Engage in Regular Physical Activity. I made it a point to join the morning yoga sessions when time permits. Starting the day with some yoga not only felt great physically but also set a positive vibe for the rest of the day.
The pandemic has shaped the way we travel and live, with a growing trend leaning towards health, wellness, and a holistic lifestyle. More than ever, individuals are seeking not just getaways, but immersive wellness retreats that help rejuvenate the body, mind, and soul. Destinations that provide a serene environment, unique wellness offerings, and an unparalleled experience are in great demand. In this interview series, we are talking to property owners and hospitality companies who are at the helm of these wellness havens. As a part of this series, I had the pleasure of interviewing Serpil Guney.
With over 20 years in the hospitality industry, Serpil has successfully managed hotel openings, conversions, and renovations across five countries. As general manager of Umana Bali, she now leads the hotel’s operations with a focus on creating wellness-centered experiences for guests. Her leadership at the award-winning luxury resort highlights her belief in the restorative power of travel, ensuring that every aspect of the guest experience contributes to their well-being and rejuvenation.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Before we dive into the main focus of our interview, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your childhood backstory?
Igrew up on a farm in Turkey with my siblings and parents. As the oldest, I felt a strong responsibility to look after my brother and sister. My childhood was filled with joy — climbing trees, picking fresh fruits and vegetables from the garden, and playing with friends until dusk. My deep love for nature began during those early days, and I still cherish waking up early to spend time outdoors.
What or who inspired you to pursue your career? We’d love to hear the story.
After earning an honors degree in Fashion from high school, I dreamed of pursuing a career in the field. However, when I was accepted into one of the top universities in my country, I decided to pivot and focus on business administration and finance instead. Upon graduation, I secured a position as an internal auditor at an investment bank in Turkey. I enjoyed traveling between branches and analysing complex business cases for multi-million-dollar credits. Over the course of seven years, I worked my way up to become a senior auditor of the board and assistant head of the internal audit department, overseeing the auditing of 84 branches.
Despite my success in banking, I eventually lost interest and sought a career change. Living in hotels for work made me realize the joy of meeting people, sharing their stories, and creating meaningful experiences for them. In 2002, I became the Finance Director at a new luxury Hilton hotel, and that’s when I discovered my passion for hospitality. I fell in love with the job and never looked back. These career changes were pivotal moments in my journey, and I was fortunate to have the support of the companies I worked for. I’ve always been competitive and driven to be judged solely on my performance. Joining Hilton in 2002 was a turning point, as the company provided incredible support to help me develop my skills and achieve my goals. I owe my success to my parents, children, and the amazing mentors who have shared their wisdom and patience with me over the years.
None of us can achieve success without some help along the way. Was there a particular person who you feel gave you the most help or encouragement to be who you are today? Can you share a story about that?
My parents have always been a source of support, motivation, and inspiration. Their unwavering belief in me gave me confidence from an early age. As a child, I naturally took on the role of leader, creating games for my friends and leading our adventures around the farm. We spent our days running freely and were incredibly happy children. This upbringing instilled in me the courage to pursue my goals without fear of failure.
I still remember when my father gave my sister and me a piece of land — several hectares to manage on our own. Whatever we could grow would belong to us. We decided to plant tomatoes, and that summer taught me invaluable lessons: patience, organization, adaptability to unexpected changes like sudden rain or drought, leadership, and budgeting. It was a transformative summer, marking our first steps toward growing up.
It has been said that sometimes our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share the funniest or most interesting mistake that occurred to you in the course of your career? What lesson or takeaway did you learn from that?
I am content with my decisions. Looking back, even if some choices seemed wrong or felt like failures at the time, I now see that they prepared me for future successes. I view them not as mistakes, but as rainy days before the rainbow. If I have any regret, it might be not exploring the world sooner. There are so many cultures and wonders to discover, but unfortunately, time is limited.
Can you share your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Why does that resonate with you so much?
I enjoy reading biographies and finding inspiration in them. One quote that particularly resonates with me is by Shirley Chisholm, “We must reject not only the stereotypes that others hold of us but also the stereotypes that we hold of ourselves.” This quote perfectly captures how women are often limited by invisible barriers. I strongly believe that we need to move beyond discussions solely centered on female leaders and instead focus on having simply leaders, in order to create a legacy where all women can be role models and break stereotypes. In line with this belief, I have actively participated in mentorship programs, organized regular Q&A sessions with female leaders both within and outside of my hotels, and provided support to young talent in any way I can. Throughout my extensive career with Hilton, I have been incredibly fortunate to receive significant support for myself and my projects aimed at empowering the female workforce.
However, recently I came across a quote by Angela Davis, “I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept.” I found this quote to be very empowering and confident, and it also resonated with me deeply.
What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now? How do you think that might help people?
Supporting the women around me has always been a priority. In the past, I’ve established women’s clubs in my hotels and organized mentorship sessions to build meaningful connections with my mentees. I’ve also served as an instructor and facilitator in learning and development programs, conducted new General Manager orientations, and worked on projects to assist women in need. These are just a few examples of how I strive to give back what has been given to me.
Mentorship has been a crucial part of my journey. I’ve been fortunate to work with amazing leaders who accepted me as their mentee. I believe that having mentors to guide you during challenging times or when you reach a crossroads is invaluable. They’ve shared their wisdom, allowed me to make mistakes, and, more importantly, helped me use those experiences as learning opportunities rather than sources of discouragement.
I’m eager to do the same for the young talent around me, as I believe in giving back and helping others grow.
OK, thank you for all of that. Let’s now shift to the core focus of our interview about wellness destinations. Let’s dive deeper into this together.
Based on your research or personal experience, why do you think travel can lead to better wellness? Can you share a story?
Personally, I love exploring new places, as each journey refreshes my mind and opens up new perspectives. The change of scenery, the immersion in different cultures, and the opportunity to disconnect from daily routines have a profound impact on my well-being. The physical activity involved in exploring new terrains rejuvenates my body, while the exposure to diverse ideas and experiences stimulates my mind, sparking creativity and new ways of thinking. Spiritually, travel allows me to connect with the world on a deeper level, offering moments of introspection and a renewed sense of purpose. Each trip leaves me feeling revitalized, with a clearer mind, a more balanced outlook, and a stronger connection to the world around me.
What are a few things that distinguish your property from thousands of wellness properties around the world?
Lohma Spa at Umana Bali is where tradition meets innovation in the most natural way. It’s a place that brings you back to the roots of community, well-being, and finding deeper meaning in the everyday. We follow the Tri Hita Karana philosophy — balancing Spirituality, People, and Nature — and that guides everything we offer, from our treatments to our wellness programs.
Here, relaxation isn’t just about taking a break. It’s about being present. You can start your day with a yoga session that leaves you feeling energized, followed by a guided meditation that helps you slow down and appreciate the moment.
When you’re ready, let our spa treatments take you further on this journey of renewal. We blend traditional Balinese techniques with modern wellness practices, offering everything from soothing massages to serene flower baths. Whether you’re unwinding in a quiet corner or practicing mindfulness in our peaceful surroundings, Lohma Spa is your sanctuary — a place to reconnect, recharge, and leave feeling truly refreshed.
What makes your property a beautiful escape for a body and mind recharge?
Lohma Spa is your sanctuary of inspiration, guiding you on a journey to a happier, healthier, and more meaningful life. Umana Bali offers a wellness centre with comprehensive facilities, including saunas, steam rooms, hot and cold plunge pools, and various advanced wellness experiences such as holotropic breathing, sound healing, stretching and meditation and others for a beautiful wellness escape.
Can you share any transformative stories or testimonials from guests who visited your property?
One guest, struggling with insomnia, reported a remarkable improvement in their sleep quality after participating in our sound healing therapy. They found that the soothing vibrations and harmonics helped them relax deeply and fall asleep more easily. They shared that the sessions not only enhanced their nightly rest but also had a calming effect on their overall well-being.
Why do you think the experience you offer is so needed nowadays?
In today’s fast-paced and often stressful world, the experience we offer at Umana Bali is more crucial than ever. A recent global survey conducted by Hilton and Ipsos revealed that travellers are prioritizing rest and rejuvenation leisure travel in 2024, even at the expense of other personal spending. Across generations, the primary motivation for travel in the coming year is to rest and recharge, with a heightened focus on achieving quality sleep. These insights are part of Hilton’s third-annual trends report, “What Millennials, Gen Z, Gen X, and Baby Boomers Tell Us About Travel in the Year Ahead,” which delves into the evolving preferences of travellers.
The report, based on a global survey of over 10,000 travellers from nine countries, video diaries with 60 U.S. travellers, and in-depth interviews with Hilton travel experts, identifies four key themes expected to drive change and innovation in travel for 2024 and beyond. Among these, personal wellness stands out as a significant priority, with a growing emphasis on ensuring a good night’s sleep while away from home — a trend that has gained momentum after the challenges of recent years heightened the need for rest and relaxation. In 2024, travellers will seek out products and brands that align with this imperative for well-being.
At Umana Bali, we are perfectly positioned to meet this demand, offering an experience that not only prioritizes rest but also rejuvenates the body, mind, and spirit in a serene and restorative environment.
Do you think travel enhances our mindfulness, optimism, or sense of gratitude? How? Can you please explain with an example or story?
A guest found that participating in our meditation session and joining local cultural activities, such as the Village Walk and the Balinese Soul Blessing ceremony, deepened their sense of presence and appreciation for life. This experience not only increased their mindfulness but also fostered a greater sense of gratitude and optimism in their daily life. Encountering new cultures and practices during travel can broaden perspectives and inspire a more positive outlook, highlighting the profound impact of travel on personal growth and well-being.
What are your “5 Habits You Should Develop In Order Make Travel Into An Opportunity For Wellness & Personal Growth?”
Practice Mindful Eating
I started taking my time with each meal. Instead of rushing through, I take my time to really savour the flavours and enjoy the ingredients. It made my dining experiences so much more fulfilling and helped me connect with the cuisine on a deeper level.
Engage in Regular Physical Activity
I made it a point to join the morning yoga sessions when time permits. Starting the day with some yoga not only felt great physically but also set a positive vibe for the rest of the day.
Explore Local Cultures and Traditions
I always make it a point to learn more about the local culture and history of the destination of my travels. Immersing myself in the local culture is eye-opening and adds so much depth to my trip. It’s amazing how connecting with local traditions can make travel so much richer and more memorable.
Prioritize Rest and Relaxation
I made sure to schedule some downtime and treat myself to a spa day. Taking the time to relax and unwind was crucial. It helps me recharge and come back home feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, making the whole travel experience even better.
Keep a Travel Journal
I started keeping a travel journal to jot down my experiences and thoughts. It was a great way to reflect on my journey, track my personal growth, and really appreciate the new perspectives I gained. Journaling helped me stay connected with my travels and made the whole experience more meaningful.
Based on your experience, where do you see the future of wellness travel heading in the next 5–10 years?
In my point of view, travellers will increasingly seek personalized wellness experiences tailored to their specific needs and preferences. This will involve customized programs that address individual health goals, such as stress reduction, fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being. There will be an increased focus on mental and emotional health, with wellness retreats and programs offering meditation, mindfulness, and therapy sessions. Destinations will provide serene environments conducive to introspection and stress relief. Travelers will seek authentic cultural experiences that promote well-being. This could involve participating in traditional healing practices, exploring local rituals, and engaging with indigenous communities to learn about their wellness traditions.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
You could check umanabali.com to follow my work online https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/dpsolol-umana-bali-resort/resort/
Thank you for these really excellent insights, and we greatly appreciate the time you spent on this. We wish you continued success.
About the Interviewer: Wanda Malhotra is a wellness entrepreneur, lifestyle journalist, and the CEO of Crunchy Mama Box, a mission-driven platform promoting conscious living. CMB empowers individuals with educational resources and vetted products to help them make informed choices. Passionate about social causes like environmental preservation and animal welfare, Wanda writes about clean beauty, wellness, nutrition, social impact and sustainability, simplifying wellness with curated resources. Join Wanda and the Crunchy Mama Box community in embracing a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle at CrunchyMamaBox.com.
