Meet Our Team of North Bali Experts
Meet Our Team of North Bali Experts
The soul of North Bali Resorts is our people. We are a dedicated group of hospitality professionals, marine conservationists, and travel journalists united by a shared love for North Bali and a commitment to creating exceptional travel experiences. With decades of combined experience living and working in Indonesia, our team possesses an unparalleled depth of local knowledge and a global perspective on luxury service. Our expertise is your assurance of a perfectly executed and truly memorable journey.
Leadership & Curation
Putu Wijaya
Founder & Managing Director
Credentials: Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA), B.A. in Hospitality Management from STP NHI Bandung, Member of ASITA (Association of the Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies).
A native of Singaraja, Putu’s roots in North Bali run deep. With over 20 years of experience managing some of Indonesia’s most prestigious luxury hotels, including properties for Aman and Alila, Putu brings an insider’s perspective and an uncompromising standard of excellence. He founded North Bali Resorts to share the authentic, tranquil beauty of his home region with the world, focusing on sustainable development and community empowerment. He personally oversees our resort partnerships and is the guiding force behind our brand’s vision.
Isabelle Dubois
Director of Curation & Sustainability
Credentials: M.Sc. in Sustainable Tourism Management (University of Surrey), PADI Advanced Open Water Diver.
Originally from France, Isabelle has called Bali home for over 15 years. Her passion for responsible travel led her to explore every corner of the island, but she was ultimately captivated by the pristine nature and rich culture of the north. Isabelle leads our property vetting process, ensuring every resort in our collection meets the stringent criteria outlined in our methodology. She is also the architect of our sustainability initiatives, working closely with partners to minimize environmental impact and maximize positive community contributions. Read more about her work on our sustainability page.
Dr. Gede Pratama
Marine Biologist & Head of Experiences
Credentials: Ph.D. in Marine Biology (Universitas Udayana), PADI IDC Staff Instructor, Certified Coral Propagation Specialist.
Dr. Gede is our resident expert on North Bali’s incredible underwater world. He designs and oversees all our marine-based experiences, from responsible dolphin watching excursions in Lovina to world-class diving trips in the Bali Barat National Park near Pemuteran. He works directly with local dive operators and conservation groups like the Coral Triangle Center to ensure our activities are not just thrilling, but also educational and ecologically sound. His research on coral reef health informs our selection of dive partners and our contributions to local conservation projects.
Ayu Lestari
Head of Guest Relations
Credentials: Certified Travel Associate (CTA), Member of Himpunan Pramuwisata Indonesia (HPI).
Ayu is the heart of our guest experience. With a background in luxury concierge services in Jakarta and Bali, she possesses an extraordinary talent for anticipating guest needs and crafting seamless, personalized itineraries. From arranging a private yoga session overlooking the Munduk valley to securing a table at a sought-after local warung, Ayu manages every detail with grace and precision. She leads our 24/7 support team, ensuring every guest feels cared for from the moment they land at Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) until their departure.
Michael Chen
Head of Content & Editorial
Credentials: M.A. in Journalism, former contributor to Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia and DestinAsian.
Michael ensures that the information we provide is as exceptional as the experiences we offer. He is responsible for the accuracy, integrity, and insightfulness of all content on our website. He developed and enforces our strict editorial standards, guaranteeing that our reviews and guides are trustworthy, well-researched, and reflect the true character of North Bali. Michael’s work ensures that when you read about a hidden waterfall or the best season for diving, you’re getting information you can rely on.
Our collective expertise is the foundation of our promise to you. We invite you to explore our curated collection of resorts and begin planning your journey with a team that truly knows North Bali.
Continue exploring North Bali Resorts:
Our North Bali Resorts Service ·
Meet Our Team ·
Editorial Standards ·
Methodology ·
Sustainability ·
Safety & Compliance
The serene charm of north Bali’s luxury landscape
Imagine waking to the gentle murmur of the Bali Sea, not the distant thrum of traffic, with verdant volcanic slopes rising behind your private villa. The north of Bali unfolds as a serene counterpoint to the island’s more vibrant southern shores, offering a sanctuary where luxury is defined by tranquility, authenticity, and an intimate connection with nature. Here, the pace slows, allowing for profound moments of reflection and discovery. Our chosen north bali resorts are not merely places to stay; they are meticulously selected havens designed to immerse you in this unique ambiance. From boutique beachfront properties overlooking the calm, sapphire waters to secluded hillside estates nestled amidst clove and coffee plantations, each offers a distinct interpretation of refined Balinese hospitality.
This region, often referred to as the ‘authentic Bali,’ presents a landscape of breathtaking diversity. Travelers can explore the dramatic waterfalls cascading down lush ravines, trek through untouched rainforests, or discover ancient temples that stand as testament to Bali’s rich spiritual heritage. Unlike the bustling south, North Bali invites a deeper engagement with local life, from vibrant morning markets in Singaraja to the timeless rhythms of fishing villages along the coast. Our team specializes in unveiling these layers, ensuring your journey transcends the typical tourist experience.
Accessing this secluded paradise is part of its charm. While Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) is located in the south, the scenic drive north takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, covering about 90 kilometers to areas like Lovina or Munduk. This journey itself becomes an introduction to Bali’s changing landscapes, from terraced rice paddies to mountain passes. Our specialists meticulously arrange seamless private transfers, ensuring your arrival at your chosen north bali resorts is as effortless as it is anticipated, setting the tone for an undisturbed retreat.
Curated adventures from your north Bali resort base
Beyond the exquisite comfort of your chosen accommodation, North Bali beckons with a spectrum of curated experiences designed to enrich and inspire. The calm, clear waters off the northern coast are a diver’s and snorkeler’s paradise, particularly around Menjangan Island, part of the West Bali National Park. Here, vibrant coral gardens teem with marine life, boasting over 300 species of coral and a dazzling array of reef fish. Our experts can arrange private boat trips and guided dives, connecting you with reputable, conservation-minded operators who prioritize the health of this precious ecosystem. Imagine exploring untouched underwater landscapes, followed by a gourmet picnic on a secluded beach, all meticulously planned to align with your personal interests.
On land, the region offers equally captivating adventures. Discover the majesty of Gitgit Waterfall, one of Bali’s most iconic natural wonders, or venture further to the multi-tiered cascades of Sekumpul Waterfall, often hailed as the island’s most beautiful. For those seeking cultural immersion, our team can facilitate private cooking classes using fresh, local ingredients, or arrange visits to traditional Balinese compounds where you can witness age-old crafts firsthand. We also specialize in ethical dolphin watching tours, ensuring interactions are respectful of the animals and conducted at sunrise for a truly magical experience directly from the shores near many north bali resorts.
Our commitment extends to crafting itineraries that reflect your unique preferences, whether it’s a spiritual journey through ancient temples like Pura Beji Sangsit, a trek through lush coffee and clove plantations, or simply days spent unwinding by the infinity pool of your luxury resort. We leverage our deep local connections to unlock exclusive access and provide insights that transform a simple trip into an extraordinary expedition. Every detail, from private yoga sessions overlooking the sea to bespoke culinary excursions, is thoughtfully woven into your journey, ensuring a tapestry of memories as rich and diverse as North Bali itself. For more insights into Bali’s diverse offerings, consider exploring Indonesia Travel’s official guide to Bali.