With over two decades of international experience across Europe, Asia, and the United States, Luis Daniel Garcia brings a wealth of global insight and a passion for people-centred leadership to his role as general manager of Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel. Known as one of Bali’s most iconic beachfront resorts, Discovery Kartika Plaza stands at the crossroads of heritage and innovation – a balance that Garcia is keen to preserve and elevate.
With epicure, he shares how his diverse career has shaped his management philosophy, his vision for revitalising the resort’s legacy, and his commitment to authentic Balinese hospitality that evolves with today’s travellers.
You have more than 20 years of international hospitality experience across Europe, Asia, and the United States. How has this diverse journey shaped your leadership style today?
I consider myself a privilege person for having the opportunity to have worked around the world. The lessons learnt during this journey have been a blessing for my career. Managing diverse nationalities within the same hotel, as well as fast adaptability to understand consumer trends, and local or national laws had play a big part during my career growth.
You’ve held pivotal roles in both pre-openings and established properties. What lessons have been the most defining in your career so far?
In a pre-opening phase, it’s always important to anticipate external factors that may affect the opening timeline. Even something as simple as bad weather can delay the shipment of critical equipment needed to operate a hotel. For established properties, it’s crucial to understand the business’s history and its position in the market, then introduce innovative ideas and offers that align with current trends to attract guests.
What drew you specifically to Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel at this stage of your career?
Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel is a renowned establishment with an impressive heritage throughout the years. It is an honour to have the opportunity to lead the team and continue serving our guests who have been coming here for generations.
Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel is considered one of Bali’s most iconic beachfront resorts. How do you plan to honour its legacy while also bringing in fresh innovations?
Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel has long been a symbol of Balinese hospitality and beachfront five-star excellence. To honour its legacy, we plan to preserve the elements that have made it iconic: its authentic Balinese architecture, exceptional service standards, and deep connection to the local culture. At the same time, we recognise the importance of evolving with guest expectations. We aim to introduce modern innovations such as smart room technologies, sustainable operations, and curated guest experiences that blend tradition with contemporary trends. Our goal is to enhance the guest journey while ensuring that the spirit of Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel continues to shine for years to come.
You mentioned a focus on personalised guest experiences and team empowerment. Can you elaborate on how you plan to translate those into everyday operations?
Translating personalised guest experiences into daily operations starts with truly understanding our guests – from their preferences and habits to the little details that make them feel special. This means leveraging guest history, feedback, and real-time insights to anticipate needs and tailor services, whether it’s a custom welcome amenity, a preferred room set-up, or dining recommendations.
For team empowerment, it’s about creating a culture where every team member feels valued, informed, and trusted to make decisions. This includes regular training, open communication, and giving staff the autonomy to resolve guest concerns on the spot. When the team feels confident and supported, they naturally deliver more authentic, thoughtful service. Ultimately, empowered teams are the foundation of personalised guest experiences.
What do you believe sets Discovery Kartika Plaza apart from other five-star resorts in Bali?
Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel stands out among five-star resorts in Bali because of its unique blend of location, legacy, and local charm. Situated right on the beachfront in the heart of Kuta, it offers unbeatable ocean views and direct access to one of Bali’s most vibrant areas. But beyond location, what truly sets it apart is its rich history and reputation for genuine Balinese hospitality.
Many resorts offer luxury, but Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel delivers a sense of familiarity and warmth that keeps guests coming back year after year. The spacious layout, lush gardens, and traditional architecture create a peaceful oasis, while the team’s commitment to heartfelt service ensures every guest feels like family. It’s this combination of iconic heritage, prime location, and personalised service that makes our hotel truly special.
Having worked across luxury brands, what best practices from those experiences do you plan to implement here?
Working with various luxury brands has taught me that consistency, attention to detail, and a strong service culture are non-negotiable. One key practice I plan to bring is the emphasis on creating seamless guest journeys – from pre-arrival communication to post-stay follow-up – ensuring that every touchpoint feels thoughtful and personalised.
Another best practice is building a performance-driven yet people-centric team culture. In top luxury brands, success comes from empowering staff with training, clear standards, and the confidence to go the extra mile. I also believe in using guest feedback not just as a metric but as a tool for continuous improvement and innovation. By applying these principles, we can elevate Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel’s positioning while staying true to its authentic Balinese charm.
In your view, how is the definition of luxury hospitality evolving, and how will Discovery Kartika Plaza adapt to meet these changing expectations?
The definition of luxury hospitality is evolving from simply offering opulence and amenities to delivering deeply personalised, meaningful experiences. Today’s luxury travellers are looking for authenticity, emotional connection, and a sense of purpose in their stays. They value sustainability, local culture, wellness, and technology-enabled convenience just as much as traditional five-star services.
For Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel, adapting to these shifts means finding the balance between preserving our heritage and embracing innovation. We will focus on creating more curated guest experiences that reflect Bali’s rich culture, enhancing wellness offerings, and adopting sustainable practices that align with guests’ values. At the same time, we’ll invest in technology to streamline service while maintaining the warmth and personal touch that defines our hospitality. Luxury is no longer just about what we provide, but how we make guests feel – and that will be at the heart of our approach.
Many travellers today seek a balance of comfort and authenticity. How will the resort showcase Balinese culture within its guest experiences?
Today’s travellers are increasingly looking for authentic cultural connections, not just comfort – and that’s where Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel has a real opportunity to shine. We plan to integrate Balinese culture into the guest experience in ways that are genuine, immersive, and respectful. This includes offering cultural activities such as Balinese cooking classes, traditional dance performances, temple visits, and art workshops led by local artisans.
We’ll also reflect Balinese heritage in our design elements, dining concepts, and even in the way our team interacts with guests – through the warmth, hospitality, and values that are deeply rooted in local tradition. By weaving culture into the everyday guest journey, we not only enrich their stay but also support the local community and preserve what makes Bali so special.
How important is community engagement to you, and what kind of collaborations or programmes do you envision with the local Balinese community?
Community engagement is very important to me – not just as part of corporate social responsibility, but as a core value of sustainable hospitality. At Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel, we are part of the local ecosystem, and it’s our duty to give back in meaningful ways.
We envision collaborations with the local banjar to support community-based programmes such as health education workshops and waste management training to promote environmental awareness. By working together, we can encourage healthier lifestyles and better sustainability practices within the community.
Additionally, we plan to engage with nearby schools by offering periodic extracurricular learning opportunities – whether through English classes, hospitality knowledge-sharing sessions, or motivational talks from our team. These initiatives not only empower the younger generation but also create a deeper connection between the resort and the local people.
Our goal is to grow together with the community, creating long-term positive impact while preserving the cultural and social fabric of Bali.
If you could describe the future of Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel under your leadership in three words, what would they be?
Authentic, elevated, and sustainable. Authentic – because we’ll honour Bali’s culture and heritage in every guest experience, making stays genuine and memorable. Elevated – because we’ll raise service standards and empower our team to deliver exceptional, modern luxury with warmth. And sustainable – because we’re committed to eco-friendly practices and meaningful community partnerships that create lasting positive impact.