much myself, but it's inspiring to see what can happen.
The Gardners founded the non-profit Begawan Foundation in 1999, with the aim of catering to the educational, health, and environmental needs of local villages. Conservation of the local culture, social systems, and the environment was the primary focus. A kindergarten and an on-site clinic were set up to cater to the surrounding villages, and a project to breed the Bali Starling, a highly endangered endemic bird, was successfully undertaken.
I was fortunate enough to join the team shortly after BGE opened its doors and it quickly established itself as a premier destination, attracting celebrities, hosting unforgettable weddings, and creating cherished memories for countless families. One of the crowning achievements was Begawan Giri Estate and its Spa, 'The Source,' being voted No. 1 in the 2002 Conde Nast Readers' Travel Awards Top 100 "Best of the Best." While my tenure at BGE was cut short due to the impact of September 11th on the travel industry, it undeniably shaped my future. The experience ignited a passion for exploring the beauty of other parts of Asia, leading me on a remarkable journey across the continent. However, the memories of Begawan Giri – having had the opportunity to meet and work under the passionate environmental advocates, Bradley and Debbie Gardner, the couple behind my 'haven in the jungle' – remain forever etched in my heart.
SHINTA MANI HOTELS
At Adi Jaya Hospitality (AJH), we believe that a strong hospitality brand is defined not only by its identity and design, but also by how consistently its philosophy is delivered through people, service, and daily operations.
For Shinta Mani Hotels, AJH undertook the development of a comprehensive Brand Manual, bringing together the brand's distinctive identity, Bill Bensley's design philosophy, the purpose-driven work of the Shinta Mani Foundation, and five-star hospitality standards into one unified framework.
What We Did
We developed a comprehensive brand and operational framework designed to preserve Shinta Mani's unique character while establishing consistent standards across its properties.
The project covered brand philosophy, design and construction guidelines, departmental standard operating procedures (SOPs), talent development, quality assurance, and practical management toolkits.
Our Project: Shinta Mani Hotels — Cambodia
Our work focused on six key areas:
-
Brand Core & Philosophy: Defining the brand story, values, verbal identity, and visual guidelines.
-
Design & Construction Standards: Documenting design principles and guidelines to maintain the brand's distinctive architectural and interior character.
-
Service & Operations SOPs: Developing operational standards across 11 departments, including Front Office, Housekeeping, Butler Service, Food & Beverage, Spa, and other supporting functions.
-
Talent & Culture: Creating staff induction, recruitment, leadership development, training, and performance management frameworks.
-
Quality Assurance: Establishing brand audit systems, inspection checklists, mystery guest programmes, and corrective action procedures.
-
Operational Toolkits: Preparing practical templates, policy documents, organisational frameworks, and supporting resources for consistent implementation.
The Outcome
A structured, integrated Brand Manual designed to translate Shinta Mani's philosophy into measurable operational standards, supporting brand consistency, service excellence, team development, and future expansion.
The project demonstrates AJH's capability to transform a distinctive hospitality vision into a practical management framework that protects brand identity while supporting long-term operational performance.
