Located in Bali’s vibrant Seminyak district, One Eleven Resorts is a luxurious retreat known for its serene ambiance and personalized service, led by General Manager Tomas Gregor.

Recently recognized as one of the Top 100 Hotel General Managers for 2024 by LLA, Tomas brings over a decade of hospitality expertise, having held key roles at prestigious hotels like Corinthia Hotel Budapest and Swissôtel Sochi. His passion for hospitality, inspired by Arthur Hailey’s novels, has driven his career from Slovakia’s post-Velvet Revolution era to overcoming global challenges like the pandemic.

Leading this conversation is Alexander Chetchikov, President of the World Luxury Chamber of Commerce, a global expert in luxury excellence. With more than 16 years of experience in recognizing and promoting the world’s top luxury brands through the renowned Luxury Lifestyle Awards, Chetchikov offers profound insights into the luxury sector and its continuously shifting trends.

Questions:

Alexander Chetchikov: You’ve had an impressive career in luxury hospitality across various prestigious hotels. What initially attracted you to join One Eleven Resorts, and how do you believe this property stands out in the competitive Seminyak market?

Tomas Gregor:

Thank you for the compliment; maybe it is exactly the fact that I have experienced many various styles of hotels and management that made One Eleven Resorts so special and attractive. After many years in various positions, I felt I was ready to put my experience and vision into practice, and One Eleven Resorts was the place that has allowed me to do so. Also, it is easy to feel like you’re in paradise when you are in Bali, but it takes special effort to take those extra steps, that differentiate us from the competition…and that is where I can use all my knowledge and experience.

AC: At One Eleven Resorts, privacy and seclusion are key elements of the guest experience. How do you balance this sense of exclusivity with the vibrant energy of Seminyak just outside the resort’s walls?

TG: At One Eleven Resorts, we strive to create a sanctuary for our guests, offering complete privacy within the heart of bustling Seminyak. Each villa is designed with spacious private pools, a private spa gazebo, lush gardens, and a minimalist aesthetic that embraces tranquility. Guests can immerse themselves in relaxation while knowing that Seminyak’s vibrant scene is only a few steps away, providing easy access to the best that Bali has to offer without compromising the feeling of seclusion. We think of it as offering the best of both worlds—intimate, serene spaces within a lively, cultural setting.

AC: One Eleven Resorts offers a unique combination of luxury with authentic Japanese dining through Shiro Sushi/Sake Bar. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind this concept and how it enhances the guest experience?

TG: The concept of Shiro Sushi/Sake Bar was inspired by the harmony of Japanese culinary artistry and the essence of luxury hospitality. We wanted to offer an experience that goes beyond typical resort dining, bringing our guests an authentic taste of Japanese culture. At Shiro, guests can enjoy an omakase experience, where our chefs prepare fresh, seasonal ingredients right before their eyes. This interactive, intimate dining style aligns perfectly with the resort’s ethos of exclusivity and personalization, adding a memorable and immersive element to each guest’s stay.

AC: You were recently recognized as one of Luxury Lifestyle Awards’ Top 100 Hotel General Managers for 2024. How do you believe this achievement reflects your leadership approach and the guest experience at One Eleven Resorts?

TG: Of course, it is great to be recognized and appreciated, however, I would phrase my answer a bit differently; my leadership approach and mostly fantastic people I have the honor of working with are the stepping stones of this award, as well as unique experience we are trying to bring to our guests. And we plan to continue delivering exceptional services for our guests.

AC: The luxury hotel industry is constantly evolving. How do you stay ahead of trends, and what innovations do you believe will shape the future of luxury hospitality?

TG: To stay ahead, we keep a close eye on emerging trends and prioritize continuous learning. I believe that the future of luxury hospitality will be shaped by a blend of advanced technology and authentic, human-centered service. Innovations like AI-enhanced personalization, eco-friendly design, and seamless digital experiences are reshaping our industry. However, luxury will continue to be defined by human connections and thoughtful details, so at One Eleven, we ensure that technology enhances—not replaces—the personal touch our guests expect.

AC: In your experience, how has guest expectation for luxury services changed over the years, and how do hotels need to adapt?

TG: Guest expectations have evolved significantly, particularly with an increased emphasis on personalization, wellness, and sustainability. Today’s luxury traveler wants more than just opulence; they want experiences that resonate with their values. They seek meaningful connections, immersive cultural experiences, and brands that operate responsibly. Hotels need to adapt by being flexible, eco-conscious, and proactive in curating bespoke experiences. At One Eleven, we’re constantly refining our approach to meet these expectations, from offering personalized in-villa services to promoting sustainable practices.

AC: Personalization is often seen as a hallmark of luxury. In your view, what are some of the most effective ways luxury resorts can create personalized experiences for their guests?

TG: Personalization starts with understanding each guest’s preferences even before they arrive. From arranging specific welcome amenities to tailoring wellness activities or dining options, we ensure our guests feel valued and cared for at every stage of their stay. At One Eleven Resorts, we take great care in listening to our guests’ needs, from special dietary requests of in-villa breakfast prepared by our cooks to designing bespoke spa experiences. We believe that these thoughtful, personalized touches help create unforgettable memories and reinforce the feeling of exclusivity that defines true luxury.

AC: What do you think are the biggest challenges facing the luxury hotel sector today, and how can hoteliers address these issues while maintaining their standards of excellence?

TG: One of the biggest challenges in the luxury hotel sector is balancing high service standards with sustainable and socially responsible practices. Guests now expect luxury brands to align with their values, particularly around environmental stewardship and ethical operations. At the same time, we face rising operational costs and a highly competitive market. To address this, hoteliers must be agile and innovative, implementing sustainable practices without compromising the quality of the guest experience. At One Eleven, we’re continuously evolving our strategies to deliver exceptional service that meets the needs of today’s discerning travelers while also honoring our commitment to sustainability.

Thank you so much, Tomas, for taking the time to share your insights with us. Your passion for the industry and dedication to creating unforgettable guest experiences at One Eleven Resorts are inspiring. It was a pleasure speaking with you, and we look forward to seeing how you continue to lead and innovate in the world of luxury hospitality!

To learn more about One Eleven Resorts, and to book your memorable stay today, please visit https://111resorts.com/