Ascott to launch first serviced residence in Bali

Citadines Bali Kuta will increase Ascott's presence in Indonesia to over 1,800 serviced apartment units.

CapitaLand's wholly-owned serviced residence business unit, The Ascott Limited (Ascott), has expanded its presence into Bali, Indonesia, by clinching a contract to manage a 174-unit serviced residence in Kuta. To be named Citadines Bali Kuta, the serviced residence will open in 2012, as stated in an Ascott report.

The contract is awarded by Indonesian developer PT Rudy Indopratama Sejahtera.

It is expected to increase Ascott's presence in Indonesia to over 1,800 serviced apartment units across nine properties in Jakarta, Surabaya and Bali. Ascott is currently the largest international serviced residence owner-operator in Indonesia.

Mr Lim Ming Yan, Ascott's Chief Executive Officer, said, “While the majority of Ascott's guests are business travelers and expatriates on extended stay, more leisure travelers are choosing to stay at our serviced residences. Bali is a world famous resort destination and over the years, it has become an increasingly attractive MICE destination. Bali continues to attract a high volume of tourist arrivals each year, which bodes well for our business in this market. With Citadines Bali Kuta, our guests can now enjoy the familiar homely environment in a renowned resort destination. Our Citadines properties are vibrant residences for the independent traveler. By having our Citadines property in lively and trendy Kuta, our guests will be in the heart of all the action in Bali.”

According to the Bali Tourism Authority, in 2009, Bali received close to 2.26 million foreign visitors who stayed an average of almost nine days on the island. Tourism was estimated to have contributed USD2.7 billion in foreign exchange earnings to Bali's economy last year. This represents 42% of Indonesia's tourism earnings in 2009.

Mr Hartono Tanujaya, President Director of PT Rudy Indopratama Sejahtera, said: “Serviced apartments are becoming more popular as the choice for quality accommodation as they combine the space, comfort, and privacy of a private apartment with services and convenience. By tapping into Ascott's 26 years of experience in operating serviced residences, Citadines Bali Kuta will offer the perfect home with resort living experience for global travellers.”

The new serviced residence, Citadines Bali Kuta, will be located on the main arterial road of Jalan Raya Kuta, close to major shopping, dining and entertainment outlets. The five-storey serviced residence, comprising studio, one- and two-bedroom apartment units, will provide a right balance of excitement and privacy.

Guests eager to brave the waves of Kuta can enjoy surfing at the famous Kuta beach within the vicinity. They can also work out in the gymnasium, luxuriate in the spa and swimming pool, or sample epicurean delights at the restaurant within the property.

Besides Citadines Bali Kuta, Ascott will open its first Citadines property in Indonesia, Citadines Jakarta Quartier, later this year; Citadines Jakarta Rasuna in 2011 and Ascott Kuningan Jakarta in 2012. Currently, the company has five operating serviced residences in Indonesia, namely Ascott Jakarta, Somerset Berlian, Somerset Grand Citra, and Country Woods in Jakarta as well as Somerset Surabaya Hotel & Serviced Residence.