August 13, 2024
Luxuria Lifestyel interviews Anak Agung Ngurah Surya Darma CFO of Gdas Bali
Anak Agung Ngurah Surya Darma is an accomplished finance and accounting expert with over 10 years of experience in the hospitality industry. As the CFO and leader of Gdas Health and Wellness Ubud, Surya plays a pivotal role in shaping the financial and operational landscape of the organization. His expertise lies in developing comprehensive financial plans, budgets, analyses, and forecasts that align with the company’s strategic goals. Here we find out more about Surya and the day-to-day running of Gdas:
Can you share the inspiration behind founding Gdas Bali Health and Wellness Resort?
The inspiration behind founding Gdas Bali Health and Wellness Resort came from our founder’s personal journey and his deep desire to create a sanctuary for holistic well-being. He wants to develop a space where a healthy lifestyle is accessible and is based on Usadha Bali’s Lontar – a respected Balinese ancient literature, supported with state-of-the-art wellness technology. Bali’s natural beauty and spiritual essence make it the perfect location for this vision. Then he decides to plant a seed for a health and wellness resort in the heart of Kumbuh village, Mas. Providing the seed that will turn into reality for everyone to reconnect with themselves, have a better life, and further understanding of body, mind, and soul.
How do you define the core philosophy of Gdas Bali, and how is it reflected in the services you offer?
The philosophy of Gdas Bali Health and Wellness Resort is rooted in holistic well-being and the fusion of traditional Balinese practices with modern wellness technology. This philosophy is reflected in every aspect of our services and offerings. Inspired by Usadha Bali, ancient manuscripts detailing medicinal plants and practices, we offer authentic wellness programs that promote physical, mental, and spiritual health.
Our services include yoga, meditation, spa treatments, and plant-based cuisine, influenced by our founder’s commitment to a healthy lifestyle. At Gdas Bali, we strive to provide a transformative experience that helps our guests achieve balance, renewal, and inner peace.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced while establishing the resort?
Establishing Gdas Bali Health and Wellness Resort involved several challenges. Integrating traditional Balinese practices like Usadha Bali with modern wellness technology required careful research and collaboration with local experts. Sustainable construction in harmony with the natural environment demanded innovative solutions. Landscaping the resort, nestled next to a rice field, required us to create an effective irrigation system to protect and preserve the surrounding nature. Sourcing fresh, locally sourced ingredients for our plant-based cuisine posed logistical challenges, necessitating strong relationships with local farmers. Despite these hurdles, our commitment to holistic well-being and sustainability drove us to create a sanctuary where guests can reconnect with themselves and nature
Gdas Bali is known for its unique wellness programs. Can you tell us more about these programs?
At Gdas Bali, our wellness programs are designed to provide holistic health benefits and cater to various needs. Our Detox program helps cleanse the body and renew energy through plant-based nutrition, sunrise walking meditation, and personalized wellness consultations. The Balance Mind program emphasizes mental clarity and emotional well-being, incorporating yoga, meditation, and aromatherapy. Body Balance focuses on physical health, offering activities like Hasya yoga and chakra pranayama yoga to release tension and improve overall wellness. Finally, the Sleep Well program enhances sleep quality with deep relaxation techniques, including hypnotherapy and Trataka meditation. Check for more information in this link.
How does Gdas Bali integrate Balinese culture and traditions into its wellness offerings?
At Gdas Bali, we integrate Balinese culture deeply into our wellness offerings, blending traditional healing methods like Balinese massages and herbal baths with mindfulness practices rooted in Hindu-Balinese rituals. We support local artisans and use locally sourced ingredients, ensuring every visit is a rejuvenating immersion into Balinese culture. Our commitment to sustainability extends to fostering community relationships and preserving cultural authenticity, offering guests a meaningful journey of self-discovery and holistic well-being within a serene environment.
What strategies have you employed to ensure Gdas Bali stands out in the competitive wellness market?
To ensure Gdas Bali stands out in the competitive wellness market, we employ several strategic initiatives. We differentiate ourselves by combining state-of-the-art facilities with the wisdom of Usadha Bali, integrating traditional healing practices and holistic therapies into our offerings. By partnering with local Usadha healers and incorporating their knowledge of Balinese herbal medicine and therapeutic techniques, we provide guests with authentic and transformative wellness experiences. Our dedication to excellence extends to personalized wellness programs, sustainable practices, and a serene environment that fosters rejuvenation and cultural immersion.
How has the global wellness social media trend influenced the growth and development of Gdas Bali?
The global wellness social media trend has profoundly shaped Gdas Bali’s growth and development by amplifying our presence and connecting us with a worldwide audience interested in holistic wellness. Through strategic social media engagement, we showcase our unique blend of Balinese culture, state-of-the-art facilities, and Usadha Bali wisdom. This approach not only enhances visibility but also fosters a community of wellness enthusiasts who resonate with our offerings. Feedback and insights gathered through these platforms inspire continuous innovation, ensuring that our guests experience the best of authentic Balinese wellness in a modern context.
Can you discuss any upcoming projects or expansions planned for Gdas Bali?
Gdas Bali is excited to announce our upcoming project, The Bali Eden—a premier one-stop wellness destination in Ubud. The Bali Eden will boast a hot and cold plunge pool, a two-story gym, a traditional bathhouse complete with both a sauna and an infrared sauna, and a healthcare clinic. This unique blend of modern amenities and traditional Balinese wisdom offers an unparalleled experience for our guests.
Today, Gdas in-house guests can also explore our advanced well-being technologies, such as cryotherapy, salt therapy, IV drip, and LiveO2. We are currently in the final stages of preparing our state-of-the-art Health Suite. This expansion underscores our unwavering commitment to holistic wellness, providing guests with a serene haven for transformative practices that harmonize with nature and enhance overall well-being. Stay tuned for the grand unveiling of The Bali Eden, where rejuvenation and tranquillity await.
How do you ensure the sustainability and environmental responsibility of your resort?
At Gdas Bali we prioritize sustainability by not using plastic throughout our resort operations, and by significantly reducing plastic use for staff practices. Additionally, we convert organic waste into eco enzymes and implement recycling programs to minimize environmental impact. Further, we actively contribute to environmental conservation by planting trees and maintaining our herb garden. These initiatives are integral to our mission of preserving Bali’s natural environment while offering guests an eco-conscious and enriching wellness experience.
What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to enter the health and wellness industry?
As CFO of Gdas Bali, my advice to aspiring entrepreneurs in the health and wellness industry is to prioritize authenticity, sustainability, and community integration. Embrace local culture for unique guest experiences, and champion sustainability through eco-friendly practices and community support. Build strong relationships with local communities, fostering mutual benefit and trust. Stay innovative and adaptable to evolving trends and technologies, ensuring your offerings remain relevant and compelling.
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T: +62 361 908 3131
W: Gdas Bali
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