Billy Bagus
Jun 11, 2025
A Balinese native with a deep connection to the island’s healing traditions, Gede Suteja shares how personal wellness, team culture, and a spirit of innovation have guided the Estate’s evolution. In this insightful dialogue, the Cluster General Manager of COMO Shambhala Estate and COMO Uma Ubud reflects on his two-decade journey with the COMO brand and the values that continue to shape his approach to hospitality. Read on to discover Gede Suteja’s perspective on purposeful leadership, the power of place, and what’s next for one of Bali’s most iconic wellness destinations!
In this insightful dialogue, Gede Suteja reflects on his two-decade journey with the COMO brand and the values that continue to shape his approach to hospitality.
You’ve held leadership roles in some of Asia’s most prestigious luxury resorts. How has your personal approach to wellness evolved, and how does that influence your leadership at COMO Shambhala Estate today?
Over the past two decades with COMO, my philosophy on wellness has matured into a deep belief in balance — nurturing the body, mind, and emotions equally. I see wellness as a continuous journey of growth and alignment, and this belief shapes not only my personal lifestyle but also how I lead. COMO’s family-driven culture has played a significant role in this, encouraging genuine care, both for oneself and for others.
My leadership style is grounded in empathy, attentiveness, and authenticity. Having grown within COMO from the ground up, I’ve developed a deep respect for the team and the culture we’ve built. That family spirit — of supporting one another and treating guests with sincerity and gratitude — is what truly defines the experience at COMO Shambhala Estate.
COMO Shambhala Estate is renowned for its transformative wellness experiences. Have you personally taken part in any of the programmes offered there?
Yes, I’ve immersed myself in nearly all of the wellness programmes at the Estate — from expert consultations and spa therapies to the nourishing COMO Shambhala Cuisine. It’s vital for me as a leader to understand firsthand what our guests experience and to truly live what we promote. This direct involvement allows me to represent the Estate authentically and lead by example. It's not just about knowing the programmes; it's about embodying their benefits and showing the team that wellness is a lived value, not just a service offering.
“Loyalty is built over time through trust, shared values, and a genuine sense of belonging.”
Is there a particular moment at the Estate that left a profound impact on you personally?
One of the most powerful experiences for me was participating in a tailored cleanse programme to address long-standing digestive issues. With guidance from our wellness consultant, I followed a plan that included juice fasting, mindful practices, and customised spa therapies — all supported by our dedicated Personal Assistant system.
The results were transformative. Beyond physical relief, I gained mental clarity and a renewed appreciation for intentional living. Since then, practices like intermittent fasting and conscious nutrition have become part of my lifestyle, reinforcing that wellness is a continuous journey built on self-awareness and consistency.
What’s on the horizon for COMO Shambhala Estate in the near future?
We’re thrilled to be nearing completion of a major renovation to our wellness centre, slated for early July 2025. This new chapter integrates both time-honoured traditions and advanced health-tech, designed to elevate the guest experience in meaningful, modern ways. The revamped centre will introduce therapies like infrared saunas, ice baths, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, and vitality pools. It’s our most comprehensive step yet in deepening our holistic approach, offering guests new ways to restore energy, balance the mind, and support lasting vitality.
Looking further ahead, we are also embarking on a phased renovation of all our residences. By 2027, we envision a fully revitalised COMO Shambhala Estate - where refreshed accommodations and state-of-the-art wellness facilities come together in harmony, setting a new benchmark for transformative wellness travel.
Are there any upcoming wellness experiences or innovations you’re especially excited about?
We’re launching a series of one- and two-day Wellness Programmes tailored for short-stay or first-time guests seeking quick yet impactful resets. Options include COMO Cleanse, which supports digestive health through targeted nutrition, and Bio-Hacking, which integrates cutting-edge health-tech and personalised data to rebalance the system.
For deeper immersion, our new Wellness Paths offer multi-day journeys focused on gut health, detox, mindfulness, Ayurvedic practices, and more. Complemented by sunrise yoga, jungle stretches, and Balinese rituals, these initiatives aim to make wellness accessible, personalised, and truly transformative.
Leading a world-class wellness retreat surely comes with its share of challenges. Can you share a moment that tested your leadership?
One of the most significant challenges has been adapting to the shifting wellness landscape. Concerns like sleep deprivation, anxiety, and digital burnout have become far more prevalent in recent years, requiring us to constantly reassess and evolve our offerings. Leading through this change has required openness, agility, and a commitment to lifelong learning. I’ve worked closely with the team to foster a culture of innovation and professional growth, ensuring we not only meet but anticipate the needs of our guests in this ever-changing environment.
“Wellness is a continuous journey of growth and alignment — nurturing the body, mind, and emotions equally.”
In an industry often marked by high turnover, COMO has managed to build a loyal, long-standing team. What’s your secret to team retention?
There’s no secret formula — loyalty is built over time through trust, shared values, and a genuine sense of belonging. We’ve cultivated a culture where transparency and support are foundational, and where every team member feels seen and valued. Many of our colleagues have been with us since the beginning, over 20 years ago. That kind of commitment comes from creating a workplace that feels like home and being part of a brand we’re all proud to represent. It's a testament to our strong internal culture and the mutual respect that defines it.
Bali is considered a sacred destination for spiritual and holistic healing. In your view, what gives the island its unique energy, and how does the Estate tap into that?
Bali’s energy is deeply rooted in centuries of spiritual practice. The name “Ubud” itself comes from “ubad,” the Balinese word for medicine, and the island’s daily offerings and rituals create a collective sense of peace and harmony that’s both grounding and elevating.
At COMO Shambhala Estate, we are privileged to be located in a place where sacred energy is not only palpable but deeply rooted in tradition. Nestled between the Tibakauh and Ayung rivers, the Estate rests atop a lush, jungle-covered hill long known for its healing qualities. At its heart lies a natural sacred spring - revered for generations - which continues to serve as a source of spiritual and physical renewal. The land itself carries an ancient legacy; it is believed that centuries ago, high Balinese priests would come here to meditate, drawn by the area's powerful energy. The Estate’s magic lies not only in its setting, but in the spiritual heritage that quietly flows through it.
If resources and limitations weren’t an issue, what is one bold idea you would love to bring to life at COMO Shambhala Estate?
My dream is to expand our focus from preventive and restorative wellness to also include curative treatments by integrating select medical elements. This would allow us to support guests with specific health conditions in a more comprehensive, holistic way. While such an initiative comes with complex regulatory and logistical challenges, I believe it aligns with the future of wellness. Bridging traditional healing and medical science could offer a continuum of care that supports our guests through every stage of their wellbeing journey.
“The Estate’s magic lies not only in its setting, but in the spiritual heritage that quietly flows through it.”
Outside of your professional role, how do you personally recharge and find balance?
One of my favourite ways to unwind is taking long walks along Sanur Beach — a 10-kilometre stretch with my playlist in my ears. It helps me clear my mind and often sparks new ideas when I least expect it. I also stay active through padel and regular gym workouts, and I enjoy watching sports like tennis, football, and Formula 1. These personal rituals keep me grounded and bring a sense of rhythm and discipline to my life.
Do you have any favourite hidden gems or rituals in Bali that you’d recommend?
I love escaping to the quieter areas of East and North Bali with my family. These regions remain untouched by mass tourism and offer a slower, more reflective pace of life that’s incredibly grounding. For me, these short trips are a way to reconnect — not just with my loved ones, but with the spiritual and natural heart of Bali itself. It’s a reminder of the island’s true essence, and a ritual I always cherish.