In today’s fast-paced world, achieving work-life balance is more crucial than ever, especially for those in high-demand careers such as hospitality, the culinary arts, and wellness. These industries require not only long hours and intense focus but also the ability to maintain physical and mental wellbeing to thrive. Without a healthy body and mind, the challenges of leadership, creativity, and personal growth become even more difficult to navigate.
The benefits are well-documented – individuals who prioritise their health experience more energy, improved concentration, and greater overall satisfaction in both their personal and professional lives. Indeed, the most successful leaders recognise that their wellness is directly tied to their impact, and therefore it’s essential to foster habits that promote longevity, resilience, and clarity.
We spoke to five professionals who embody this philosophy, each offering unique insights into how they integrate wellness into their demanding careers. From the luxury hospitality sector and the culinary industry to nutrition, these individuals show how self care plays an integral role in achieving success.
Whether it’s through daily fitness routines, mindfulness practices, or conscious eating habits, these dynamic leaders demonstrate how maintaining personal wellness helps them navigate their roles with greater ease, focus, and satisfaction, ultimately benefiting their teams and those they serve.
Sander Looijen
General Manager at The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali and Multi-Property Vice President – Bali (Premium & Select Properties) of Marriott
For the general manager of The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali, staying active is crucial to both his wellbeing and leadership, especially when he’s performing a dual role as well.
“Staying active keeps me sane,” Sander Looijen shares, and even with his packed schedule, he makes time for swimming and water polo. Beyond fitness, Sander incorporates daily rituals such as meditation and journaling, recognising the importance of mental clarity in achieving work-life balance. “Wellness isn’t just about physical health, it’s about emotional balance,” he adds.
At the resort, wellness is about creating a holistic environment where multiple wellness experiences work in tandem. Guests can choose from yoga sessions, spa treatments, and nutritious meals, but the real benefit lies in how these elements layer together, helping guests reset and reconnect with themselves.
He highlights that wellness is integrated into every part of the experience, from the calming atmosphere on arrival to the personalised programs tailored to guests’ needs. Sander recommends exploring personalised wellness programs, which have proven to have a lasting impact on guests, ensuring they leave feeling rejuvenated, both physically and mentally.
Yuda Bustara
Chef and media figure, winner of Netflix’s The Maverick Academy
Chef Yuda Bustara approaches wellness with the same passion he applies to his career. Known for his boundless energy, he integrates weight training, cardio, and meditation into his routine. “It’s less about strict routines and more about making space for what keeps me energised,” Yuda explains.
When it comes to nutrition, he follows a balanced approach, opting for high-protein meals including ayam kecap and telur balado while indulging occasionally in favourites such as nasi Padang. Yuda believes that mental resilience is just as important as physical health. “You don’t have to choose – your health fuels your passion,” he advises, encouraging young chefs to find harmony between what drives them and their wellbeing.
For him, cooking is therapeutic, especially when preparing simple meals for himself away from the kitchen’s pressure. “Cooking at home, when no one is watching, helps me stay grounded,” Yuda reflects. With media appearances, brand work, and culinary projects often taking centre stage, he relies on tools such as Google Calendar to keep himself organised. He advises young chefs to take time for themselves and build wellness into their routine, ensuring they remain healthy both physically and mentally in an otherwise demanding industry.
Aulianty Fellina
Senior Director of Marketing Communications & PR at Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort
Aulianty Fellina knows that wellness is not a luxury, but a necessity, especially in a fast-paced, high-demand environment like the hospitality industry. Achieving work-life balance is key, and she’s rigorous in her approach to daily habits that help maintain both her physical and mental wellbeing.
Her mornings start with a calming walk, a ritual that helps reset her mind before the day’s responsibilities begin. She’s mindful of the need for mental clarity, which she achieves by stepping away from screens, enjoying a proper coffee, and taking time for quiet moments of reflection. Her approach to wellness revolves around small but essential routines.
Physical movement is a non-negotiable for Aulianty, whether it’s a morning walk or a session at the gym, setting the tone for the day. She also values mindful eating, prioritising fresh, local ingredients, and makes time to truly enjoy her meals. When it comes to rest, sleep is treated as a priority; Aulianty ensures she gets at least eight hours each night, understanding that adequate rest is essential for staying sharp and grounded in her demanding role.
Her morning ritual helps her prepare for high-pressure moments, especially when juggling the demands of her career. Her daily routine includes walking her dogs, stretching, and having a quiet coffee to set her intentions for the day.
At Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua, wellness is deeply embedded in the guest experience. Aulianty encourages guests to embrace sunrise yoga and soothing spa treatments, both of which are woven into the resort’s holistic approach to wellness. “We’re creating a space where people can reset and feel like themselves again,” she says.
dr. Ayu Diandra Sari, MM, M.Gizi, Sp.GK
Clinical nutritionist and media figure, former beauty pageant titleholder of Puteri Indonesia Lingkungan (Miss Indonesia Environment)
Clinical nutritionist dr Ayu Diandra Sari advocates a personalised approach to health. “A healthy relationship with food starts with understanding your body,” she explains, emphasising the importance of evidence-based nutrition.
She encourages people to tune into their hunger and fullness cues, choose whole foods, and align their meal times with their daily activities. This foundation helps individuals avoid falling prey to fad diets, fostering a sustainable approach to eating that encourages long-term health and achieving work-life balance.
For dr Diandra, wellness is a balance of nutrition, exercise, and mental wellbeing. Her morning begins with self-reflection and a high-protein, fibre-rich breakfast to fuel her body for the day ahead. She believes in the power of regular exercise, incorporating swimming and power walking into her weekly routine.
To manage stress, she also practices meditation and deep breathing exercises. Despite her busy schedule, she recognises the importance of quality sleep, aiming for six to eight hours of rest each night to ensure her body and mind recover fully.
When it comes to nutrition, she sees athletes as an ideal example of discipline and consistency. She encourages non-athletes to adopt the same principles, focusing on food quality, hydration, and meal timing. “It’s all about consistency,” she says, noting that athletes’ discipline can teach us valuable lessons about nutrition. Small, gradual shifts, such as increasing vegetable and fruit intake, prioritising sleep, and engaging in physical activity, can significantly improve overall wellbeing.
Rahma Susanti
Director of Wellness Pre-Operations of The Meru Sanur
At The Meru Sanur, Rahma Susanti focuses on creating transformative wellness experiences through a balance of ancient Balinese healing traditions and modern wellness practices.
“Wellness is about finding balance, not just within yourself, but also with the world around you,” Rahma explains. Her approach as the resort’s director of wellness pre-operations is rooted in Bali’s Tri Hita Karana philosophy, integrating elements such as grounding rituals and energy healing.
Each guest’s wellness journey is personalised, guided by their Weton birth calendar, to ensure a deeply meaningful experience. Rahma’s own daily routine includes a simple but grounding morning ritual, starting with deep breathing and an affirmation: “Om Awignam Astu Ya Namah Swaha,” which translates to “May everything unfold with kindness.”
This practice, paired with calming music, helps her stay balanced and focused throughout her demanding day.
Looking forward, Rahma is excited to introduce a Wellness Botanical Garden at The Meru Sanur, which will offer guests an immersive, eco-friendly space for healing and connection to nature. “Small wellness habits like mindful breathing can make a huge difference in your life,” she adds, encouraging others to incorporate this practice into their daily routines. For Rahma, wellness is about relaxation as well as creating lasting, meaningful change.