About this Episode
In this episode, we travel to Bali, where Scott Kowalewski, founder of Desa Hay Bali, shares how a single family trip evolved into one of the island’s most soulful boutique resorts. What began as his son’s backpacking adventure became a vision of creating a sanctuary where design, culture, and sustainability coexist.
Desa Hay stands quietly in southern Bali — an eco-luxury retreat built entirely by Balinese hands using local stone, teak, and bamboo. Every detail reflects a deep respect for the island’s rhythm: villas surrounded by lush gardens, private plunge pools framed by palm leaves, and a restaurant that feels more like a home than a dining room.
Beyond beauty, Desa Hay’s story is anchored in purpose. The resort funds education for 22 children through a nearby orphanage and operates with a commitment to “leave Bali better than we found it.” Through this conversation, Scott reveals how love for a place and its people can reshape what we call luxury hospitality — turning it from a transaction into a lasting relationship.
Here, luxury travel becomes less about opulence and more about meaning — where guests reconnect with themselves, and every stay supports a greater story of community, craftsmanship, and care.
Live on Youtube
Inside the Episode
Key Themes We Explore
The Boutique Mindset – Why small, story-led hotels outperform large chains through emotion, design, and intimacy.
The Power of Origin – How a family journey sparked the creation of one of Bali’s most admired sustainable resorts.
Design Through Nature – Why every stone, beam, and garden was crafted by Balinese artisans using natural, local materials.
Sustainability as Soul – Desa Hay’s living philosophy: environmental care, social responsibility, and giving back through education.
The Human Touch – Balinese hospitality as emotional intelligence in action — genuine warmth that can’t be automated.
Redefining Luxury – Moving beyond convenience toward connection, peace, and presence.
Digital Storytelling & Direct Bookings – How Desa Hay built a 40 % direct-booking model through authenticity and narrative-driven marketing.
AI vs HI (Human Intelligence) – Where technology enhances hospitality but never replaces the human heartbeat.
Community & Continuity – Guests return not only for the setting but for the faces, memories, and feeling of belonging.
