In conversation with the General Manager on redefining five-star hospitality through environmental stewardship and community connection
In an era where luxury hospitality is increasingly measured not just by thread counts and infinity pools, but by environmental impact and community engagement, Mövenpick Resort & Spa Jimbaran Bali offers a compelling example of what responsible five-star tourism can achieve. Under the leadership of its newly appointed General Manager, Jan Kroeckel, whose 15-year journey with Accor has culminated in this role, the resort is proving that sustainability and exceptional guest experiences aren’t mutually exclusive, they’re beautifully intertwined.
From extensive rooftop solar installations to an enchanting stingless bee project, and a heartwarming “Breakfast for Breakfast” program, the property has become more than just another luxury destination. It’s a living laboratory for sustainable hospitality practices. We sat down with Kroeckel to discuss his vision for the property, the challenges of balancing luxury with environmental responsibility, and why he believes every hotel must start their sustainability journey now.
Congratulations on your new role! Can you tell us about your journey to becoming General Manager and what it means to you to lead Mövenpick Resort & Spa Jimbaran Bali?
Thank you. My journey started all the way back 15 years ago and the Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit, my first Accor property that I worked at. I did a one-year internship at the hotel as part of the pre-opening team, and I have been working with Accor ever since mostly in South East Asia. Movenpick Jimbaran Bali is my 3rd General Manager role preceded by my GM roles at Peppers Seminyak and Novotel Lombok Resort & Villas.
What captured me immediately is the friendliness of all the Heartists, this is what we refer to our employees to across all the departments and how warmly I was welcomed to be part of the Mövenpick family. I am most excited about working with the team here on enhancing existing facilities, including a newly built outdoor garden and events venue, improving guest experiences and driving topline and bottomline results.
What new sustainability or community initiatives are you planning that will further position Mövenpick Bali as a leader in responsible hospitality within the 5-star resort segment?
We recently completed our 2nd phase of solar power installation. I believe we are one of the very few resorts in Bali that has extensive solar power cells on their roof tops. Future projects include our own herb garden, water reduction through upgrading our sanitary facilities in the rooms and to have a recycling facility to reduce our garbage to landfill ratio. We also continue to work closely together with local community leaders.
Mövenpick Bali has been recognized for its commitment to sustainability. Could you share how initiatives like solar panel integration and green meeting concepts are shaping the resort’s vision of responsible five-star hospitality?
We all must take part in preserving the beauty of Bali for many generations to come, especially as hospitality and tourism plays such a large role in Bali. I also believe that guests are increasingly being eco-conscious and to remain competitive we must act now. Solar panels and green meeting concepts are only the first steps and we must continue to do more for the environment and Bali. Trash management continues to be one of the major challenges that we are currently still facing.
Stingless bees are a fascinating part of your sustainability program. How did this initiative start, and how do they contribute both to the local ecosystem and the guest experience?
The stingless bee project is something I’m really proud of. Our stingless bee project started from a simple wish to bring guests closer to nature. Working with Bali Honey, we introduced these small, gentle bees to our garden, where they help our plants grow and keep the environment healthy. Guests can join our honey harvesting activity, taste the fresh honey, and even adopt a bee house. It’s a fun and meaningful experience, especially for families, that helps everyone appreciate how important it is to care for nature.
Many five-star resorts are embracing eco-friendly practices. What do you feel distinguishes Mövenpick Bali’s approach to sustainability in today’s hospitality landscape?
At Movenpick Jimbaran Bali we are taking a very holistic approach to sustainability which can be seen in all aspects of our operations. We have the solar panels to reduce our CO2 emissions, charging stations for electric cars, banned all single use plastic from our operations, waste recycling, working together with local NGOs as part of our CSR commitment and much more. We are also Green Globe certified meaning that every year an independent auditor does inspect the hotel and ensures that we are actually doing what we say we are doing.
The “Breakfast for Breakfast” program beautifully embodies Mövenpick’s “We Make Moments” philosophy. How did this initiative originate, and what impact has it had on underserved communities in Bali?
For me, the “Breakfast for Breakfast” program is really special. Since it started in November 2023, we’ve been turning unclaimed guest breakfasts into moments of kindness. I love seeing members of the local community come to Anarasa Restaurant and enjoy breakfast just like our guests do. To me, it’s more than sharing a meal, but it’s about creating a little moment of joy, connection, and warmth, and that’s exactly the kind of hospitality I believe in.
How do you involve guests in your sustainability and community programs while ensuring their 5-star resort experience remains uncompromised?
I think that is common misconception that being sustainable somehow compromises on the guest experience. I believe the opposite is true and sustainability often contributes to a better guest experience in the hotels. Everyone is more eco-conscious theses days and to know that staying at a hotel that is taking sustainability seriously, gives one a certain peace of mind when on vacation. We do have several activities in the hotel, from harvesting our own organic honey, providing bicycles to explore local areas, to giving guests opportunity to take part in Balinese custom activities, and informing guests about all of our sustainable initiatives and commitments.
As a General Manager, how do you inspire your team to embrace both sustainability practices and community engagement as core values rather than just operational requirements?
You need to build a sustainability culture in your hotel, and it needs to become part of the daily life in the hotel. We do have a Green Team in the hotel in which every department has a representative. Through regular meetings, attended by all members and managers incl General Manager you start to build the sustainability culture where everyone understands that each and everyone in the hotel has a role to play. It must be a team effort to be successful.
If there is one initiative from Mövenpick Bali you’d encourage other resorts around the world to adopt, which would it be and why?
I believe when it comes to sustainability there is not a one size fits all approach. Rather every business needs to assess where they stand and what they can do to benefit the sustainability of their environment. But the key is to start somewhere now. Focus on the low hanging fruits that need little investment first while simultaneously planning for your long term sustainability goals.
Mövenpick Resort & Spa Jimbaran Bali is located in Jimbaran, Bali, and is part of the Accor hotel group. The resort’s holistic approach to sustainability, from solar power and stingless bee projects to community programs, demonstrates that five star luxury and environmental responsibility can not only coexist but elevate the guest experience. As the General Manager emphasizes, the key to sustainable hospitality is simple: start somewhere now.
