Sally Bloomfield Exclusive Interview

Bloomfield Umalas

Formerly a private residence, Bloomfield Bali has, over many years, manifested from the family’s vision of boutique style accommodation that combines a contemporary feel with Balinese tradition. Nestled amongst the sprawling rice terraces of Umalas, Bloomfield Bali offers a tropical island retreat whilst being only a hop, skip and a jump (alright, alright, we mean a 10-15 minute drive) from the hustle & bustle of sophisticated Seminyak and the groovy surf and relaxed lifestyle of Canggu. Lets ask her some questions to know more.

1. Please elaborate more on your early career until the point you become a hotelier/ business woman.

I started my career in Interior Design, following in my fathers footsteps, I then travelled overseas for a while working at Designers Guild in London. When I returned to Melbourne I ended up in fashion with companies such a Esprit and Witchery and nearly 10 years in fashion advertising and PR. I then became the Melbourne Editor for Harper’s Bazaar magazine for three and a half years. During this time I met my husband who started the Q Bar nightclubs in Australia. Together we bought the Albany and Bloomfield Hotels in South Yarra and ran those for nearly 15 years.. In 2012 we moved to Bali with our boys Nico and Jules, who are now 16 and 10. Sadly my husband passed away in 2016 and in 2017 I opened Bloomfield Bali.

2. What do you think is the biggest challenge in the industry? 

The biggest challenge (in Bali specifically) is the rising supply and falling demand. There are too many hotels but not enough traveller’s to fill in the rooms. Oversupply has been an ongoing issue. The volcano eruptions and the natural disaster that happened lately around Bali has become another challenge; travellers choose other destinations to go, i.e Phuket or Cebu instead of Bali.

3. What is your strategy to keep Bloomfield Bali thrives? 

Just to offer something that other hotels do not at a competitive rate. I think the look and feel of the hotel not to mention our fabulous staff and incredible view set us apart.. It is like walking into someone’s home and instantly feeling relaxed.. We offer some kick arse cocktails as well..

4. What is your next plan in the future, career wise? 

Maybe open Bloomfield in other area in Indonesia? Yes I am currently looking to open another hotel in Bali. I would like to do another two in Bali. I would like to build my boutique brand throughout Asia. 

5. What is your biggest achievement in your career? 

I think definitely opening this hotel by myself was a huge achievement for me.

6. What do you love most about what you do right now? 

The opportunity to be creative and work with a great team and the ability to travel constantly, I love that!! I love that it has been such a success for us and that we can do it all over again.. that’s the fun part!!

Thank you for your time. All best to you, your team and family.
 
Bloomfield Bali Canggu is a two-storey villa featuring its own infinity pool with sun beds, rice field views and free Wi-Fi. Guests can choose between private rooms or the entire villa. Located within a 10-minute drive of Canggu Club, Bloomfield Bali Canggu is a 15-minute drive to Seminyak shopping centre and Batubelig Beach. Ngurah Rai International Airport is a 40-minute taxi ride away. The air-conditioned rooms have a balcony or terrace offering different views. Bright and airy, each room is equipped with a mosquito net, flat-screen TV and DVD player. The spacious villa is manned by housekeeping and security staff, a gardener and pool man. Meals can be prepared on request by an in-house chef and a separate dining pavilion is where guests can dine.