Now in Bali for eight years, Sylvain’s career first brought him to the island on a mission for the pre-opening of Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort and to prepare for the APEC conference being held in the hotel. He then became the hotel’s general manager, again hosting a large international event, this time the IMF conference. For the past two years, he has been helming Accor hotels in Bali and Lombok as the area general manager.
The current situation is something that no-one could have ever expected and is not easy to handle, but he remains positive and is working to rebuild the team and the network.
Q: How has the stay-at-home situation changed your daily life?
A: I guess it has changed everyone’s life a lot. For my daily life, I personally find myself more aware of health aspects, which makes me pay more attention to hygiene and cleanliness. While I can just stay at home, I’m trying to pay more attention to what I’m eating each day, keeping my home clean and comfy, which is important as I still need to work productively from home, and of course getting enough sleep or some rest.
Q: What activities do you like to do now that you have to stay at home more?
A: I like to spend most of my time at home working with my team, connecting with them virtually to discuss new strategies and ideas, and also to encourage each other. In my spare time, I like to cook healthy food, and to stay updated with the current news and global situation. I often visit the hotel as well, to monitor everything.
Q: Please share your tips on what to do to stay positive at home.
A: To stay positive at home, you need to still be productive and creative. That’s the only way to make you feel more optimistic in this tough time. Of course, we might face some days that are harder than others, but again, this too shall pass. Life must go on, so just do what you like, learn something new and maintain your communication with family and friends as well.
Q: Do you have any tips to maintain a healthy lifestyle?
A: To maintain a healthy lifestyle, balance is the key. Eat healthy plant-based food, do routine exercise, stay hydrated by drinking lots of water, make sure you have enough sleep and socialise with your loved ones. Balance is the key for the perfect foundation for physical and mental health.
Q: Since you have to stay at home more, what do you miss most from normal life?
A: The things that I miss the most from normal life are chilling out with my friends and going travelling, discovering new places, learning a new culture and simply just enjoying nature. I miss talking to my friends and my team in person, laughing together with them, sharing good stories while enjoying good food.
Q: What is the first country you want to visit after the quarantine is over and why?
A: France will absolutely be the first country on my list. I can’t wait to be back in my hometown to see my mom, as well as the rest of my family. I will spend some time there to gather with them and to hug them warmly once this is all over, which I believe will be pretty soon.
