INTERVIEW WITH SANDER LOOIJEN GENERAL MANAGER THE WESTIN RESORT NUSA DUA, BALI CELEBRATING WORLD WELLNESS WEEK
What does wellness truly mean at The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali?
For us, wellness isn’t a buzzword—it’s our DNA. We don’t see it as a checklist of yoga mats, green juices, and spa treatments. It’s a way of living. Our role is to help guests press pause, reset, and find balance—whether that’s through movement, mindful moments, or simply a really good night’s sleep. Wellness here is not about doing more, but about feeling more like yourself again.
How do you ensure your wellness offerings connect with such a wide range of guests—from fitness enthusiasts to those who just want to unwind?
We like to say that wellness at Westin meets you where you are. Not everyone comes here wanting a sunrise run on the beach—some prefer to sit quietly and breathe, or maybe learn something new through a Balinese ritual. Our team curates experiences that are flexible enough to suit different personalities. One day you might be paddleboarding, the next day journaling after a meditation class—or even doing a boot-camp style beach workout if you like things a bit more dynamic. It’s wellness on your own terms.
Your beachfront location is breathtaking. How do you integrate the natural surroundings into the wellness journey?
We’re lucky—the ocean does half the work for us. Sunrise yoga on the beach, meditation under the palm trees, workouts on the sand with waves as your soundtrack—it’s a reminder that wellness doesn’t have to be confined to a studio. And when you’re done, an ice bath is waiting to reset your body and mind. The environment here invites you to breathe deeper, push yourself, and then completely let go. Bali itself is the best wellness coach you’ll ever have.
Wellness today is often linked with sustainability. How does The Westin Nusa Dua weave the two together?
Wellness loses meaning if the environment around us isn’t well too. That’s why sustainability is central to what we do. We source local ingredients, minimize waste, and look for ways to reduce our footprint daily. But it’s not about making sustainability a rulebook—it’s about inviting guests to be part of the story. Whether they join a beach cleanup or simply sip water from refillable glass bottles, they become part of something bigger.
The Heavenly Spa is already iconic. What makes the treatments here truly stand out?
Our spa is called ‘Heavenly’ for good reason. Sure, we offer classic massages and therapies, but what makes it unique is how we weave local wisdom into every treatment. Take our Balinese Boreh—it’s a traditional spice ritual that warms you to the core. Or our Beach Bliss treatment, where nature, scent, and touch all come together. We like to surprise guests with experiences that are rooted in culture yet tailored to modern wellness needs.
Guests often arrive with specific goals—stress relief, better sleep, even lifestyle changes. How do you support them?
We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all. Some guests want to detox from their emails; others want to train for their next marathon. Our job is to listen and tailor the journey. That could mean a nutrition-focused menu, a private meditation session, or even just ensuring their room is a sanctuary for proper rest. And for those who like to test their limits, we’ll pair a challenging beach workout with a bracing ice bath—that combination tends to leave people feeling surprisingly alive. Sometimes, the biggest success is a guest telling us, ‘I finally slept through the night.’ That’s when we know we’ve done our job.”
Many hotels in Bali talk about wellness. What makes Westin different?
The difference is—we don’t just talk about wellness, we live it. For us, it’s not a marketing tagline; it’s what defines how we design our spaces, train our teams, and engage with our guests. We don’t stop at relaxation; we aim for transformation. Guests leave not only rested, but with tools and inspiration they can take home. Whether that’s a new breathing technique, the memory of a beach workout at sunrise, or even the courage to jump into an ice bath—these are experiences that stay with you. That’s what sets us apart: we take wellness seriously, but never make it feel like hard work.