Hundreds of Indonesian artisans have exceptionally crafted The Apurva Kempinski Bali to manifest the archipelago’s cultural aspects and enhance the hotel’s appealing interior design. This all thrives to their excellence for guests to feel the uniqueness of the property. The general manager, Vincent Guironnet, shared with Indonesia Design his vision and leadership as well as the hotel’s recent collaboration with globally renowned graffiti artist Cyril Kongo.
You’ve lived in Indonesia for more than ten years. In your own view, what are the country’s strong points in terms of hospitality?
Cultural diversity truly speaks of the strength of Indonesia. This is not to mention the warm, friendly and welcoming characters of the people. But some destinations embracing different cultures have yet to discover, considering the large geographic size of the country.
Let’s talk about The Apurva Kempinski Bali. What makes this hotel unique?
The Sanskrit word “apurva” means “one-of-a-kind.” Just like the name suggests, the uniqueness of The Apurva Kempinski Bali lies in its one-of-a-kind features. Here, we tell the story of the archipelago. You can genuinely sense the rich soul of Indonesia the moment you arrive at the hotel. It’s like stepping into a world of temples and gods, rites and rituals. The grandeur of the resort brings Indonesian craftsmanship and diversity to life.
Sustainability is becoming more important for modern travellers. How does the hotel address this?
We need to deliver an uncompromising luxury experience whilst minimising unfavourable environmental and social impact. It is an integral part of our celebrating diversity campaign, and we have several initiatives set in place to accommodate this direction. One of them is the launch of Rooftop Garden, where plants are grown in a hydroponic and soil cultivation system. These plants are then harvested and used as cooking ingredients. We are constantly looking for ways to incorporate sustainability into our day-to-day life at the resort.
What about the most exciting experience that you have had since joining The Apurva Kempinski Bali?
The best experience is when your guests and business partners become long-term friends. It is always great to maintain relationships, and it is something that I truly cherish. I also find it wonderful to see how our skilled team members grow as their careers develop. Some of them have climbed up their corporate ladders.
You are now at the helm of the hotel’s operations. Can you briefly describe your leadership style?
It’s about empowering people to deliver their very best every single day. And develop themselves by embracing the company’s cultures.
What is your favourite area in the hotel?
The Pendopo lobby leaves an unforgettable impression. Just like everything else at the hotel, this grand space pays homage to the country’s artistic history. The level of craftsmanship in our lobby is an excellent representation of Indonesia’s rich heritage, and you can feel the passion for it that goes into every little detail.
Speaking of craftsmanship, we notice there are appealing artworks done by various artisans adorning the lobby. What about the hotel’s latest collaboration with renowned graffiti artist Cyril Kongo? Can you tell us more about this?
Cyril Kongo is an internationally acclaimed graffiti artist and we are very fortunate to have the opportunity to collaborate with him. He has transformed the space on our 17th floor into his private studio, which we call L’Atelier by Cyril Kongo. The atelier will showcase his passion for the refined way of living, with a long list of whiskey, wine, and cigar collections. Guests can enjoy not only his amazing art masterpieces, but also blend into the ambience whilst they enjoy spirits and premium quality cigars. We call this section Kongo Lifestyle, and we are very excited for this newly unveiled facility.
Has the pandemic impacted the hotel’s business operations?
We implement preventive measures on the premises of the hotel. We undergo body temperature checks, and apply social distancing, especially in meetings and wedding receptions. Our health protocols are practiced with reference to a set of high standards by Kempinski. Accordingly, we have received Certified Healthcare Simulation Education (CHSE) certification from the government.
The most vital foundation to our reputation is the overall guest experience at the hotel. That’s what builds resilience in our operations during the pandemic. We have focused on reinforcing engagement in all areas, from delivering excellent service to providing quality products. Last but not least, the hotel’s diverse cultural heritage is what heightens guests to have a memorable experience at The Apurva Kempinski Bali.