INTERVIEW WITH SVEN WALTER, GENERAL MANAGER OF THE ANVAYA BEACH RESORT BALI

Could you tell a bit of your background? What were you like in high school, and why did you choose hospitality career?

I am an hotelier that has started his career 30 years ago when I began my apprenticeship in the kitchen. Over the next 14 years I then worked up my rank until Executive Chef which I did for some years before deciding to go back and to study hotel management. After successful accomplishment I started as Food & Beverage Manager in management, climbing up as Director of Food & Beverage, EAM in charge of F&B, Resident Manager and eventually ending up as General Manager where I am today. By doing so I had the privilege to work and live in 10 different countries, learning different cultures and customs that taught me a lot.

As for my time in high school I can’t really say that I’ve been a model student, and studying was certainly not my passion at that time. Mainly sport activities were in my mind, and school was more a must.

When time came to choose a profession, electronics technician was meant to be. However, having had to elder brothers, both choosing to be a chef, I did training as a chef too just to see what it is all about, and as a consequence I ended up starting my apprenticeship as a chef instead.

What fascinate you the most about the island of Bali?

The rich culture, people and its nature are clearly what make this place special. I haven’t explored all by now but was impressed by Penglipuran, a Village showcasing Balinese culture with a variety of traditional buildings, crafts & foods, Tanah Lot temple, a rock formation off the Indonesian island of Bali, and the sunset at The Anvaya Beach Resort on Kuta beach.

What was the last book that you read and really inspires you?

Elon Musk: Tesla, SpaceX, and the Quest for a Fantastic Future.

I am simply impressed by his vision, determination and accomplishments and never giving up on an idea that he believes in.

If you are stranded in an empty island, name two things that you must have with you to survive

Gosh, two things only? If no person, then it would be some music and a nail clip… really?

Could you tell us about the most memorable achievement in your career so far?

There is not one specific achievement as such but whenever I see someone growing under my wings, and becoming successful in their field it give me a sense of satisfaction, knowing that I might have been able to contribute to his or her success.

If you could only choose one song to play every time you walked into a room for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Well, I guess music is like fashion. It comes and goes… At the moment it probably would be John Hiatt – Feels like Rain (Just not sure whether I would like to listen to it for the rest of my life?)

Describe your property brand in one sentence

Balinese-Inspired Elegance on Kuta Beach.

Where would you see yourself in the next five years? And how do you want to be remembered?

Hard to say really… while I have been traveling through 10 different countries, I hope that one day I can call one place home and who knows, it might be just Indonesia?

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