The resort has been actively pursuing the first principle of a circular economy, which is waste prevention.
Alila Villas Uluwatu, a renowned leader in sustainable practices within the hospitality industry, has consistently prioritised waste elimination and pollution reduction as part of its core values. While the resort has been actively pursuing the first principle of a circular economy, which is waste prevention, since 2019 it has also focused on the other two principles: maximising the value of products and materials and promoting nature regeneration.
Central to its zero-waste commitment is the on-site Sustainability Lab initiative, which plays a pivotal role in closing the loop on materials that couldn’t be prevented from becoming waste, thereby generating new value.
The Sustainability Lab breathes new life into discarded glass bottles by transforming them into drinking glasses for The Warung, the resort’s Indonesian restaurant. These repurposed glasses are used by guests and are also available for purchase at the Alila Boutique, adding a touch of sustainability to their experience. Additionally, these bottles are creatively crafted into candleholders, enhancing the ambiance of special events and creating memorable moments.
Furthermore, the resort recycles styrofoam and plastic layers from in-room slippers, repurposing them to fill bean bags in the staff resting area and providing materials for other Alila properties across Bali.
The value of waste materials extends beyond internal use. Some materials are sold to recycling companies or returned to suppliers, ensuring the preservation and longevity of existing resources while also reducing costs. Other items find their way back into circulation through the resort’s innovative “Pick and Swap Shop.” Staff members can select and take home items that, although not suitable for guests due to imperfections, are still in good condition. These include beach bags, hats, slippers, and hangers, allowing these items to be enjoyed instead of going to waste.
Alila Villas Uluwatu actively fosters collaborations that result in unique and practical products. For instance, with the expertise of Parongpong Recycling Waste Lab, cigarette butts are transformed into furniture pieces. Buggy tires find new purpose as coasters at the Sunset Cabana Bar and are also used by Indosole, a globally recognised footwear company dedicated to environmental responsibility, to create sustainable sandals. Discarded umbrellas are ingeniously repurposed into tote bags by the resort’s creative team, with the support of Mountain Mamas, a local women-led social enterprise.
Notably, the resort takes advantage of landscaping waste to produce its own compost, which is used to nourish the soil in the organic chili garden and other gardens throughout the resort’s sprawling 14-hectare clifftop property. This practice contributes to regenerating the land and promotes sustainable agriculture.
At Alila Villas Uluwatu, waste is viewed as an opportunity for innovation and positive impact. Through their comprehensive approach, the resort strives to protect and preserve Bali’s natural beauty, including its rice fields, beaches, forests, rivers, and oceans. By advancing regenerative tourism practices, Alila Villas Uluwatu aims to create lasting benefits for both people and communities while promoting a healthier planet for future generations.
Alila Villas Uluwatu
Jalan Belimbing Sari, Tambiyak, Pecatu
Bali 80364, Indonesia
T: (+62) 3618482166
E: uluwatu@alilahotels.com
W: alilahotels.com/uluwatu
@alilavillasuluwatu
