While the economic crunch continues to have an adverse effect on tourism worldwide, in Bali it looks like the travel bug is here to stay, albeit for now.
The Bali Pavilions in Sanur, for example, has guests staying for an average of at least three to seven nights and its customers include those from Australia, Singapore, Europe and the Scandinavia. They also enjoy benefits such as a complimentary 15-minute massage on arrival.
According to its general manager Kang Il Soon, the 23-villa resort is getting last-minute reservations. Customers book their stay one to two weeks prior to arrival, she said.
And that’s good news for travellers heading to resort-laden Bali, when it comes to having that extra time deciding on the type of accommodation they want and being able to confirm the booking at late notice.
Jose Luis Calle, general manager of The Balé, a boutique luxury resort in Nusa Dua, also said bookings from his guests had been coming in at the last minute. As the yen for luxury travel softens, however, he said that there would be “no decrease in rates (at The Balé)”.
During the last two years, the resort added an additional nine villas and refurbished the existing ones. In light of the global recession, Calle saw the opportunity to focus on the software, which includes staff training. “If your heart is in being a waiter, you won’t be happy being a driver.”
Julian Tan
