From Resorts to Rose-Gold Helicopters: The Balinese Vision of Pak Dwi

Growing up in Bali, Dwi was no stranger to hotel stays and resort living, thanks to his father’s tradition of weekend getaways. It was there, among the check-ins, beachside dinners, and room service trays, that his fascination with the hospitality world began.

After finishing high school in Bali, Dwi followed his passion to Switzerland, choosing hotel school over civil engineering in Frankfurt. It was there, between peeling chickens and wine appreciation classes, that he learned the rigorous fundamentals of service and the global nuances of hospitality. But more than just technical skills, it was the cultural exposure and diversity of thought that shaped his worldview and leadership style.

Returning to Bali with clarity and ambition, Dwi joined his family business, which, until then, had been rooted in automotive dealerships, including Honda and Mercedes-Benz, and began laying the foundations of his hospitality empire. His first properties were launched with no grand roadmap, but a clear desire to create spaces rooted in both global quality and Balinese soul. Over time, the business developed a formal 10-year strategy, which they ended up executing in just seven.

Today, Dwi and his team oversee over 1,600 employees across a growing portfolio of villas, resorts, restaurants, spas, and experience-based offerings. His first projects, Seminyak Sanctuary Villa, along with Ubud’s Kaamala and Aksari, remain close to his heart. “Each project is like a baby,” he says, recalling how he personally helps choose the land, designs with his team, and remains involved long after launch.

From boutique bamboo villas like Hideout to fine dining concepts ranging from Indian to Japanese, his ventures continually challenge what’s expected from a Balinese entrepreneur. “Why can’t Balinese people open a steakhouse?” he asks with a smile. “Why not dream bigger?”

His latest ventures include Equipoise Resort, an ultra-luxury escape opening soon in Ubud and Hideout, an expanded bamboo-style resort in the mountains of Karangasem. And if that wasn’t enough, he is also entering the sky. “Rosie,” the world’s first rose-gold helicopter, is his aviation debut, offering luxe Bali tours from above.

Through it all, Dwi remains grounded in Balinese culture. He still participates in traditional Balinese ceremonies and rituals, a practice that grounds his forward-thinking approach. “Even with all the modern tech, AI, and automation, our roots matter. Bali will always be Bali. Culture isn’t just decoration here, it’s a way of life.”

His leadership style blends discipline, humility and ambition. “If you want one villa, aim for ten. If you want 1,000 staff, aim for 10,000,” he says. “The universe will meet your energy. But you have to be consistent. I still show up at 7 am every day, even as a founder.”

In the end, Pak Dwi’s legacy isn’t just in the properties he builds, it’s in the pride he brings to Bali’s next generation. “We’re not just following the world anymore. We’re helping shape it, from right here on this island. We’re showing that local people can lead, create, and innovate.”

And if Rosie the helicopter is any sign of what’s to come, Pak Dwi’s vision is just getting off the ground.