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Last week, we unveiled exclusive perks for the first 10 companies to secure a spot on the AST Sustainability Solution Providers Directory. If you haven't caught up yet, scroll down to discover more about this limited-time offer.

This week, we're thrilled to present case studies of three Bali hotels our team visited late last year. This is Part 1 of our two-part series, with Part 2 highlighting dining gems that celebrate Indonesia’s culinary heritage while championing sustainability.

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Bali’s Winning Formula: Sustainability Meets Sophistication

Bali is long celebrated for its natural beauty and cultural heritage.

As one of Asia’s earliest international travel destinations, the island has a hospitality ecosystem that is as resilient as it is creative.

While busy and crowded as it appears in certain parts of the island, many Bali brands successfully blend sustainability with profitability, attracting global travelers and providing valuable lessons for industry professionals.

We previously examined how trailblazers like Desa Potato Head, Fivelement, Bambu Indah, and Alila Uluwatu have minimized environmental impact and created unique products by integrating sustainability into their core strategies.

In November 2024, after the Further East conference, we went on a field assignment to delve deeper into Bali's evolving hospitality scene, uncovering case studies that demonstrate how responsible hospitality could create meaningful ripple effects — changing not just businesses, but communities and ecosystems for the better.

Plataran Menjangan: Engaging Guests in Appreciating Indonesia’s Natural and Cultural Heritage Responsibly

The Philosophy behind Building Plataran Menjangan 

The group’s decision to build Plataran Menjangan in West Bali National Park, truly off-the-beaten-path, reflects its vision to showcase Indonesia’s natural and cultural heritage while contributing to conservation and sustainability.

The resort aligns closely with Plataran's overarching development strategy, which revolves around three core pillars: nature, culture, and community.

Its conservation priority is evident in its low-impact architecture, crafted to blend seamlessly into the environment, and its active role in coral reef restoration and wildlife protection initiatives including a sanctuary for the endangered Bali Starling. 

The resort's design, operation, and community engagement were shaped by pre-construction feasibility assessments conducted with local environmental experts and stakeholders.

The findings guided the team in minimizing ecological disruption through responsible resource management and emphasized local hiring and training.

Guest Experiences That Connect People to Nature

At Plataran Menjangan, guests are invited to leave a lasting mark — not through consumption, but through connection.

By inviting guests to plant and name a tree within the park, the resort cultivates a personal connection between the guests and the landscape.

General Manager Najib Abdullah notes that nearly half of returning guests come back to check on their tree’s growth.

The resort also curates low-impact, immersive experiences, from morning hikes to immerse oneself in the region’s diverse wildlife to serene breakfast picnics overlooking the majestic Baluran volcano.

Plataran Menjangan stands as a shining example of how luxury resorts can tread lightly on the land, leaving behind only footprints of care and stewardship.

Viceroy Bali: Investment Aligned with Ecological Capacity

Sustainability Enhances the Guest Experience

Overlooking Ubud’s lush Valley of the Kings, Viceroy Bali might not be the first name that springs to mind when thinking about sustainability in Bali.

Yet, it stands as a compelling example of how Balinese luxury hospitality has evolved over time.

At first glance, even the most regular guests may miss the subtle eco-conscious touches woven into the hotel’s operations over the years.

This quiet integration reflects the Viceroy team’s thoughtful approach, proving that sustainability can enhance, rather than diminish, the guest experience.

Sustainability as a Shared Commitment

Central to this philosophy is the appointment of sustainability champions across all departments, ensuring green initiatives are integrated into daily operations at every level. 

Spearheading this transformation are the Syrowatka family and General Manager Patrick Farrell, who view sustainability as more than just a fleeting initiative but as a core pillar of Viceroy Bali’s identity.

One of the resort’s most distinctive undertakings is its commitment to protecting the forested valley it overlooks. The hotel secured a 30-year lease on adjacent land — owned partially by the hotel’s team members — not for expansion, but for preservation. This forest, untouched by development, offers guests unspoiled views, creating a rare luxury in an increasingly crowded Bali.

When asked about the financial reasoning behind leasing land without developing it, Patrick shared, “It is no secret that Bali has become overdeveloped in certain areas. We recognized the importance of safeguarding what makes this place special, so we lease the land to preserve and nurture the forest.” 

He explained, “Leasing the land provides long-term income for the landowners, but also ensures our guests enjoy uninterrupted views of the rainforest in its purest form. This unspoiled, panoramic view from every villa has become Viceroy Bali’s signature offering, and it’s what draws guests to us and enables us to charge premium rates.”

Stonehouse Bali: An Eco-luxe Oasis in Harmony with Nature

More than a secluded eco-luxe sanctuary, Stonehouse Bali is a reflection of life partners Walker Zabriskie and Wendy Kassel’s shared vision – a place designed to exist in harmony with its surroundings and rooted deeply in the land’s natural rhythms.

Stonehouse Bali’s architecture embodies a low-impact ethos, seamlessly blending sustainability with timeless artistry. The structures are built with raw, natural materials such as stones, bamboo, and centuries-old salvaged timber — each element chosen to honor the land’s integrity.

Inside, cultural heritage comes to life through hand-painted 19th-century Javanese panels and curated collectibles from the founders’ travels, infusing every space with stories and delights. 

Every detail, from the custom-designed furniture and bespoke lighting to handcrafted accessories, reflects Walker’s vision, evoking a rare sense of authenticity and originality that resonates deeply with guests seeking a connection to Indonesia’ cultural and natural roots.

Calling All Sustainability Solution Providers

We hear again and again from hotels and resorts across Asia that they want to “go sustainable” but don’t know where to start or who to trust.

For them, generic searches and ChatGPT don’t cut it. Decision-makers need trusted, vetted solutions to drive meaningful change, quickly and efficiently.

The AST Sustainability Solution Providers Directory offers visibility, credibility, and direct access to key decision-makers.

If you are a solution provider, we invite you to visit our website and submit your information for review in order to get listed.

What’s in it for you as a solution provider?

• It’s free and easy: Showcase your solutions with no strings attached.

• Reach decision-makers: 80% of our readers hold director-level or higher roles across 60+ countries.

• Gain credibility: Unlike generic search engines, our platform features only vetted, high-impact providers.

What’s in it for hospitality and travel companies?

• Discover and connect with vetted, high-impact solutions to integrate sustainability into your operations – saving you time and reducing guesswork.

🌟 A Special Time-Limited Offer for you 🌟

Be among the first 10 companies listed before 31 January 2025 and unlock an additional month of premium membership perks (worth up to $2,200) when we launch.

That’s a little thank you from us for getting onboard early. 

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