Cretya Ubud, located within Alas Harum Bali, is known to bring a fantastic atmosphere for the visitors of Ubud. Founder Made Nano speaks fondly on his experience growing Cretya Ubud out of a humble day club to one of the prime venues in Bali for stunning sights, delectable dishes and electric experiences.
Q: How did you get into hospitality?
A: It started 15 years ago when I was a tour guide in Bali. I always drove tourists, and I saw that the hospitality industry was quite lucrative. As a young Balinese man at the time, this drove me to create something for myself. Since I was raised in Ubud, I knew it had the potential to hold what I now have. I started talking with friends about becoming involved with Alas Harum Bali, and ultimately started the company with my partner. It started quite small, but has progressively grown to what it is today.
Q: What’s the most valuable lesson you learned throughout your time running Cretya Ubud?
A: The pandemic provided the biggest lesson, as it was the hardest situation. The hardest times always turn over the most valuable lessons, and during this time I learned how to create business from the domestic market, while the international market was not as present. We had to create a new strategy and reset the team to focus on a new target.
Q: What drove you to enter the food and beverage industry, despite having no prior experience?
A: I see that we Balinese people rely on the hospitality industry. We divide hospitality into classes of F&B, hotel and activities. Alas Harum started out as an activity provider, but I soon realised that we could also provide food and drinks to our guests, and it was a seamless transition into that department.
Q: You fully believe that every process takes patience. Can you give an example of how that has benefitted your business or professional life?
A: I believe that patience is the best virtue in managing a business or leading a team. Everything takes time, and you need to be patient throughout each process of a project or goal.
Q: What gives Cretya Ubud the edge over other dining locations on the island?
A: I have confidence with what I’ve been doing with Cretya Ubud. This location is the only day club that has a clear view over the Ubud jungle. While beach clubs have been opening all over the coast of Bali, and I saw the opportunity to build something with a similar vibe to a beach club closer to the beautiful greenery Bali has to offer. We have all the amenities that a beach club offers, but we focus even more on the quality of our food in doing so. We pride ourselves on creating a good location with good food and good vibes. Now everyone enjoys themselves upon walking into Cretya Ubud.
Asia Dreams Volume 48
Cretya Ubud at Alas Harum Bali
IG: @cretyaubud
