Leading With Understanding
Eduardo Perera Castro brings more than two decades of global hospitality experience to Bali, shaped by a long-standing career with Meliá Hotels International. With a leadership style rooted in consistency and cultural adaptability, he now spearheads the transformation of Paradisus by Meliá Bali into a new benchmark for luxury all-inclusive resorts in the region.
Q: You’ve been with Meliá Hotels International for over 20 years. What convinced you to stay with the brand?
A: Several factors convinced me it was the right brand for me. Firstly, it has allowed me to grow professionally by working across different brands and destinations. Equally important are the company’s values. Meliá Hotels International is a family-owned business, and I’ve had the privilege of meeting both the founder, Gabriel Escarrer, and the second generation, Gabriel Escarrer Jaume. Altogether, these elements, and many others, make me feel genuinely at home within the company.
Q: What made you decide to move to Bali after a globe-spanning career?
A: Bali is one of the most competitive and dynamic markets in the world, so for me it was a natural move. It challenges you to constantly improve and to pay attention to every detail, as the level of competition is intense. Additionally, leading a repositioning project such as the transformation from Meliá Bali to Paradisus was an opportunity I was keen to embrace.
Q: How did you navigate moving from one country to another?
A: After many years working across different countries and continents, you learn that adaptability is key. It’s not about imposing your own perspective on a new destination, but about listening, understanding the local culture, and embracing what the country has to offer. From there, you build and work within that context.
Q: What are some similarities and differences between managing a Paradisus property in Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Bali?
A: At its core, the objective remains the same: delivering a strong guest experience while managing complex operations. However, Bali is distinct. It has a deeply rooted culture, and guests here are often more experienced, with higher expectations. The competition is also far more sophisticated, which demands greater precision across every aspect: product, service, and positioning.
Q: What are some things you learned from your international experience that you bring into your leadership here in Bali?
A: After 20 years in hospitality, I believe it comes down to clarity, discipline, and consistency. Success in this industry doesn’t come from big ideas alone; it comes from executing them well. My role is to foster a culture where people understand that consistency is what ultimately builds excellence.
Q: What was the biggest challenge during the hotel’s transition from Meliá Bali to Paradisus by Meliá Bali?
A: The greatest challenge was not the physical transformation, but the shift in mindset. Moving from a traditional resort to a luxury, experiential all-inclusive concept requires a different way of thinking, operating, and delivering service; it adds a layer of complexity that must be embraced across the entire team.
Q: Among the new additions to Paradisus by Meliá Bali, which is your favourite and why?
A: If I had to choose, it would be the overall concept rather than a single feature. The way the resort is structured, with Family Concierge, The Reserve, and Destination Inclusive, allows us to offer distinct experiences within one property. That’s where the real value lies.
Q: What is the biggest difference between Paradisus by Meliá Bali and the former Meliá Bali?
A: Paradisus Bali is not simply a renovation; it is a repositioning. We have moved away from a traditional resort model to a more differentiated, experience-driven concept, with a stronger focus on segmentation, quality, and value.
Q: If you could describe the stay experience in one word, what would it be and why?
A: Meaningful. Today, luxury is no longer about excess; it’s about connection. It’s about connecting with the destination, the culture, and the experience itself.
Q: How do you see the Paradisus brand evolving from here?
A: Paradisus has a strong opportunity to redefine the luxury all-inclusive segment, particularly in Asia-Pacific. We already have projects in destinations such as Thailand and Vietnam, and if we execute them well, I believe we can make a meaningful impact in this space.
Asia Dreams Volume 59
Paradisus by Meliá Bali
ITDC, Nusa Dua
Bali 80363, Indonesia
T: (+62) 361771510
E: reservation.paradisusbali@melia.com
W: melia.com
IG: @paradisusbali
