Sylvain Pasdeloup, Director of Operations, Accor Hotels Bali & Lombok and General Manager, Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort feels luxury market has enough space for them to penetrate and grow

A lavish and sophisticated beachfront retreat offering tropical luxury, Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort boasts of superior views of the shimmering sea where guests can indulge in a savant mix of chic world-class facilities, French elegance and authentic Balinese charm. Located in Indonesia Tourism Development Corporation complex of Nusa Dua, one of the island’s most affluent addresses, Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach, is 40 km from Denpasar, the provincial capital of Bali. The resort has 415 keys: One Presidential Villa, 18 Private Villas, six Honeymoon Suites, 16 Prestige Suites and 374 Luxury Rooms along with 12 function rooms, two restaurants, three bars and a lounge.

“This is not all. Guests can also enjoy the pool, SoFIT gym and SoSPA facilities to nurture their wellbeing while the children can enjoy at the Kids Club indoor and outdoor area as well as the kids’ pool,” shares Sylvain Pasdeloup, Director of Operations, Accor Hotels Bali & Lombok and General Manager, Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort. 

As a leading five-star luxury beachfront resort, premier meetings, conferences and events venue in Bali, Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort has been designed to provide high level of security and protection, he informs, adding, “We have a total of 12 meeting rooms that can accommodate up to 700 people and event styles, rangng from intimate dinners and weddings to conferences and meetings. All available venues are equipped with latest conference technology, audiovisual equipment and wireless internet access. An experienced meeting planner, dedicated chef and professionally trained concierges are available to assist the guests during the event. Every detail is tailor-made to perfection.”

Talking about present-day hospitality market in Indonesia, Pasdeloup says the hospitality industry has changed significantly over the past 20 years, with the development of luxury hotels around Indonesia and in particular, Bali Island. “Both domestic and inbound travellers, business and leisure, have started considering hotels, especially five-star hotels a necessity,” he shares. 

Apart from room occupancy, the banquet facilities and services are a major contributor in driving the revenue at Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort. “We have two special venues – Gamelan Ballroom and Jewel Box – both located in front of Nusa Dua Beach, giving a unique atmosphere and experience not only for weddings but MICE events too. Our recently renovated Cucina Restaurant is a unique outlet where we serve authentic Italian cuisine created by dedicated Italian chef. The restaurants at the resort are popular as a destination, especially for Sunday brunches or romantic dinners by the pool,” says Pasdeloup.

On how the property fared during the pandemic in the absence of inbound traveller, the Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort General Manager tells us that the target market shifted to domestic front. “With continuous support from local media and travel agent partners, especially domestic, we kept our hotel open throughout the pandemic, with discount and flash sale tactics to penetrate the market while keeping our quality in decent level of services,” he says. 

Pre-Covid19, Pasdeloup shares, India was one of the top eight markets for them. “With the situation returning to normal, we want to get more and more Indians back to Bali. I feel the luxury market in India still has enough space for us to penetrate and help us grow,” he observes. 

While 30 per cent of business at Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort comes from the domestic market, 25 per cent is from the Asian market – India, Korea and South East Asia, 25 per cent from Australia and the remaining from USA and EMEA. “The average length of stay of each market is different but on an average, it is between three and four nights,” Pasdeloup informs.

Since it opened the doors for guests in 2013, sustainability has been essential to Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort. The initiatives include reducing energy in electricity by installing an automatic switch to turn off the air conditioner when the room’s balcony door is opened, reducing water consumption by installing a valve water faucet with a strainer and promoting healthier and sustainable food with a focus on food waste reduction and using eco-friendly packaging. 

“Along with the government, Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort is committed to reducing single-use plastic waste by replacing it with cassava bags for all amenities, in-room slippers made from pandan leaves, using wooden cutlery, and rattan for lunch boxes or coffee break,” informs the General Manager. 

As the Director of Operations of Accor Bali & Lombok, Sylvain Pasdeloup’s focus is to drive development and expansion of Accor in Bali and Lombok. In addition, his role includes providing guidance and being a mentor to the General Managers for the 25 hotels in the area to maximise customer satisfaction and quality delivery while adhering to the company standards and meeting as well as exceeding financial goals. He also has to provide recommendations on hotels’ budgets, marketing plans, operational matters and business plans to ensure the hotels operate within approved plans and objectives.

This article was published in BW hotelier issue dated '' with cover story titled 'BW HOTELIER MAY-JUNE 2022'