Found within the serene highlands of Bali, Handara Golf & Resort has redefined what it means to offer a luxury golf experience in Southeast Asia. With a storied history dating back to 1974 and a globally recognized championship course, the resort boats distinction and natural beauty. Under the visionary leadership of Mrs. Aliza Salviandra—an accomplished legal and business professional—Handara has not only preserved its rich heritage but also positioned itself at the forefront of international luxury hospitality.

In this exclusive conversation, Mrs. Salviandra shares insights into the Luxury Lifestyle Awards-winning resort’s ongoing transformation, her leadership philosophy, and how Handara continues to captivate guests from around the world by offering a journey into the soul of Bali.

Alexander Chetchikov, President of the World Luxury Chamber of Commerce, leads our exclusive interview with Aliza. Drawing on more than 17 years of experience recognizing the globe’s most distinguished luxury brands through the Luxury Lifestyle Awards, he offers rich expertise and discerning insight into the dynamic landscape of luxury.

Alexander Chetchikov:  Mrs. Salviandra, congratulations on Handara Golf & Resort Bali being named Best Luxury Golf Resort in Indonesia 2025. What does this recognition mean to you personally and professionally?

Aliza Salviandra: This award means a lot to me both professionally and personally. At Handara, we’ve been working quietly and with heart to bring new life to a place that holds so much history and natural beauty. Being recognized like this is a gentle reminder that the small, intentional steps we’ve taken, especially around sustainability and guest experience, are making a difference.

Professionally, it’s an encouragement to keep going to continue building something honest, grounded, and in harmony with the land. Personally, I feel incredibly grateful to be on this journey with a team that believes in the same vision and truly supports one another. That kind of trust and shared purpose means everything.

This award is really a reflection of all the care, collaboration, and passion we’ve poured into Handara. I’m just really thankful for the people I work with, for how far we’ve come, and for the chance to shape something meaningful together.

AC: You hold an impressive academic and professional background in law and international business. How has this multidisciplinary expertise shaped your approach as President Director of a luxury resort?

AS: Coming from a background in law and business, and having worked across different industries, has shaped the way I think. It’s helped me approach challenges from different angles and consider possibilities beyond the conventional path.

Living and working in Bali, being close to the local community, the culture, and the rhythm of the island, has added another layer to that perspective. It’s taught me to value balance, intention, and a deeper sense of connection with place. All of these experiences have shaped how I see things.

When I first came to Handara, I envisioned it as more than just a golf course. There was a quiet, powerful energy to the place, the soul of Handara, something timeless and grounding. I saw the potential for it to evolve into an ethical mountain destination, rooted in nature, heritage, and purpose, while promoting a healthy, grounded lifestyle through golf, outdoor activity, and mindful connection to the land. 

In many ways, my diverse background, along with the people I’ve met and learned from along the way, gave me the lens to see that. Their insights, support, and shared vision have helped shape my journey. And for that, I’m truly grateful.

AC: Handara is located in a truly unique setting—inside the crater of an extinct volcano. How do you balance preserving the natural environment while maintaining high standards of luxury and hospitality?

AS: For us, nature is the first element of luxury; everything else flows from that. At Handara, we believe true luxury is about being in harmony with the surroundings, where the beauty of the landscape is not just preserved, but celebrated. Our role is to design hospitality experiences that complement and honour that natural setting.

Receiving a Luxury Lifestyle Award encourages us to keep holding ourselves to a high standard, not just in service and comfort, but also in sustainability and integrity. Certifications help ensure we operate responsibly, but we believe luxury is also about sincerity, attention to detail, and how people feel when they’re here. In Bali, hospitality is part of the culture, and we are always learning and evolving to reflect that spirit in everything we do at Handara.

AC: The resort has a rich legacy dating back to 1974. How do you honor Handara’s historical roots while modernizing it for today’s luxury traveler?

AS: At Handara, we’ve always believed that honoring the past is part of creating meaningful experiences today. The resort has such a unique history from its architecture to its landscape, and we’ve made it a priority to preserve that. Handara was originally envisioned and built in the 1970s under the leadership of Ibnu Sutowo, one of Indonesia’s key figures in early tourism development. The golf course itself was designed by the renowned Peter Thomson, a five-time British Open champion, whose vision brought international standards to the highlands of Bali. The surrounding structures, designed with sensitivity to the mountain environment, reflect the character of that era while blending the natural beauty of the landscape. 

We carefully restored and revitalized the original buildings without stripping away their character, allowing the essence of the place to stay intact while gently refreshing it for the modern guest.

The golf course and surrounding nature remain a central part of that legacy, and we take great care to preserve them just as they are. What makes it even more special is the community, many of our team members have been with us for generations. The values of warmth, integrity, and hospitality have been passed down through families, and that kind of continuity adds real depth to the guest experience.

Modernization comes in more subtle ways through how we communicate, how we align with today’s expectations, and how we incorporate sustainability into everything we do. But at its core, Handara stays true to its roots. That balance between heritage and thoughtful evolution is what gives it soul.

AC: What are some of the core values that drive your leadership at Handara, and how do you ensure they resonate across the guest experience?

AS: Integrity, sustainability, and being purpose-driven are the core values that guide my leadership at Handara. Integrity, for me, means being consistent, doing what we say we’ll do, honoring our commitments, and building trust not just with our guests, but also with our team and local community. We lead by example and create a culture that values honesty and care in every detail, whether it’s seen or unseen.

Sustainability is also key not only in how we protect the natural environment, but also in how we build systems that support long-term wellbeing for our staff, our guests, and the surrounding community. For us at Handara, sustainability isn’t just a trend; it’s not about flashy change, but about responsibility, awareness, and long-term thinking. It’s a natural extension of the values that have always been here: respecting nature, taking care of people, and preserving what matters.

Being purpose-driven ties it all together. Handara is not just a business; it’s a place with soul, with heritage, and with a story to tell. We’re always asking ourselves: Why are we doing this? And how does it align with our deeper values? The sense of purpose influences every touchpoint, from the design and service, to the way guests are welcomed to how we communicate what Handara stands for. 

As part of this commitment, we created Handara Giveback, a way to channel our values into tangible action. Through this initiative, guests become part of something greater: their stay contributes directly to local causes, environmental efforts, and community development. It’s a reminder that their visit is more than just a getaway; it’s a shared journey toward something meaningful. We believe that real hospitality also gives back. 

AC: From the iconic Handara Gate to the personalized guest services, there’s a clear emphasis on cultural and experiential luxury. How does the team curate these memorable moments for visitors?

AS: Ah, the Handara Gate, it holds a very special meaning for me. I still remember taking a photo there long before it became what it is today. Back then, the place was quiet and almost untouched, no crowds, no buzz, just the serenity of the landscape and the strength of that gate standing tall against the mountains. I stood there at the entrance, right between the gate’s two sides, not thinking about trends or marketing, but simply feeling the energy of the place. That moment stayed with me.

It made me realize that entering Handara isn’t just a physical experience; it’s an emotional one. It feels like stepping into another dimension, where nature, beauty, and stillness come together. The gate itself had that magic long before we did, so rather than over-designing it, we embraced it as part of our storytelling. Guests are invited to experience it in their own way, often through something as simple as a photograph that becomes part of their personal journey.

Our entire approach to guest experiences follows this same philosophy: creating genuine spaces for connection. Whether it’s a quiet walk through the grounds, a personalized welcome, or sharing the stories of the land, we always focus on what feels real and rooted. To us, that’s cultural and experiential luxury, moments that stay with you long after you leave.

AC: Looking ahead, you’ve expressed interest in expanding into new markets in Europe and the Middle East. What strategies are you implementing to grow Handara’s global footprint?

AS: Our approach starts with embracing what makes Handara unique, it’s not just a resort, but a mountain destination in Bali, which is quite rare. We’ve always believed that Bali has so much 

more to offer beyond its beaches, and Handara represents a different side of the island, one that’s cooler, quieter, and deeply connected to nature.

The Handara Gate, in particular, has organically gained international attention over the years. It has appeared in various travel features, social media posts, and global travel itineraries, often shared by visitors who’ve had a meaningful moment there. That kind of visibility has helped introduce Handara to a wider audience in a very natural and heartfelt way.

As we explore opportunities in Europe and the Middle East, we’re focused on thoughtful outreach, building connections, listening to what travelers from these regions seek, and ensuring we stay true to our values. We’re open and respectful to different cultures and always aim to create experiences that feel both warm and authentic.

Our hope is to continue welcoming guests from around the world while contributing to Bali’s rich and evolving tourism landscape.

AC: Finally, what advice would you give to young professionals who aspire to lead in the luxury hospitality or tourism sector?

AS:  Keep learning, stay curious, and always pay attention to how the market is evolving, but at the same time, never lose sight of what makes you unique. In luxury hospitality, it’s easy to get caught up in trends, but the most lasting impact comes from authenticity and a clear sense of purpose.

Take time to evaluate your progress. Be open to feedback, whether it’s from guests, peers, or your team. Some of the most valuable insights come from honest, simple conversations. Take time to reflect, adjust when needed, and keep moving forward. There’s always something new to understand. At the same time, don’t forget what makes you or your place special. 

This industry can be challenging; it requires long hours, consistency, and a lot of emotional labor. But if you lead with your heart and stay grounded in your values, the journey can be incredibly rewarding.

Thank you, Mrs. Salviandra, for offering us a glimpse into the heart of Handara, where premier beauty, thoughtful leadership, and a spirit of quiet innovation continue to shape one of Bali’s most extraordinary destinations.

We invite you to visit http://www.handaragolfresort.com/ to book your next experience today.