With extensive experience gained from working at some of the most prestigious resorts across the Caribbean, Maldives, and Bali, Reka Yanti brings a depth of knowledge and a unique leadership philosophy to her role as the General Manager of Cicada Ubud Bali. Her inspiring journey in the hospitality industry has shaped her adaptable, people-first approach, where trust, respect, and empowerment are at the core of her management style. In this exclusive interview, Reka shares her insights on leadership, building strong teams, and the lessons learned from her international experiences. Keep reading to discover the secrets behind her success and the vision driving Cicada Resort Bali Ubud forward!
In this exclusive interview, Reka shares her insights on leadership, building strong teams, and the lessons learned from her international experiences.
Your journey to becoming the General Manager of Cicada Resort Bali Ubud is truly inspiring. Can you share with us the moment you first fell in love with the resort, and how it sparked a career path you never expected?
My first visit to Cicada Ubud was in November, 2023. I had taken a quiet getaway with my husband, and from the moment we entered the resort, I felt a deep connection with the place. The tranquil atmosphere, breathtaking rainforest views, and the overall serenity felt like home. It was an immediate sense of peace, almost as if I had been there before. Cicada Ubud felt like a hidden sanctuary, a peaceful retreat amidst nature’s beauty. When the opportunity arose to join Cicada as part of the Marriott International portfolio, I knew it was meant to be. It felt like a natural progression in my career, where I could combine my love for hospitality with my admiration for the resort. That was the spark, and I knew I had to give it a try.
From your early days as a Telephone Operator at The Legian Bali Hotel to leading Cicada Resort Bali Ubud today, you’ve had an impressive career trajectory. What key moments or challenges along the way helped shape the leader you are today?
One of the defining moments in my career was when I decided to leave Bali to explore opportunities abroad. Having built a foundation at The Legian Bali, where I began as a Telephone Operator, I sought to grow further in hospitality and embrace the world. This led me to Parrot Cay by COMO in the Turks & Caicos Islands. The decision was a mix of excitement and fear—excited about the adventure but anxious about leaving my family behind and starting in a new country. Moving to a foreign place where I only knew a few Balinese colleagues made it a challenging transition. The first few months were tough—I experienced homesickness and struggled to adapt to the culture and work environment.
However, the support system from both the local community and my expatriate colleagues helped me adjust. That period was transformative—it taught me resilience, how to trust in unfamiliar surroundings, and how empathy and connection are fundamental in any team. It was during this time that I truly understood what hospitality is about: it’s not just about service; it’s about people, building relationships, and making others feel at home. Looking back, I realize that those challenges helped me grow not only as a professional but as a person.
As a trailblazing female General Manager in a predominantly male-dominated industry, what obstacles have you faced, and how have you overcome them to inspire others, especially women, in hospitality?
For me personally, being a woman in hospitality has never been an obstacle but an opportunity to prove myself—both to others and to myself. Early in my career, I challenged myself to take on roles traditionally dominated by men. One notable example was when I took on the role of Night Auditor, which at the time was mostly held by men. I saw it as a stepping stone to a Front Office Agent position, and that challenge boosted my confidence and independence. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and proved that I could succeed in a role many may not have expected me to take on.
Over time, I’ve learned that where there’s a will, there’s a way. Many of my female colleagues have also stepped up to similar challenges, pushing their boundaries and growing stronger. I hope to inspire other women in hospitality to do the same—to take on roles and projects that break down barriers and show that they are just as capable as anyone else. The industry needs more women in leadership roles, and by supporting one another and demonstrating our abilities, we can help transform the industry for future generations.
"That period was transformative—it taught me resilience, how to trust in unfamiliar surroundings, and how empathy and connection are fundamental in any team."
Your background spans luxury resorts across the Caribbean, Maldives, and Bali. How have these diverse experiences enriched your leadership style, and how do you bring those lessons into your work at Cicada Resort Bali Ubud?
My experiences in luxury resorts across the Caribbean, Maldives, and Bali have been incredibly enriching and have played a significant role in shaping my leadership style. Each destination posed unique challenges, but also offered invaluable lessons. Working with diverse cultural backgrounds abroad has made me more adaptable and open-minded in managing various situations. I’ve learned that there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution—what works in one place may not work in another. Flexibility and an openness to new ideas are key.
A core lesson I’ve learned is the importance of trust and respect in building strong relationships. I’ve seen firsthand that when you trust your team, they feel empowered and motivated to perform at their best. They go above and beyond because they know they are valued. Trust is the foundation of any successful team, and I prioritize this in my leadership at Cicada Ubud. However, trust alone isn’t enough—it’s also about providing guidance and monitoring progress to ensure everyone remains focused on shared goals. Transparency, clear expectations, and continuous support are all key aspects of my leadership philosophy.
"I’ve learned that there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution—what works in one place may not work in another. Flexibility and an openness to new ideas are key."
Cicada Resort Bali Ubud is designed to be a sanctuary for couples. Given your own deeply personal connection to the resort, how do you infuse that sense of love and serenity into the guest experience, ensuring each couple feels the same magic you once did?
Cicada Resort Bali Ubud is a truly special place, and I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of it. The resort has an undeniable sense of romance, enhanced by its stunning views, peaceful atmosphere, and intimate setting. It’s the ideal destination for couples seeking a tranquil retreat, and the connection to the surrounding culture and nature amplifies this feeling. Ubud, with its rich spiritual heritage and lush landscapes, naturally enhances the sense of serenity and romance that we strive to provide.
To ensure each couple experiences the same magic that I felt when I first visited, we focus on creating personalized experiences. We offer a range of activities designed to cater to different types of couples—whether they are seeking relaxation, romance, or cultural immersion. From private candlelit dinners with views of the rainforest to guided tours of local temples and intimate spa treatments, we work hard to create memorable moments. By blending the beauty of nature, the depth of culture, and the tranquility of the resort, we provide couples with a unique opportunity to reconnect with each other and with the world around them. That’s the essence of Cicada Resort Bali Ubud—a haven for love and connection.
You’ve led Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, to significant recognition, and now you’re making waves at Cicada Resort Bali Ubud. What is your vision for the future of Cicada, and how do you hope to elevate it even further as a destination for romance and connection?
My vision for Cicada Resort Bali Ubud is to continue enhancing it as the ultimate sanctuary for romance, while staying true to Bali’s essence—its culture, tranquility, and deep connection to nature. I want Cicada to be not just a resort but a destination that allows couples to reconnect with one another in profound ways, against the backdrop of Bali’s beauty and spiritual richness.
As we move forward, I aim to expand the range of experiences we offer, making them even more immersive and personalized. This could include exclusive cultural experiences, like private ceremonies with local spiritual leaders or "melukat" rituals—ceremonial rituals that allow couples to renew both their body and soul. By incorporating more of Bali’s deep cultural traditions into our offerings, we can make each guest experience even more meaningful.
"Hospitality is about making people feel special, seen, and valued. I hope that people will remember me as someone who inspired others to do their best"
Being a passionate traveler, you’ve had the opportunity to explore many corners of the world. What’s one place or experience that has had a lasting impact on your personal and professional journey?
It’s hard to choose just one, as each experience has left its own unique mark on me, both personally and professionally! One experience that stands out is my trip to Japan. The country’s extraordinary service culture left a profound impression on me. The attention to detail, the respect for guests, and the warmth with which people serve are values I strive to reflect in my own leadership. Japan’s culinary excellence also broadened my understanding of the connection between food, culture, and hospitality.
I also had the privilege of attending a close friend’s wedding in India, where I learned the value of community and ritual in shaping meaningful experiences. This trip was a reminder of how culture and tradition can inspire hospitality on a very deep, personal level. Additionally, my travels to the Caribbean and the Maldives were pivotal in shaping my approach to luxury hospitality. These regions taught me how to manage different guest expectations and build relationships with diverse teams. Every place I visit enriches my perspective on life and hospitality, and I bring these lessons with me into everything I do.
How do you want to be remembered?
I want to be remembered as someone who truly cared for people—whether it’s my team or the guests I serve. Hospitality is about making people feel special, seen, and valued. I hope that people will remember me as someone who inspired others to do their best, to lead with compassion, and to always prioritize kindness and respect. Professionally, I hope that my leadership left a legacy of empowerment, where people felt encouraged to grow and develop in their careers. Ultimately, I hope to be reminisced for my focus on relationships, and for creating exceptional experiences for both my team and our guests. In hospitality, it’s always the connections we make that matter most.
