By Rama Gaind.
The signature two-bedroom Inspiral eco-luxury villa combines style and sustainability at Gran Meliá Lombok as Invest Islands drives Indonesia’s green economy.
Travellers are becoming more conscious of their choices, especially when it comes to travel. Demand for sustainable tourism is becoming increasingly evident ― especially in emerging island destinations.
Ecotourism or green travel makes protecting the environment the main concern and it supports local communities. So, achieving a ‘green economy’ has never been more important as communities around the world struggle against a rising tide of climate change and environmental degradation. A green economy is defined as low carbon, resource efficient and socially inclusive. It has a broad canvas that incorporates means of interaction with nature and the methods used to produce goods.
The concept is simple: to create a development model that is environmentally friendly and drives benefits back into the community.
On the Indonesian island of Lombok, one forward-thinking company has woven this sustainable approach into every aspect of its operations. The astonishing new development weaves seamlessly into the landscape on Lombok’s stunning south coast, with innovative design solutions, renewable energy, community projects and more.
Lombok’s leading real estate investment company Invest Islands is fully committed to green economy. Not only does it create breath-taking resort and residential projects that reflect the cultural heritage of the island, it does so in a manner that is both harmonious with nature and enhances the quality of life for local people.
One prime example of Invest Islands’ strategy in action is Gran Meliá Lombok, one of southeast Asia’s most spectacular and eco-sensitive resort projects, which is currently taking shape on the island’s south coast. This five-star resort is a masterpiece of high-style, low-impact design that blends seamlessly with its tropical surroundings at Torok Bay, overlooking the Indian Ocean and framed by emerald headlands and rippling rice fields.
Gran Meliá Lombok is set on a 16-hectare hillside and beachfront site at Torok Bay, overlooking the Indian Ocean.
According to the CEO and co-founder of Invest Islands Kevin Deisser, a real estate company and a charity are able to go hand-in-hand.
“By its very definition, a property investment business must bring large amounts of capital into the region. When properly spent, this capital should not only benefit investors, but all stakeholders ― particularly those within the local communities who live around our projects.”
An estimated 68 per cent of the 16-hectare hillside and beachfront site is being retained as green space, and no aspect of the construction will rise above the tree line.
Sustainability benefits
Sustainability is integrated into all parts of the property, from the use of organic, locally-sourced materials in its luxurious suites and villas to energy-saving fixtures and fittings throughout the public areas and back-of-house spaces. A rainwater catchment and greywater system will provide natural year-round irrigation, and solar water heaters ensure a constant supply of hot water. Renewable energy, including solar panelling, will power the entire property.
Single-use plastic is one of the biggest challenges facing the world today, and while many hospitality companies have made zero-plastic pledges, Invest Islands is taking this a step further by putting plastic waste to practical use. Having cleared trash from Lombok’s pristine beaches, Invest Islands upcycles it to create innovative ‘eco-bricks’, which are produced by local people and purchased by the company for use in its properties. Solid, water-resistant and lightweight, these innovative bricks are the ultimate eco-friendly building material, while also generating revenue for villagers.
Natural, local materials have been used throughout the design and construction of the Inspiral villas at Gran Meliá Lombok.
The company’s vision is to find undervalued plots of land across the Indonesian archipelago and work with award-winning architects and designers to create breath-taking developments that raise the profile of their destination.
In addition, a dedicated charitable arm, the Invest Islands Foundation, has been established to drive educational and employment opportunities for Indigenous people and ensure that the benefits of their projects are spread far and wide. This long-term social commitment provides medical care and education to disadvantaged families, including the construction of new schools.
Here’s hoping the foundation’s premium projects continue to flourish with their inimitable sense of style and sustainability!
DETAILS BOX
www.indonesia.travel/gb/en/home
www.granmelialombok.com
www.invest-islands.com
www.investislandsfoundation.org
