The Apurva Kempinski Bali has set a new standard in Indonesia’s luxury hospitality industry by achieving the distinction of becoming the country’s first GSTC-certified hotel. This prestigious certification underscores the resort’s commitment to sustainable practices across environmental, social, cultural and governance dimensions.
STORY BY Aulia R. Sungkar | PHOTOS BY THE APURVA KEMPINSKI BALI
Located in Nusa Dua, The Apurva Kempinski Bali has achieved the milestone of becoming Indonesia’s first hotel to receive Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) certification. This accolade underscores the resort’s unwavering dedication to sustainability and responsible tourism, thus reflecting a comprehensive approach to environmental stewardship, social impact, cultural preservation and effective governance.
Setting New Standards
The resort places sustainability at the heart of its brand strategy, aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. The resort’s GSTC certification highlights its commitment to sustainable practices, rigorously audited by Control Union. Key criteria include: Effective Sustainability Management: The resort integrates sustainable principles into its operations, adhering to ethical business practices internally and with external stakeholders. A dedicated ESG team continuously monitors and enhances these initiatives. Maximising Social and Economic Benefits for the Local Community: The resort prioritises local employment, achieving a 21.7 per cent local hire rate by December 2023. Its sustainable agriculture programme, in partnership with Samsara Living Museum, educates local farmers in eco-farming, enabling direct supply to the hotel. Furthermore, collaborations with institutions like Bali Culinary Pastry School and Politeknik Negeri Bali provide training opportunities to foster local economic growth.
Cultural Preservation: Guests are immersed in Indonesian culture through performances, art, and architecture. Annual campaigns such as Powerful Indonesia in collaboration with various partners curate unique guest experiences that integrate Indonesia’s rich culture, tradition and heritage.
Environmental Stewardship: Employing a science- based approach, the resort reduces its environmental footprint through initiatives such as a Hydroponic Rooftop Garden, Waste Management, Sustainable Weddings, and Electric Vehicle Experience. The resort launched a mangrove planting program with Eco-Tourism Bali, starting with 1,000 seeds, hence demonstrating commitment to climate neutrality.
The Design and Built Environment
The resort’s architecture and interior design reflect Indonesia’s cultural heritage, influenced by the Majapahit Kingdom and Bali’s iconic terracing system. The grand staircase, inspired by Bali’s mother temple Besakih, and opulent interiors crafted by Indonesian artisans showcase the country’s craftsmanship. Strategically located away from environmentally sensitive areas, the resort ensures minimal disruption to local ecosystems, aligning with GSTC’s sustainable construction and site management guidelines.
A Journey Towards Certification
The certification process commenced in November 2023 with the resort’s application to Control Union. Following a rigorous audit on 7-8 February 2024, the resort received official certification on 29 March 2024. This rigorous process involved significant efforts to meet GSTC’s stringent standards, hence reaffirming the resort’s commitment to sustainable practices.
Despite challenges, especially in ensuring compliance with sustainability criteria, the resort’s dedicated team and supportive stakeholders successfully navigated the process. The GSTC certification not only enhances the resort’s sustainability credentials but also enriches the guest experience, thus ensuring their stay aligns with high standards of sustainable management, social responsibility, cultural preservation and environmental stewardship.
The pioneering achievement of The Apurva Kempinski Bali is expected to inspire other hotels in Indonesia to pursue GSTC certification. By showcasing the benefits of sustainable practices, the resort aims to set a benchmark for responsible tourism in Indonesia’s hospitality industry. Positive feedback from guests, partners, travel agents, and online booking platforms underscores the value of this certification.
Vincent Guironnet, the general manager, expressed his pride in the achievement, stating, “This recognition reaffirms our commitment to providing unparalleled luxury experiences whilst leading the charge in sustainable tourism practices. We remain dedicated to creating impactful change and shaping a more sustainable future for generations to come.”
As Indonesia’s first GSTC-certified hotel, The Apurva Kempinski Bali not only enhances its reputation for luxury and excellence but also leads the way towards a more sustainable and responsible hospitality industry in the country.
Project Data
The Apurva Kempinski Bali
Lot 4, Jl. Raya Nusa Dua Selatan, Benoa - Bali 80361
+62 3612092288, @kempinskibali kempinski.com
Company name: PT. Graha Alam Lestari
Number of Rooms: 475 room keys
Room sizes (sqm): Grand Deluxe 65 - 80 Suite 100 - 200 Villa 201 - 1,379
Site Area: ±11Ha
Gross Floor Area: ± 100.000 sqm
Architecture & Landsacpe Consultant: Denton Corker Marshall
(PT. Duta Cermat Mandiri)
Principal Designer: Budiman Hendropurnomo
Interior Design Consultant: Trivium Design Group
Principal Designer: Rudy Dodo
Lighting Consultant: Litac
Principal Designer: Paul Gunawan
M&E Consultant Contractor: PT. Hantaran Prima Mandiri
Civil & Structural Consultant: PT. Benjamin Gideon & Associate
Main Contractor: Nusa Konstruksi Engineering
Supporting Products: Gebyok & Woodworking: Lakkasta Lighting: LELCO, etc
Opening Date: 1 February 2019