Bali Intercontinental Resort under massive renovation

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.