Bali Intercontinental Resort under massive renovation

In the last few months, Bali's travel and tourism industry faced a very difficult period following the aftermath of the bombings on Oct.12, 2002 and the decline in international tourism due to security issues and the outbreak of the deadly flulike disease Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

The impact on the local tourism and hospitality industry was horrendous, but many were optimistic that they could find solutions to the obstacles endangering their businesses.

Among hundreds of hotels and resorts on the island, the Bali Intercontinental Resort launched a number of major renovation projects in a bid to attract more visitors to the island.

"Yes, we are now facing a critical period, but I am convinced that it will be temporary. At this time of year, we have to think hard and to be more creative, otherwise Bali will soon be forgotten," commented the resort's general manager Amadeo Zarzoza recently.

One such creative solution is the renovation of the resort's existing facilities, such as the spa, exclusive suites and lobby, as well as other features of the hotel.

Located on the secluded Jimbaran beach, which is recognized as Bali's best white-sand-beach, Bali Intercontinental resort is nestled amid 35-acres of lush and beautiful landscaped gardens.

A recipient of various environmental awards, guests of this five-star-diamond resort may presently enjoy six outdoor swimming pools, two tennis courts, two squash courts, a children's activity center, a health club and spa, and eight function rooms, including a grand ballroom that can accommodate up to 600 guests.

The resort has 425 air-conditioned rooms, including 77 Club Intercontinental rooms, 55 two-story loft rooms, 10 executive suites, junior suites and presidential suites.

In addition, the resort boasts eight distinctly themed bars and restaurants, including the famous Ko Japanese restaurant.

"The resort has tremendous facilities but we are not yet satisfied. We have to keep improving to catch up with the rapid changes in the international hospitality industry," the general manager commented enthusiastically.

It is fortunate, he said, that the resort is backed up by a financially solid company, PT Citra Jimbaran Indah Hotel, operated by a hotel chain with a strong international brand.

One of the most ambitious renovation projects that the resort will undertake is the transformation of its spa into the appropriately named Spa of the Gods.

The spa which is scheduled to be completed in October, 2004, will occupy 800 square-meters of beach-front property overlooking the Indian Ocean. It will feature six luxurious treatment suites, four private spa bales (pavilions), a luxurious bath pavilion, a hydrotherapy pool and five ultra-private and private villas, each thematically based on an element: Fire, Water, Earth, Air and Metal.

"You can watch the sunset from your private villa and plunge into the refreshing depths of the secluded pool and spa that are yours alone to enjoy," the general manager proudly explained and with good reason.

The dramatic architecture cleverly appropriates traditional Balinese structures in a manner that renders the design modern, yet ultimately Balinese atmospherically. This is an architecture unique to Bali and sensuality, tactility and luxury pervade.

The focus is on the simplicity of form, textures and colors. Guests are enveloped by creamy-white and cool Yogyakarta stone, mirrored by the cream terrazzo-flooring and accented by warm wood tones.

"The spa will have a special entrance so you don't have to enter the resort's lobby in order to enjoy our treatments," he explained. Moreover, for spouses who don't want to have spa treatments, the resort offers other activities within the spa complex, such as rock-climbing, golf and other activities to occupy them and invigorate them with the fresh Balinese air.

Other large-scale renovations include that of 125 guest rooms. "We will create a supremely luxurious and exclusive hotel within the resort," Zarzoza promised.

When completed in June, 2004, the 125-room exclusive hotel will serve those who want the ultimate in hotel service, including a private butler, fast internet-access, a private pool and fabulous Bulgari amenities.

"We will spoil you with royal treatment, such as you had never before dreamed of," he boasted... but most invitingly.

For special guests, the resort offers exclusive check-in facilities. "You don't have to queue at the front-desk to check in at the hotel."

All these guests are required to do on arrival is to sit down in the comfort of a private room. There they can wait for the hotel's officials to come and register their names. "It is very simple yet secure system," Zarzoza said.

Also, the resort's KO Japanese restaurant is undergoing major refurbishment to offer guests six private booths with authentic Japanese cuisine and ceremonies.

"This facility will be opened in December to welcome Christmas and the New Year," he said.

All in all, renovations will touch the entirety of the resort's property, including the main lobby and gardens.

"It will cost millions of U.S. dollars but it is money well spent. The resort will be divinely beautiful and competitive in the international tourist market," Zarzoza said.