Hidden among the lush landscapes of East Bali, DW Jungle Resort is a world away from the property Adam and his partner Jean took over in June 2024.
The former Dasawana Resort had incredible potential; nine bungalows set within 5,000 square metres of stunning tropical gardens. But years of underinvestment meant the property needed far more than a fresh coat of paint.
After six months of renovations, a complete rebrand and a new approach to running the business, DW Jungle Resort is now welcoming guests to a modern, eco-conscious retreat focused on direct bookings and exceptional guest experiences.
Although the resort already used freetobook when Adam took over, it was largely being used only as their booking engine. By working closely with the freetobook team and gradually introducing more of its features, it has become an integral part of the resort’s long-term growth strategy.
For Adam, every decision comes back to one simple principle:
“If you look after your people, your community, your guests and nature, the business looks after itself.”
When Adam first visited the resort, the potential was impossible to ignore.
“The gardens were incredible, but the property had suffered from years of underinvestment. We knew with the right investment we could create something really special.”
Over six months, every bungalow was renovated, the restaurant was rebuilt, and the entrance was completely redesigned.
The team also introduced the new name: DW Jungle Resort.
“We wanted people to instantly understand what makes us different. The name says exactly what guests can expect.”
But renovating the buildings was only part of the story. Adam wanted systems behind the scenes that would help the business grow.
Having inherited freetobook from the previous owners, Adam quickly realised there was far more the system could offer than simply acting as a booking engine.
Working closely with the freetobook team, the resort gradually introduced more of the platform’s features as the business evolved.
“The continuity of support has been exceptional. Working with the same people throughout the setup process and beyond means they know exactly how to best support your business. It’s completely different from the experience you get with the OTAs.”
That consistency has given Adam confidence throughout the transformation and made it easier to continue improving the business.
Like many independent properties, OTAs still play an important role. However, Adam wanted guests to book directly wherever possible.
One of his first decisions was to remove their Agoda connection after seeing prices heavily discounted during flash sales.
Booking.com remained an important channel, but direct bookings became the long-term focus.
BloomPro has played an important part in making that happen.
“BloomPro is exceptional for direct bookings because Elements keeps guests on your website instead of sending them somewhere else to complete the booking.”
Keeping guests on the property’s own website throughout the booking journey creates a smoother experience, strengthens guest confidence and helps the resort build stronger direct relationships with its guests.
For Adam, the resort’s journey has happened in two distinct phases.
The first year was all about rebuilding the business from the ground up. The team renovated the resort, repositioned the brand, invested in staff and focused on delivering exceptional guest experiences, all while working closely with the freetobook team.
The investment soon began to pay off.
In the first year alone, DW Jungle Resort increased its Average Daily Rate (ADR) by 52% and RevPAR by 51%.
With those foundations firmly in place, the business entered its next chapter.
“In year one, we rebuilt the house. In year two, freetobook’s technology helped us furnish it.”
In July 2025, Adam introduced BloomPro and freetobook’s Dynamic Pricing integration with RoomPriceGenie.
“RoomPriceGenie has been a game changer.”
By combining smarter pricing with a stronger direct-booking strategy, the resort has continued to grow despite one of the most challenging periods that Candidasa’s tourism industry has experienced.
Since introducing these features:
Overall, since taking over the resort, DW Jungle has achieved:
Like many businesses in Candidasa, Indonesia, DW Jungle Resort has had to navigate a particularly difficult period.
A major beach regeneration project has disrupted tourism across the area, while wider global uncertainty has also affected visitor numbers.
Despite these challenges, the resort has continued to outperform many neighbouring properties.
Adam believes having the right people and technology behind the business has made a significant difference.
For DW Jungle Resort, sustainability isn’t just about the environment; it’s about creating a positive impact for guests, staff and the local community. Beyond the resort’s 5,000 square metres of tropical gardens, the team has committed to protecting a further 7,500 square metres of surrounding land, creating a stewardship commitment across 1.25 hectares for future generations.
The team has funded compost bunkers for the local village, supports environmental education in local schools, has eliminated single-use plastics across the resort and avoids chemical fogging by using natural pest control methods.
Solar power is the next major sustainability project on the horizon.
The resort’s philosophy is summed up in its tagline:
“Blessed with Balinese culture, wrapped in gentle hospitality.”
Although the transformation so far has been remarkable, Adam sees it as just the beginning.
With freetobook helping manage bookings, BloomPro improving the direct booking journey, and Dynamic Pricing optimising rates, the team can focus on what matters most: creating unforgettable guest experiences.
For Adam, that’s exactly how hospitality should be.
“If you look after your people, your community, your guests and nature, the business looks after itself.”
Scan the QR code to download the app
