The post Philippine authorities report no major impact on tourism sites in quake-hit Davao Oriental appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) reports that the recent earthquake that shook the southern province of Davao Oriental had no significant impact on tourism areas and establishments.

In a public advisory released hours after the tremor hit on Friday, 10th October, the DOT said its crisis team was activated to provide impact assessment and assistance to local authorities.

Department officials declared: “Initial reports from Davao Oriental and neighboring provinces indicate no recorded damage to tourism sites or establishments. Local government units and tourism offices are continuing inspections and monitoring for aftershocks and possible secondary hazards such as landslides and infrastructure issues.”

Ongoing assessment

The DOT likewise reported that assessments in the CARAGA region are ongoing, specifically in the Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur.

Officials also reminded tourists to exercise extreme caution and follow relevant advisories from local authorities and disaster response units.

The DOT advisory warns: “Avoid entering damaged or potentially unsafe structures and comply with safety procedures, especially in landslide-prone areas. The DOT remains focused on ensuring the safety and welfare of travelers and tourism stakeholders.”

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The post Turkish Airlines to expand partnership with Air Algérie   appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Turkish Airlines, the flag carrier of Türkiye, and Air Algérie, the flag carrier of Algeria, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation and revise Codeshare Agreement with a broadened scope. Agreements were signed by the Turkish Airlines CEO Bilal Ekşi and Air Algérie CEO Hamza Benhamouda at Air Algérie’s Headquarters in Algiers with senior executives from both airlines in attendance.

The MoU establishes a framework for enriched cooperation, including an expanded codeshare agreement. In addition to increased connectivity, the two carriers will explore joint initiatives in cargo interline services, aircraft leasing, catering, lounge access, maintenance and ground handling operations. Turkish Airlines and Air Algérie also plan to cooperate on environmental projects, sustainability initiatives, and training programs. The partnership aims to support business growth while fostering cultural, social, and economic exchange between Türkiye and Algeria.

Commenting on the agreement, Turkish Airlines CEO Bilal Ekşi stated: “Our continuing partnership with Air Algérie reflects our commitment to long-term, sustainable collaboration. This agreement marks a key step in deepening ties between both airlines. As the airline flying to  more countries than any other, we remain committed to expanding cooperation across multiple areas to provide greater benefits and options for our guests. We are confident this partnership will enrich cultural and economic connections between Türkiye and Algeria and drive mutual growth.”

Air Algérie CEO Hamza Benhamouda said: “We are honored to welcome the Turkish Airlines delegation to our headquarters in Algiers, as we continue to strengthen the ties between our two airlines and our two coutries. We are very pleased with this new milestone in our strategic partnership with Turkish Airlines. This comprehensive agreement, covering multiple areas of cooperation and the exchange of expertise, will undoubtedly bring mutual benefits to both our companies and to our passengers.”

 

 

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The post AI in Travel, Simplified: Agoda’s Andrew Smith Shares Insights Ahead of ITB Asia 2025 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Artificial intelligence (AI), big data, and other technologies that stand to change the way the world travels are among the hot topics for discussion at this year’s ITB Asia which opens on Wednesday, 15th October, in Singapore.

For this reason, we at Travel Daily Media had the opportunity to speak to Andrew Smith, senior vice-president of supply at global online travel platform Agoda, who shared some fresh insights on how these technologies are shaping the contemporary travel and tourism sectors.

Smith pointed out the ways by which Agoda has used technology to its advantage, serving as tools with which to craft a better, more efficient, and more engaging online experience for its customers.

In the beginning

As Smith recalls: “At Agoda, we approached AI by asking a very simple question: what real problems can this solve for travelers and partners today? A few concrete points guided us before rolling anything out.”

These touchpoints included the following:

• Pain points first, technology second: The company focused on areas where customers or partners felt friction: particularly finding the right hotel in seconds, resolving common booking issues, or helping a small hotel manage pricing and content without extra staff;
• Internal usage before external delivery: To get things started, Agoda initially used AI to make its own teams more productive. Among the measures involved were the shift from manual to automated reporting, the development of rapid creatives for social media, as well as faster internal escalation flows so that the platform could deliver better outcomes to travelers and partners faster;
• Empowering partners: It is pretty much a given that hotels and property managers, especially smaller independents, don’t always have marketing teams or data science resources. Smith said: “We considered how AI could level the playing field, making it easier for them to promote themselves, optimize pricing, and reach new demand;” and
• Scalability: AI can’t just be a demo feature, so to speak; hence, Agoda prioritised use cases that could work across millions of travellers and tens of thousands of partners, getting into applicable real-world scenarios as opposed to the controlled environment of a testing lab.

As Smith puts it: “The outcome is that AI is embedded into our business with practical use cases that show immediate value. It simplifies how partners work with us and makes travel planning more fun and less stressful for customers.”

Does technology matter when it comes to personalisation?

Of late, we have seen the term personalisation banded around with AI and other technologies under discussion, especially in the context of hospitality.

We have seen how major hotel chains and even some smaller groups use contemporary technologies to determine where they can improve overall customer service, offer a better guest experience, and ensure repeat bookings for the future.

Smith said of the application of AI and similar innovations in hospitality: “AI is rapidly transforming hospitality, with adoption and investment across the industry projected to grow significantly in the coming years. At Agoda, we see AI as a tool to personalize travel in two ways: creating better experiences for travelers and helping partners attract even more guests.”

He went on to point out that AI is a powerful equaliser, particularly among Agoda’s growing number of global partners.

According to Smith: “Hotels and tour operators, regardless of size, can now compete more effectively by leveraging AI-driven tools, enabling them to attract travelers at the right moment in their search journey.”

He cited how partners can generate tailored content automatically for their specific properties, highlighting search parameters like family-friendly near Disneyland for one segment and romantic Left Bank escape to another, all on top of a plethora of segmentations with little effort. 

Smith added: “What’s more, AI is unlocking the potential for smart pricing and promotions, with Deloitte reporting that AI-powered dynamic pricing in hospitality can improve revenue per available room (RevPAR) by up to ten percent.” 

While that’s all well and good for hospitality companies, would AI have any significant benefit to the ordinary traveller?

For Smith, the simple answer is yes.

He explains: “For travelers AI enables a more intuitive and relevant discovery process. Rather than relying solely on simple filters like price or location, at Agoda we leverage AI to surface options that align with each traveler’s unique preferences and past behaviors. For example, a traveler searching for Tokyo may see a capsule hotel for a solo trip, a boutique hotel near Shibuya shops and nightlife for a couple, or a family suite close to Ueno Zoo for parents traveling with kids.” 

Even after the trip or hotel has been booked, AI can anticipate the needs of individual travellers throughout their journey.

AI can generate relevant suggestions for those on tour or contemplating any activities on their slate based on interests as well as data from previous trips.

In doing so, the overall experience becomes deeply personal for travellers, essentially enabling them to put their own stamp on every experience.

Smith opined: “Looking ahead, the real opportunity lies in translating the power of AI-driven personalization into engaging and intuitive experiences for both travelers and partners. Our focus is on ensuring that every interaction feels relevant and effortless, so travelers discover options that truly resonate with them, and partners see stronger conversion and more bookings.”

Tread carefully: technology and cultural sensitivity

Cultural sensitivity is a serious touchpoint at the moment for the global travel and tourism sectors, especially in the context of overtourism and the disrespectful way that some travellers have been behaving in various parts of the world.

In which case, how can artificial intelligence change the game when it comes to developing more culturally diverse offerings without being offensive to local sensibilities or diluting the merits of local culture?

Smith replied that, for Agoda, AI has the potential to strengthen localisation, making cultural relevance easier to achieve at scale. 

But he was also quick to point out that AI is most powerful when it enhances, rather than overshadows, local traditions and experiences and when its application is guided by human judgement. 

As he explains: “For travellers, AI allows us to surface options and guidance that align with local customs and etiquette. For instance, travelers booking a stay in Japan might receive suggestions for ryokans with private onsen baths, while those heading to Bali could be prompted about temple dress codes. Agoda’s multilingual AI tools localize both tone and content: a deal described as ‘awesome’ in English becomes ‘great value’ in Japanese, reflecting cultural communication norms. This approach has helped Agoda maintain over 40 active language sites, each tuned to local tone and nuance rather than literal translation.”

On the other hand AI empowers Agoda’s hotel partners to express their identity authentically to a global audience. 

For example: a Thai boutique resort can automatically translate its listing into Korean or Arabic without losing the warmth of Thai hospitality. 

AI can also detect cultural mismatches from guest reviews in order to prompt clearer explanations in future listings.

Across regions, AI helps partners understand demand patterns: breakfast-inclusive stays in Japan, for example; or flexibility in Australia; even family-friendly options in the Middle East. 

Such insights lead to the development of more relevant and appealing offers without diluting cultural distinction.

Smith opines:”Ultimately, AI is helping travel become more respectful, as travellers engage with local cultures more thoughtfully, and partners can showcase what makes them unique to a global audience.”

Technology = streamlined service

Within the Agoda experience, AI and other technologies have been a great help for streamlining operations, particularly customer service.

According to Smith: “AI plays an important role in assisting much of our frontline support. For example, our Property Ask-Me-Anything (AMA) Bot provides travelers with instant, reliable information about hotels and amenities directly on property pages across desktop, mobile, and app. Since its launch, the bot has handled over 30,000 hotel-related questions daily, reducing uncertainty and helping travelers make quicker booking decisions. For more routine support needs, our virtual assistant handles increasing amounts of requests monthly, resolving common issues such as date changes, refund eligibility, or booking confirmations in seconds. When an issue is complex, AI routes it to the right human team with full context, so customers don’t need to repeat themselves. This has reduced response and resolution times while improving satisfaction.”

Indeed, AI has significantly improved how Agoda supports its hotel partners on a daily basis, and the creation of a virtual assistant on its YCS partner platform has made it easier to meet vital needs.

To date, Agoda is in the process of expanding its relevant investments in technology to extend coverage and offer solutions in more languages.

It should be noted at this point that one of the more complex and time-sensitive support issues is using technology to deal with is payment re-issuance. 

To date, Agoda has fully automated related processes, resulting in quicker response time and improved satisfaction. 

Smith recalls: “Even for internal support we used to deal with over 40different internal flows for escalation which is now replaced by a single AI workflow ultimately benefiting our partners and customers. We’re still learning and improving. Some partner or traveler situations require emotional intelligence or nuanced negotiation, areas where human empathy remains irreplaceable. Our focus now is refining AI’s ability to detect when to escalate to a human early, ensuring we balance speed with sensitivity.”

Looking to the future

For Smith, Agoda’s direction with regard to the use of AI and other technologies is clear: Agoda is building toward an even more connected trip experience powered by AI.

He said: “The next stage of travel innovation isn’t just about showing the right hotel or flight. It’s about having an assistant that understands context and timing, suggesting a room upgrade when it makes sense, helping you rebook automatically if your flight is delayed, or recommending a great local restaurant once you’ve checked in. all without you needing to ask.”

The application of such technologies will ensure that journeys feel proactive and personal for travellers anywhere.

For partners, on the other hand, it will lead to improved demand prediction, smarter merchandising, along with a host of ways with which to engage guests throughout their stays.

Smith concluded by saying: “We’re deeply focused on responsible innovation. AI can only succeed if customers and partners trust how it’s used. So, our approach is to innovate quickly but deploy carefully. In short, we’re aiming for the kind of travel experience that feels effortless end to end: intelligent, human, and connected.”

Agoda’s Andrew Smith will be leading the ITB Asia session Real World Applications of AI and Strategies for Hotels on Thursday, 16th October, at 1:30pm SGT at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Singapore. 

To know more about the upcoming discussion, click here.

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The post Railbookers Group flagship brands make their way to Asia appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Independent rail holiday provider Railbookers Group announced the launch of its two flagship brands, Railbookers and Amtrak Vacations, in the Asian market today, 13th October. 

This marks a significant milestone in the company’s global growth, bringing its expertise and wide portfolio of rail journeys to Asia and its dynamic and fast-growing travel markets by hiring Singapore-based staff in the sales and business development departments, with additional growth expected in 2026 and beyond.

With Asian travellers known for their strong appetite for international journeys, this expansion provides access to curated, independent holidays by rail. 

Travellers may now explore iconic destinations in Europe, the United States, Canada and beyond, all with the flexibility of booking and travelling any day the train goes from last-minute to two years out, the convenience of expertly arranged itineraries inclusive of rail, hotel, sightseeing, transfers and more, as well as dedicated on-trip customer care.

A much-anticipated debut

Railbookers Group president and chief executive Frank Marini expressed pleasure at finally being able to bring the company’s flagship brands to Asia whilst setting up shop with an entirely local staff.

Marini said: “Travellers here have a deep passion for exploring the world, and we are proud to offer them unforgettable rail holidays across six continents as independent travellers or perhaps in small unescorted groups. This expansion is part of our continued global growth and commitment to bringing our complete rail holidays to more customers around the world.”

Indeed, with the addition of Singapore as its Asian hub, Railbookers Group is now serving customers in six global source markets: United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore. 

The Railbookers difference

Through Railbookers, guests and travel agents across Asia can book journeys aboard world-renowned trains such as the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Rocky Mountaineer and Glacier Express, with flexible departure dates and hand-picked hotels, choosing from 3-, 4-, and 5-star options at each destination. 

The offering includes Amtrak Vacations, the official tour operator for Amtrak in the United States, who create scenic rail adventures across America from national parks like the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone to iconic cities including New York, Chicago and San Francisco. 

Railbookers brands enable travellers to easily shop for their ideal rail journeys, packaged together with the hard work and logistics already handled. 

The expert sales support team can also customise journeys to suit each travellers’ own pace, with the reassurance of Railbookers Group’s expertise in planning rail holidays that take the hassle out of travel while maximising experiences on and off the train. 

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The post G-DRAGON’s Ubermensch tour cements Vietnam’s position as a world-class venue for mega-events appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Vietnam makes waves yet again where mega-events are concerned as it’s one of the stops on South Korean rapper / pop icon G-DRAGON’s 2025 world tour.

The Southeast Asian nation’s inclusion in the Übermensch tour itinerary is no coincidence: it is the result of the consistent efforts of 8Wonder, one of the country’s few internationally recognized music festival brands. 

In just three years, 8Wonder built up its world-class reputation by meeting the demanding standards of global superstars such as Charlie Puth, Maroon 5, Imagine Dragons, J Balvin, and DJ Snake. 

From stage design and sound quality to audience experience, each edition has raised the bar and turned Vietnam into a true global celebration where music, travel, and emotion come together.

Let us entertain you

The success of G-DRAGON’s sortie in Vietnam goes far beyond record ticket sales; rather, it represents the nation’s growing presence on the global entertainment map.

This year’s show will take place at 8Wonder Ocean City – Vinhomes Ocean Park 3, a 300-hectare complex often described as a lively “seaside city” within Hanoi. 

The venue offers everything visitors could want, from a saltwater lagoon and white sandy beaches to the vibrant Grand World commercial boulevard, stylish cafés, luxury hotels, and lively entertainment areas. 

After an unforgettable night of music, concertgoers can continue to enjoy the energy of the event without having to travel far.

The concert is not just one of the biggest music events of the year, but also marks a new chapter in Vietnam’s journey toward confidence, creativity, and global recognition in the live entertainment world. 

Thanks to 8Wornder’s expertise in events handling, Vietnam is now officially part of the world tour circuit of major music legends and is ready to set new records in the years ahead.

Beyond its numbers, the concert sends a powerful message about a young, dynamic, and inspiring Vietnam. 

Hanoi is no longer just a destination for local fans, but it is evolving into a must-visit city for international audiences seeking memorable music experiences in Asia.

A feather in the cap for Vingroup

Likewise, the event reaffirms Vingroup’s pioneering role in making Vietnam a new destination for music lovers across the region. 

With strong investments in infrastructure and world-class standards, Vingroup continues to promote Vietnam’s image through global brands. 

From the mega-urban Ocean City complex to the award-winning Vinpearl resort chain, every project reflects a vision of a modern, creative Vietnam that is open to the future.

With long-term vision and consistent investment, every Vingroup event, especially 8Wonder, goes beyond world-class entertainment. 

Each one becomes a cultural milestone that brings Vietnam closer to the international community, showcasing a vibrant, energetic, and globally connected nation that is ready to take its place on the world stage.

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The post Kyoto to impose Japan’s highest accommodation tax from March 2026 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Japanese government recently approved Kyoto’s proposal to implement what is, to date, the country’s highest-ever hospitality tax.

The former capital which is also considered one of Japan’s cultural epicentres will begin to charge up to US$68 a person per night at luxury hotels within its jurisdiction beginning March 2026.

This new tax is the latest in a long line of measures proposed to curb overtourism in the country.

Per a report from the South China Morning Post, the Japanese Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications green-lighted the proposal on 3rd October.

How much?!?

According to a report from Japanese broadsheet Asahi Shimbun, this new taxation scheme ranges from 200 yen for budget accommodation to 10,000 yen for stays priced above 100,000 yen per night.

That said, it certainly goes well-above the country’s current maximum levy of 1,000 yen.

Still, the money earned from such taxes will go to a good cause: the continued development of Kyoto as one of Japan’s cultural hubs.

As Kyoto mayor Koji Matsui puts it: “Tourists also must bear the cost of countermeasures against overtourism. Kyoto is going to use revenue from the accommodation tax to build a sustainable tourism city, which must be good for both tourists and Kyoto citizens.”

This does not, however, mean that the tax has been universally accepted even by Japanese nationals; indeed, some critics see the tax as a deterrent that will drive travellers away from Kyoto and into neighbouring cities like Osaka, thus depriving the city of revenue.

Nevertheless, city officials have been quick to say that the new tiers are proportionate, with the lowest rate unchanged for budget travellers and the steepest increase reserved for luxury accommodations.

It has been projected that the taxes earned will come to double Kyoto’s annual revenues from 5.91 billion yen to a staggering 12.6 billion yen once the measure is implemented.

All proceeds will go into ways of mitigating the impact of overtourism on local infrastructure and to improve the overall tourist experience within the city.

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The post Tourism Authority of Thailand highlights how Healing is the New Luxury in its latest TVC appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) officially launched its new global TVC campaign, Unforgettable Experience: Healing is the New Luxury.

The new campaign seeks to encourage travellers to discover Thailand as a destination where true healing extends beyond traditional wellness. 

As such, this initiative positions Thailand as a sanctuary for the senses, where rejuvenation comes through meaningful connections, mindful travel, and the country’s distinctive way of life.

According to TAT governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool: “Through Unforgettable Experience: Healing is the New Luxury, we invite travellers to rediscover themselves in Thailand. In today’s world of constant change, travel has become a form of healing: a moment to slow down, reconnect with one’s inner self, and awaken the senses. Thailand offers endless ways to experience this through our people, nature, and culture.”

Grabbing the attention of a key audience

The campaign targets a new generation of quality travellers seeking balance and purpose in their journeys. 

Centred around the 5Rs of healing, it highlights a wide range of tourism products that deliver lasting value and emotional fulfilment: Retreats for Transformations, Rituals for Manifestations, Reels for Joy, Rhythms for High Vibrations, and Relations for Connections. 

Together, these elements celebrate the many paths to well-being that Thailand offers from wellness retreats and spiritual practices to food, festivals, and friendships.

The art of restoration

Reflecting TAT’s vision for the future of Thai tourism, “Healing is the New Luxury” embraces a broader spectrum of restorative experiences. 

Travellers can find comfort in delicious Thai food, serenity on beautiful beaches, and relaxation through Thailand’s renowned wellness culture. 

They can also capture joy in stylish cafés and creative spaces, and most memorably, feel the warmth of connection with Thai people: a hallmark of Thai hospitality that heals the heart as much as the body.

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The post Philippine authorities assure public that Mindanao airports and seaports operational following earthquake appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Philippine Department of Transportation (DOTr) assures both domestic and foreign travellers that all airports and seaports in Mindanao are currently operational following rigid inspection.

Safety inspections were immediately carried out on hubs throughout Mindanao Island following the 7.4 earthquake that shook the province of Davao Oriental on Friday, 10th October.

In a statement, acting transportation secretary Giovanni Lopez said he directed the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) to continue monitoring and observing airports and seaports in the event of aftershocks.

Lopez declared in the vernacular: “All ports are operational at this point in time. Indeed, service has resumed at all airports in the region, including the Davao Airport.”

The secretary’s statement followed a direct order from Philippine President Ferdinand R Marcos Jnr to ensure the operability of all airports and seaports for emergency operations in light of recent earthquakes and typhoons.

Other relevant measures

In addition, the Philippine Coast Guard has instructed its deployable response groups to assist in search and rescue missions in communities affected by the earthquake.

Love Buses have also been rerouted to areas with stranded commuters to provide free rides.

Lopez added: “Commuters and motorists, meanwhile, are being assisted by personnel from the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) in Davao to ensure road and commuter safety. Our agencies have been authorised to help commuters shift from their original routes in order to provide transportation for those affected by the quakes.”

The President also ordered the postponement of upcoming events, including the Siargao International Surfing Cup which was slated for 23rd to 31st of this month, until the safety of all affected areas has been guaranteed.

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The post Sun Siyam Olhuveli gets festive for Diwali and International Chefs’ Day appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Sun Siyam Olhuveli will be hosting two colourful celebrations on 20th October as the lights flicker on for Diwali and culinary excellence is celebrated on International Chefs’ Day.

The double-event features India’s Chef Meghna, alongside performances by Chandana Wickramasinghe and The Dancers’ Guild, Sri Lanka’s leading dance ensemble. 

They will blend tradition and creativity, honour culinary talent and showcase the colours, tastes, and rhythms of South Asia in one unforgettable experience.

More than just a festivity, this celebration is about sharing moments, discovering new flavours, and experiencing the beauty of cross-border cultures. 

Around the resort, guests can join in with colourful rangoli art sessions, beachside fun, and hands-on cooking activities for all ages, making it a truly memorable island escape. 

Likewise, the resort’s culinary team will take part in a series of exciting games and team-building challenges designed to showcase their creativity, camaraderie, and passion for the art of cooking. 

As general manager Hassan Adil puts it: ’“As we celebrate Diwali and International Chefs Day, we’re celebrating more than food and art: we’re celebrating connection. This event is about coming together, exploring traditions, and creating memories that stay with you.”

Festive flavours

At the center of it all is Chef Meghna, the beloved creator of Meghna’s Food Magic and one of India’s most inspiring voices in the kitchen. 

With a following of more than three million, she is known for turning everyday cooking into something fun, healthy, and full of heart, from oil free samosas to sugar free cakes. 

For this special occasion, she will craft a Diwali inspired menu that celebrates plant based cooking and sustainable food choices. 

During the day, Chef Meghna will also host an interactive cooking demonstration, giving guests the chance to learn her signature style of cooking and creative twists first hand.

Dancing into celebration

The cultural celebration continues into the evening with a breathtaking performance by Chandana Wickramasinghe & The Dancers’ Guild. 

This acclaimed Sri Lankan group of 40 dancers blends centuries-old Kandyan and folk traditions with fresh choreography, creating performances that tell stories and connect cultures. 

Their shows have mesmerised audiences in more than 70 countries and now; they will light up the stage at Sun Siyam Olhuveli with movement, music, and soul.

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The post I Kadek Sugiantara takes helm at the kitchens of Allila Villas Uluwatu appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Balinese resort Alila Villas Uluwatu has appointed I Kadek Sugiantara as its new executive chef.

Sugiantara takes the helm of the resort’s acclaimed dining destinations, bringing nearly two decades of global experience into the role.

He said of his appointment: “Joining Alila Villas Uluwatu feels like coming home. This property has long been a beacon of soulful dining, rooted in authenticity. I look forward to creating menus that highlight the vibrant flavors of Asia, celebrate Bali’s rich culinary heritage, and make a meaningful impact by supporting local farmers, honoring community artisanship, and championing sustainable partnerships that showcase the true value of local produce and craftsmanship.”

Diving into a diverse dining selection

Sugiantara will lead the Allila Villas Uluwatu’s culinary journey across its signature venues from CIRE, renowned for its refined interpretation of Mediterranean flavors; The Warung, offering an authentic taste of Balinese and Indonesian home-style cuisine; the Sunset Cabana and Batique Bars; as well as bespoke banquets also private dining experiences.

Guests can look forward to refreshed menus, seasonal highlights, and immersive dining journeys that showcase Sugiantara’s culinary artistry and passion for innovation, thoughtfully grounded in sustainability. 

From farm-to-table creations and organic garden harvests to dishes celebrating the finest local produce, each experience reflects his commitment to both flavor and the environment.

A closer look at I Kadek Sugiantara

The chef’s expertise was honed in Michelin-starred kitchens, then shaped further by global influences as well as a deep passion for crafting soulful dining experiences.

Renowned for his mastery of Pan-Asian cuisine, he blends the bold, spicy, and aromatic flavors of Southeast Asia with refined technique and a strong commitment to fresh, local ingredients. 

His menus celebrate authenticity while offering innovative interpretations that resonate with both global and Indonesian palates.

Sugiantara’s culinary philosophy has been shaped by an extraordinary journey across the Caribbean, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, the Indian Ocean, and the Mediterranean. 

Each destination deepened his mastery of refined techniques and broadened his perspective, allowing him to weave together diverse culinary traditions into harmonious and memorable dining experiences. 

With such a wealth of places explored and skills honed, he brings a global expertise that positions him to lead resort’s culinary experience into a new era of elevated, gastronomy journey.

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