The holiday season is here! And Swissôtel Living Jakarta Mega Kuningan is ready for it.
In a conversation with Indonesia Expat, French native Gilles Tressens, currently serving as the General Manager of Swissôtel Living Jakarta Mega Kuningan, shares his love for hospitality, how he would describe himself as a leader, what the property is very excited to offer in this cheery month of December, the lovely theme that the property has chosen for this season of festivity, his prediction regarding where the Indonesian hospitality industry will be heading next year, and much more.
Hi, Gilles! Let’s start with your background a bit. What can you tell us about yourself?
I am originally from France, and hospitality has been my world for more than 40 years. Over the years, I have had the privilege of leading teams and opening landmark properties across Europe, America, and Asia, particularly within Accor’s luxury and premium brands. Pre-openings, operational excellence, and driving sustainable revenue growth have been recurring themes throughout my career, but what I truly enjoy most is working with people, developing talent, shaping culture, and creating memorable guest experiences.
When I am not in the hotel, you will usually find me exploring new destinations, discovering local culinary traditions, or spending quality time with my family. Travel, culture, and human connections continue to inspire me in both my personal and professional life.
You’ve recently been appointed as the General Manager of Swissôtel Living Jakarta Mega Kuningan. What encouraged and motivated you to accept this exciting role?
Swissôtel Living Jakarta Mega Kuningan is an exceptional property with enormous potential. It represents a unique concept in Jakarta, Swiss luxury, thoughtful design, and residential-style living right in the heart of the city. Being part of this property and shaping a hotel’s culture from the ground up has always been one of my greatest motivators.
I was drawn by the opportunity to bring Swissôtel’s ethos of vitality, well-being, and genuine hospitality to life in a new market, while also mentoring a talented new team. The combination of Accor’s reputation, the project’s vision, and Jakarta’s dynamic energy made the decision an exciting and natural step forward. The strength of our loyalty programme ALL perfectly matches the potential of the property and will help to support the growth of revenue we are gaining.
So far, how do you see Swissôtel Living Jakarta Mega Kuningan within the hospitality landscape of Jakarta? And what is your vision for Swissôtel Living Jakarta Mega Kuningan going forward?
Swissôtel Living Jakarta Mega Kuningan stands in a very interesting space. It combines the comfort of long-stay living with the sophistication of a premium serviced apartment, a blend that’s still rare in Jakarta. We aim to be the preferred choice not only for extended-stay guests but also for families, corporate travellers, and urban explorers seeking a sense of home with premium services. From banquet facilities with high-quality videotron to professional spa partnership, we also provide our guests with a golf simulator facility and a shopping arcade, including Kem Chiks supermarket or a trendy, stand-alone restaurant.
My vision is to elevate the property as a benchmark for modern premium living: a place where wellness is woven into every touchpoint, where design and functionality meet, and where service feels authentic, warm, and effortlessly Swiss. Going forward, our focus will be on crafting curated experiences, strengthening our sustainability initiatives, and building strong partnerships within the community.
As a General Manager, how would you describe your leadership style?
I believe in democratic leadership, empowering teams, building trust, and giving people the space to excel. In my experience, great hospitality happens when colleagues feel valued, respected, and inspired to bring their unique strengths to work every day. The team spirit remains essential if you want to deliver excellence in guest experience. Our Heartists are like a strong sports-performing team; we focus on our guests, and each of us has an important role to play. There are no back-of-the-house or front-liners; we are all here for the win and to achieve our goal.
Also, I like to stay close to daily operations. It is like a natural path for me; listen to our guests and teams, and think out of the box to innovate and create memorable moments.
The holiday festivity season is finally here, which is usually the busiest and most competitive working season for hotels. What can you tell us about Swissôtel Living Jakarta Mega Kuningan’s plans and projects for this holiday season? Is there any particular theme, perhaps?
This year, our festive season transforms Swissôtel Living Jakarta Mega Kuningan into a charming Winter Wonderland, where the magic of togetherness shines as brightly as snow-lit nights. Just like families gathering cosily in their living rooms, we aim to bring that same intimate warmth into every corner of our hotel, especially around our very own hearth of warmth, Embers Open-Fire Grill.
In this Winter Wonderland, those little sparks glow even brighter, illuminating moments, memories, and meaningful connections. At Embers Open-Fire Grill, guests will be invited to indulge in a festive culinary journey wrapped in seasonal cheer and winter-inspired delight:
- Christmas Eve Dinner, a specially crafted set menu celebrating togetherness, starting from Rp285.000++/person;
- Christmas Day Lunch, heartwarming festive favourites for Rp280.000++;
- New Year’s Eve Celebration, welcoming 2026 with a lively buffet concept through our open-kitchen restaurant for Rp300.000++/person.
This season promises a blend of winter magic, warm hearts, and radiant celebrations right here, where every moment feels like home.
Swissôtel Living Jakarta Mega Kuningan is set to throw a concert billed as “The Premiere Soul Intimate Concert VI” at JICC on the 21st of December, 2025. What can you tell us about it?
This concert is part of our Limitless Experience: a special programme crafted to offer unique and unforgettable moments to our loyal guests, especially ALL Accor and ALL Accor+ Explorer members. It’s all about feeling the rhythm, savouring the flavour, and soaking in soulful vibes over an extraordinary weekend at Swissôtel Living Jakarta Mega Kuningan.
Guests will enjoy the romance and musical journey of The Premiere Soul Intimate Concert VI, paired with flame-kissed creations at Embers Open Fire-Grill, and the signature comfort of Swissôtel Living Jakarta. This programme is dedicated to providing an exclusive, limitless experience for ALL Accor members, combining music, culinary delights, and the joy of Swissôtel hospitality.
Now that the year 2025 is reaching its end, how do you see this year with regard to the development of the Indonesian hospitality sector, in general? Moreover, what is your prediction for the year 2026?
The year 2025 has been a year of strong recovery and renewed confidence for Indonesia’s hospitality sector. We have seen increasing international arrivals, a surge in domestic travel, and a growing appetite for lifestyle-driven experiences. Hotels are evolving beyond accommodation; they are becoming social spaces, culinary destinations, and wellness hubs.
Looking ahead to 2026, I see even greater momentum. Technology, sustainability, and personalised service will play crucial roles. Properties that can integrate seamless digital convenience with warm human hospitality will stand out. I am optimistic that Indonesia will continue to position itself as one of Asia’s most attractive travel and business destinations.
Last but not least, how can our readers get in touch with you and Swissôtel Living Jakarta Mega Kuningan?
I am always happy to connect. Readers can reach me through my LinkedIn profile or by contacting Swissôtel Living Jakarta Mega Kuningan directly through our website and official social media channels. Our team is here to assist with inquiries, reservations, collaborations, or simply to share more about what makes our property special.