I Made Arya Gunawan

Director of Food & Beverage at The ANVAYA Beach Resort Bali

: Describe your typical day in a sentence.

Arya: Every day is a new challenge, one from which to take the positive and keep moving forwards.

: So how did you come to be the Director of Food and Beverage at The ANVAYA Beach Resort Bali?

A: Learning from the bottom of the hospitality industry! The experiences we gain at all levels provide great motivation and the opportunity to learn more about leadership skills, as well as to develop the future generation of hospitality leaders.

: What’s the toughest part of your job?

A: Having to live so far away from my family, but we have to be prepared for this in hospitality.

: And what makes you smile at work?

A: Seeing my team growing in their careers and improving their knowledge from day-to-day experiences.

: What motivates you?

A: Wanting to be my best for my family and striving to elevate Bali's food and beverage industry.

: Would things fall apart if you weren’t around? A: Absolutely not! We have a strong team with a great attitude towards their work and the strong desire to exceed customer expectations.

: Who in your team deserves more recognition and why?

A: My Assistant Director of Food and Beverage, he's always there to support our team in all circumstances, has great leadership skills and is passionate about his job.

: Why should people choose The ANVAYA Beach Resort Bali to dine?

A: Both of our restaurants have unique concepts: Sands Restaurant allows our guests to cook with the chefs if they choose, as well as having fabulous views across Kuta Beach, while Kunyit Restaurant has a traditional Indonesian Megibung style of dining and deliciously authentic Indonesian food. They are both great venues for people looking for a weekend culinary escape, as well as for all our in-house guests.

: Away from work, what’s your favourite place to eat? A: GreenKubu Café in Tegallalang, Ubud. It has all I need for a weekend getaway, an escape from my busy schedule. It has a beautiful setting, with lotus ponds and rice field views, showcases local food and for me is the perfect refreshing spot to have a great time with the family.

: How do you unwind?

A: I love to go bike riding with old friends.

: Finally, any advice for those looking to break into the industry? A: You must be passionate about your goals. The food and beverage industry certainly has promising jobs for everyone, but it is very challenging. If you are passionate and dedicated, the sky is the limit.