The eco-friendly concept for the Bhanuswari goes far beyond that of other, more traditional hotels. In 1997, before people began talking about “sustainable tourism”, I Nyoman Suweta, managing director of the resort and Tengkulak village leader, began planning how to do it. His dream was to create a boutique resort and spa that would provide jobs for the people of his village. Many of the young villagers were gaining an education for the hotel and restaurant business, but after graduating and beginning their search for work, they were faced with the choice of long commutes or moving to the city. Suweta sought to allow these villagers to prosper while living at home, enabling them to maintain the traditional Balinese culture in their extended families.
To further increase the eco-friendliness of the resort, Suweta ensured furnishings in the guest rooms were produced locally from nearby coconut trees, a sustainable resource. Local craftspeople and artists were then commissioned to produce all of the artwork decoratively featured throughout the resort. Guests are encouraged to visit local artist’s studios where they can select similar artwork or even commission an original piece in support of the local artist community. Bhanuswari staff will be happy to arrange for the crating and shipping of any artwork guests are unable to fit into their luggage.
