Editorial Update — October 2026: The Sanchaya on Indonesia’s Bintan Island joined The Leading Hotels of the World (LHW) in July 2026. The affiliation connects the independent luxury resort with an international collection of hotels and gives eligible guests access to LHW’s Leaders Club loyalty programme.
The development provides a timely reason to revisit our September 2024 interview with General Manager Greg Williams, who discusses his career, leadership philosophy, staff development and the challenges of running a luxury resort.
Greg Williams began his hospitality career as a function porter at a hotel in Sydney, Australia. From there, he moved into hotel operations at Australia’s tropical island resorts, gaining experience across multiple departments and working in remote environments.
As General Manager of The Sanchaya, Williams oversees a beachfront estate on Bintan Island, Indonesia, accessible by ferry from Singapore. His responsibilities include maintaining service standards, developing the team and managing the guest experience.
In this interview with Red Bird Travel News, Williams reflects on his career progression, the importance of team morale, the resort’s reopening after the COVID-19 disruption, and its initiatives to support local talent and reduce environmental impact.
The interview was originally published on 22 September 2024. It has been edited for clarity and readability, with the original responses and their historical context retained.
Career and Leadership
1. Could you tell us about your role at The Sanchaya?
I am the General Manager of The Sanchaya, a luxury private estate on Bintan Island, Indonesia.
2. How did your hospitality career begin?
My first job was as a function porter in Sydney, Australia. This started my hospitality journey before I moved north to Australia’s tropical islands, where I enjoyed learning on the job across numerous departments in remote, luxurious and sometimes challenging environments.
3. What inspired you to pursue a career in hospitality?
A passion for travel, people and embracing new cultures, as well as the opportunity to give back to the communities where I live and work.
4. What did your first job involve?
Fresh out of high school, I joined a hotel in Sydney as a function porter. Dressed in black and white with a bow tie, I helped set up and service multiple function rooms, assisted with luggage and was eager to learn about other areas whenever opportunities arose.
5. What education or training have you received in hotel management?
Apart from numerous courses, I have been fortunate that much of my learning has come through hands-on experience and exposure to different hotel departments.
6. What motivates you about working in hospitality?
People, product and community.
7. Why did you want to manage The Sanchaya?
I believe in the property and its offering, and have a deep respect for our owner’s integrity and vision. I also have a strong sense of camaraderie with my fellow team members, who work tirelessly to ensure The Sanchaya lives up to its rich heritage.
I am passionate about continuing to deliver memorable experiences and upholding our reputation for service.
8. What is your leadership style?
Hands-on, leading by example and maintaining an open-door policy.
9. What do you consider your greatest strengths?
Dedication, patience and integrity towards the product.
10. What is the most challenging aspect of managing a hotel?
Consistency.
11. How do you motivate your team?
I make an effort to know my team members by name, walk around the estate, greet each person and appreciate their hard work and commitment.
12. What advice would you give young people entering the hospitality industry?
Keep learning and try to experience as many departments as possible to gain a broader understanding of hotel operations. Have passion and integrity, and do not give up.
Managing The Sanchaya
13. What have you accomplished at The Sanchaya, and what are your priorities?
We hosted a leaders’ retreat for the President of Indonesia and the Prime Minister of Singapore.
We successfully reopened the estate after COVID-19, maintained strong staff retention and built positive morale and a supportive working environment.
We also introduced an Indonesian menu showcasing the diverse flavours of our archipelago, alongside creative vegan and vegetarian options.
In addition, we added two padel courts to the estate and completed a refurbishment of our Great House.
14. What types of guests does the resort mainly welcome?
Leisure travellers.
15. What would you recommend guests do during their stay?
Make the most of the estate and enjoy a bicycle ride around the tranquil nearby lake.
16. What distinguishes The Sanchaya from other resorts in a competitive market?
Our commitment to excellence, renowned service and timeless elegance define the estate. The property combines heritage with a beachfront setting on Bintan Island, with white-sand beaches and turquoise waters, all within a short ferry journey from Singapore.
17. What new initiatives has the resort introduced?
The Mr. Morris Foundation has opened an in-house hotel school for trainees, creating greater opportunities for aspiring young local hoteliers to pursue their ambitions.
18. What incentives do you offer travel agents and tour operators?
We offer 10% commission based on the Best Available Rate on The Sanchaya website to Serandipians, Virtuoso and Preferred Platinum agents, together with exclusive benefits.
Note: This answer reflects the arrangements described at the time of the original interview. Travel professionals should confirm current commission terms and eligibility directly with the resort.
Sustainability and Guest Experience
19. What sustainability practices does The Sanchaya follow?
The Sanchaya is committed to supporting local communities while responsibly managing its environmental impact. Our initiatives include eliminating single-use plastics, developing eco-friendly amenities, reducing food waste and cultivating our own organic garden.
We have also installed a specialised purification and sterilisation plant to bottle water on the premises. The glass bottles are fully recyclable, and we aim to save up to 80,000 plastic bottles a year through this initiative.
We believe sustainability is about doing the right things for ourselves, our artisans and the planet.
20. What contributes to excellent customer service?
Team morale and spirit. A happy team creates a wonderful heartbeat of genuine service that enhances the guest experience.
21. How do you work with staff to improve hotel services?
We do this daily, ensuring that we surprise and delight our residents.
22. How do you respond to a negative review or guest complaint?
Learn from it and use it as motivation to improve.
23. How would you deal with a difficult guest?
Listen, learn and communicate with your team.
Business Management and Personal Interests
24. How important is financial knowledge to a hotel general manager?
An understanding of the numbers is critical, and they do tell a story.
25. Have you managed hotel budgets?
Yes. At the time of this interview, we were finalising the 2025 budget and pushing ourselves to achieve greater milestones.
26. Have you recently taken a hospitality course or read anything related to the industry?
At the time of the interview, I was about to sign up for another Cornell course on hotel design.
27. What industry awards or accolades has the hotel received?
In the original interview, Williams cited the following awards:
- Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Award — Top Resort in Asia
- LUXE Global Award — Best Luxury Boutique Resort in Southeast Asia
- Travel + Leisure — Best Beach Resort in Indonesia
These award descriptions reflect the original interview and should be checked against the relevant award records before republication.
28. What are your interests outside work?
Keeping active through jogging, boxing and Muay Thai training, reading, and spending precious time with my wife and two dogs.
The Sanchaya
Lagoi Bay, Bintan, Riau Islands, Indonesia
Telephone: +62 770 692200
Also watch Greg Williams sharing the beauty of The Sanchaya: Video on Facebook
Check Availability
Travelers interested in staying at The Sanchaya can check current room rates and availability through major booking platforms.
- Compare hotel prices on Trip.com
- Explore tours and travel experiences on Agoda
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