In the ever-evolving world of luxury hospitality, few destinations manage to strike the perfect balance between elegance, authenticity, and heartfelt service. Following its recent recognition by Luxury Lifestyle Awards as the Best Luxury Family Villas in Bali, DESA SWAN Villas & Spa Keramas has emerged as a shining example of how thoughtful design and genuine experiences can redefine modern luxury. Located in the tranquil coastal village of Keramas, far from the madding crowds yet rich in cultural charm, this serene escape has captivated elite travelers seeking connection, comfort, and calm.

In this exclusive interview, Alexander Chetchikov, President of the World Luxury Chamber of Commerce, sits down with Nyoman Redana, General Manager of DESA SWAN, to explore the evolving landscape of luxury, the power of purpose-driven hospitality, and the vision behind one of Bali’s most enchanting family getaways.

Questions:

Alexander Chetchikov: Mr. Redana, in your view, how has the definition of “luxury” evolved in recent years – especially in the context of family travel and hospitality?

Nyoman Redana: The definition of luxury in family travel and hospitality has undergone a profound transformation in recent years. No longer confined to opulent surroundings or extravagant displays of wealth, modern luxury is increasingly defined by exclusivity of experience, personalization, and emotional resonance—particularly for families seeking meaningful connections. Luxury is no longer just about 5-star hotels or first-class flights; it’s about curated moments— immersive cultural exchanges, or multigenerational storytelling sessions with local artisans.

• Families now prioritize time well spent over lavish accommodations.

AC: Digital transformation is changing how guests interact with brands. How do you see technology enhancing the luxury experience at DESA SWAN?

NR: Technology isn’t just a tool—it’s an invisible enabler of effortless sophistication, seamlessly enhancing the luxury experience while preserving the human touch that defines true exclusivity

AC: Sustainability and authenticity are two key values in today’s luxury world. How do these principles influence your approach?

NR: Sustainability and authenticity aren’t just trends—they’re the foundation of how we redefine luxury. In a world where exclusivity is increasingly measured by purpose as much as prestige, we weave these principles into every layer of the experience, ensuring that indulgence never comes at the cost of integrity.

AC: The luxury industry is seeing more collaboration between brands and destinations. What role does partnership play in your success?

 NR: Partnerships aren’t just strategic alliances—they’re the lifeblood of our authenticity and innovation. In an era where luxury travelers crave depth over dazzle, we curate collaborations that amplify our core values while delivering unmatched exclusivity. Community as Collaborators: We don’t just “support” local culture—we’re co-creators with it. Guests might dine in the home of a Balinese rice farmer, learn painting techniques, or join for a gamelan and dance performance.

AC: Where do you see the future of luxury family holidays heading?

NR: The future of luxury family holidays is evolving beyond “VIP treatment” into “Values-Inspired Possibilities”—where exclusivity meets purpose, and generational bonds are deepened through transformative experiences. At DESA SWAN, we see these key shifts defining the next era: The Rise of “Slow Luxury”

• Multi-Generational Journeys with Roots: Families will eschew whirlwind tours for 2-3 week immersive stays in one destination—learning Bahasa from a local elder, volunteering at a sea turtle sanctuary, or co-creating a mural with village children.
• “Unplugged” as the Ultimate Status Symbol: Tech detoxes (think: no WiFi treehouses with vintage board games) will counterbalance digital overload, making presence the rarest luxury.

Bespoke Learning Adventures

• “Edu-Luxury” Expeditions:Imagine a private archaeology dig in Bali guided by a professor, where kids earn a “Young Explorer” certificate from UNESCO, or a sustainable chocolate-making retreat with a fifth-generation Balinese cacao farmer.
• Skill-Based Souvenirs:Families leave not with trinkets, but new abilities—like mastering a gamelan instrument or crafting their own painting.

AC: Congratulations on winning the Luxury Lifestyle Award! What does this recognition mean to you and your team?

NR: Thank you. Winning the Luxury Lifestyle Award is not just an honor—it’s a validation of our quiet revolution in redefining what luxury means for families. To us, this recognition whispers something radical: The world is ready for a new kind of opulence.

AC: What was the original vision behind DESA SWAN, and how do you continue to maintain its authenticity in such a competitive market?

NR: The original vision behind DESA SWAN was born from a provocative question: What if luxury wasn’t about escaping the world—but engaging with it more deeply? While others chase “Instagram-able moments,” we’ve doubled down on intimate, unshareable ones:

• Letting kids get dirty in rice paddies, then returning to baths strewn with frangipani anda lesson on watershed ecology from the gardener.

AC: As a leader in luxury hospitality, how do you inspire your team to uphold service excellence every day?

NR: Inspiring a team to uphold service excellence in luxury hospitality requires a combination of visionary leadership, emotional intelligence, and a relentless commitment to standards. Here’s how I approach it:

1. Lead by Example

• Be the Standard: Demonstrate the level of service you expect—whether it’s how you greet guests, handle complaints, or pay attention to detail. Your team will mirror your behavior.
• Stay Guest-Obsessed: Regularly interact with guests, share their feedback (both praise and constructive criticism), and reinforce why excellence matters.

2. Create a Shared Purpose

• Connect to the “Why”: Remind the team that luxury hospitality isn’t just about tasks—it’s about creating unforgettable experiences. Share stories of how their work impacts guests’ lives (e.g., a proposal, a milestone celebration).
• Mission-Driven Culture: Embed service excellence into the property’s core values. For example, “We don’t just meet expectations—we redefine them.”

3. Empower and Trust

• Ownership: Give team members autonomy to resolve guest issues creatively (e.g., “If a guest is unhappy, you’re authorized to offer a complimentary dessert or spa credit”).
• Encourage Initiative: Reward employees who go above and beyond, like a concierge who arranges a surprise birthday gift for a repeat guest.

AC: What are some signature experiences at DESA SWAN that truly define your brand of family luxury?

NR: At DESA SWAN, our signature experiences are not just activities—they’re emotional alchemy, designed to turn fleeting moments into lifelong family legends. Here are the rituals that define us:

Instead of plastic toys, children follow clues alongside a biologist to “rescue” endangered sea turtle eggs. Their treasure? The chance to adopt the hatchlings they’ve helped save and release the baby turtles into the ocean. The experience continues with hands-on learning, where children create canang sari (Balinese offerings) and discover the beauty of traditional Balinese dance.

AC: Finally, what continues to inspire you on this journey?

NR: The alchemy of human connection—the moments when luxury dissolves into something far more potent: legacy. An example, A German teenager who once cried, releasing baby turtles here recently emailed us: “I’m now a marine biologist. 

As the luxury travel world moves toward deeper connection and meaning, DESA SWAN Villas & Spa Keramas is leading the way – not through excess, but through intentional experiences and heartfelt hospitality. Under the thoughtful leadership of Nyoman Redana, the resort continues to redefine what a family luxury escape can be: serene, soulful, and unforgettable.

From its authentic Balinese setting in the coastal village of Keramas to its personalized touches that speak directly to the hearts of guests, DESA SWAN stands as a shining example of where the future of luxury lies. This conversation not only highlights a remarkable destination but also offers a glimpse into a new era of family-focused, meaningful travel experiences – where every stay becomes a treasured story waiting to be told.

Visit https://desaswan.com/ to find out more.