The Art of Making People Happy
Pavithar Harjani is not a new player in large-scale investments. However, when he made the move to become the owner of Four Points by Sheraton Balikpapan, as well as opening Prasana by Arjani Resorts in Bali, he appreciated the opportunity to make people happy. He talks to Asia Dreams about what makes the all-villa resort shine.
Q: Tell us about how you got into the hospitality property business.
A: At first it started just being part of our portfolio – but then we took it a step further. We decided that in a world where people face a lot of mundane activities and problems, where they face a lot of adversity, we have the opportunity to give them an experience of happiness, to create good memories for them, to make everything they do worthwhile. That is why we created Prasana. The word prasana means happiness. The full name, Prasana by Arjani, translates to happiness by a happy person. That is the basis of why the hospitality industry was so attractive to us.
Q: What attracts you to this industry?
A: The hospitality industry gives us the opportunity to make people happy. I think that’s the core of hospitality itself.
Q: What’s the biggest difference between the hospitality industry and the business that you ran before?
A: It’s very different. My previous business was basically pure investment, I never got into the experience of interacting with our guests, or with anyone who experienced the product itself. We were purely investors. This time we are putting effort into getting to know the guests, trying to see what they want, and to see what we can do to make them feel more comfortable.
Q: Can you tell us what guests can expect when visiting Prasana for the first time?
A: They can expect warmth, absolute care, and all kinds of needs fulfilled, even if it’s not on the menu or our normal service, we will try to give it to them. They should know that Prasana is almost like their home, where we try to make anything possible, just to make them happy, whatever they need.
Q: Can you tell us some interesting stories from the development of Prasana?
A: We started in a place where the road was non-existent and everything had to be done by hand. So everything in Prasana is handmade, all with artistic flair, so every villa is slightly unique. You can see a bit of artistic touch in everything, every piece of furniture, every wall piece, there’s something a little bit different if you look closely.
Q: Since you built it, what are your favourite things about Prasana?
A: I like the vibe, but it’s not just that. There’s a vibe of relaxation when you step in, it’s absolute relaxation. No one can explain it, but the moment they step in, they’re suddenly at peace. That cannot be bought, it’s something that’s always been there, and I think many people appreciate it, and that’s why we’ve always been a thriving, small, boutique villa. You don’t get this experience in larger hotels, this is something that is unique to Prasana, the peaceful vibration. The relaxation, the surroundings, the warmth, are things that are unique to the place.
Q: Can you tell us about your typical weekday?
A: That depends on where I am. I travel a lot, two to three weeks in a month, so there is no typical weekday for me.
Q: Having two properties in two different parts of the country, what is next for you in the hospitality industry?
A: I have no idea! You will have to see. Again, it depends on what we can best do for our guests, that’s all. We have time to discover, and we will take that time.
Prasana by Arjani Resorts
