I Gusti Nyoman Merta Ardika
Leisure Concierge and Transportations Manager, Alila Manggis

01 July 2009 - Searching for grilled squirrels, pepes dragon flies (dragon flies wrapped in banana leaves), and lawar barak (a Balinese dish consisting of vegetables, minced meat, coconut and spices mixed with fresh pig’s blood) is all in a day’s work for I Gusti Nyoman Merta Ardika.

“It was a special request from a guest who could not find the dishes in our restaurant menu. He wanted to eat these dishes for three days in a row,” says Pak Ardika (Pak is the Indonesian term for Mister), as he is commonly known. As bewildering a request as it might sound, Pak Ardika is unfazed when thrown such a challenge. His resourcefulness resulted in a very happy and satiated guest.

Pak Ardika demonstrates the qualities that every good concierge should have – a dedication and devotion in ensuring that his guests are happy, even if it means trying to fulfill seemingly impossible requests. It comes to no surprise then to find out that he became a member of the Les Clefs d’Or Indonesia in 2007. The Les Clefs D’or (translates to the Golden Keys) is an international society of hotel concierges whose members are seasoned professionals, ensuring guaranteed quality service.

“As a member of the Leisure Concierge team, it is our duty to ensure that guests leave with not only a positive impression of Alila Manggis but also that of Bali and Indonesia,” adds Pak Ardika, fashioning himself as an ambassador of sorts.

His education at the Bali Hotels & Tourism Institute and many years of training in the hospitality and tourism industry at hotels like the Grand Hyatt Bali, have left him in good stead. Pak Ardika joined Alila Manggis in 2000 as an assistant front office manager, supporting and assisting in the hotel’s operational and departmental day-to-day activities before moving on to the Leisure Concierge team in 2006.

Pak Ardika is satisfied when he sees guests experiencing the true essence of Balinese lifestyle. “All Alila Experiences are created to fit the needs of every guest and they offer a personal experience that one cannot find elsewhere in Bali,” he adds. Pak Ardika brings up the Grand Panoramic Trek as an example. An activity offered by the Leisure Concierge team, this scenic trek brings guests on a journey that begins at Sidemen, a small village that boasts a magnificent view of endless rice paddies amidst the mountains and ends with a local Balinese meal at a lovely private villa at Ogang village. He is convinced that guests should not miss other Leisure Concierge activities like catching the sunrise atop Mount Batur, an active volcano (Sunrise at Mount Batur) and getting lost in hideaway spots of hidden paradise (Paradise Lost by Sea and Mountain).

Pak Ardika’s enthusiasm proves only one thing - good Leisure Concierges always put the needs of their guests first. And at Alila Hotels and Resorts, this includes providing guests with an experience that’s surprisingly different.

Click here to visit Alila Manggis