Villa Finder’s Sustainability Report 2025 is our look back at a year where good intentions became real, measurable action. We proved that sustainability should not be treated like a nice extra on the side of a villa holiday. It became part of how we worked, how we supported villa partners, and how we helped guests make more thoughtful choices. And yes, this is still about beautiful villas, private pools, family breakfasts, sunset dinners, and holidays that make your group chat suddenly very active. But it is also about what happens behind the scenes: energy use, carbon emissions, waste, local communities, villa certification, employee well-being, and the natural places that make travel worth doing in the first place. In 2025, Villa Finder achieved several big milestones: We reduced our carbon emissions by 69% compared to our 2024 baseline We installed solar panels that reduced on-grid electricity consumption by 72% We supported…
Bali is a dream place for many people with peaceful rice fields, beautiful beaches, and a warm culture. But before turning that dream into a villa or rental business, it’s important to make sure your property is 100% legal. Recently, the local & national authorities have updated rules and enforced stricter compliance. Many villas were found to have been built or rented without proper permits, and some were even ordered to close (48 illegal villas demolished). Authorities are also limiting the construction of new hotels, villas, and restaurants, especially in overdeveloped areas (Bali to Ban Building More Hotels, Villas, & Restaurants). If you plan to build, buy, or rent out a villa in Bali, this simple guideline will help you stay compliant and avoid trouble. *DisclaimerThis guideline is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Villa Finder is not a legal advisor or law firm, and…
As Bali continues to grow as a global tourism and business destination, so does its energy demand. But behind the island’s beauty lies a serious environmental challenge: most of Indonesia’s electricity still comes from coal, one of the dirtiest fossil fuels! In response to this, our office in Bali has installed solar panels (also known as a photovoltaic or PV system), a clean, renewable energy solution that can reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and won’t harm our air quality. Here’s how we’re installing our solar panels, why it’s urgent in the context of Indonesia, and how others can follow our path. Why We Consider Using Solar Panels We decided to install solar panels based on a combination of practical, environmental, and ethical considerations. 1. Rising Electricity Costs Electricity rates in Indonesia have been gradually increasing, especially for commercial users. In Bali, where many businesses rely on air conditioning, computers,…
At Villa Finder, we believe that sustainability should be simple, effective, and stress-free. That’s why we’ve created two powerful, easy-to-use tools: a free Sustainability policy and Environmental calculator. These resources are designed to help villa owners and property managers take meaningful action. And yes, it can be done without hiring consultants or starting from scratch. Thinking, “Is this really possible?” Totally fair. But with us? Of course it is. Stick with us for two minutes. We’ll turn that maybe into a solid yay-be. Guests Are Paying Attention Today’s travelers are increasingly searching for eco-friendly villas and accommodations that align with their values. In fact, according to Booking.com’s Sustainable Travel Report (2025), 84% of global travelers consider sustainability important, and 73% are willing to pay more. Furthermore, according to Expedia’s 2025 Travel Value Index, 27% of the global traveler are concerned about the environment when planning their trip, a figure that…
In the world of sustainable living, especially in hospitality and tourism, one question of honouring traditional and modern sustainability often comes up: Should we stick to traditional, time-honoured eco-friendly practices, or embrace modern green technology to reduce our environmental impact? If you are a villa owner in Bali or other tropical destinations, you might feel caught between preserving local culture and adopting new innovations. The truth is, you don’t have to choose. Sustainability doesn’t have to be an “either-or” decision. In fact, the most successful and impactful approaches are those that combine the best of both worlds. Traditional practices like using natural materials, passive cooling, or sourcing from local producers have supported low-impact living for generations. Meanwhile, smart technology from solar panels to water-saving sensors offers another approach, such as precision and scalability that today’s climate challenges demand. Together, they form a powerful duo: one rooted in heritage, the other…
Sustainable travel is more than a trend—it’s the future of tourism. As climate awareness grows, more and more of what we like to call eco-conscious travelers are seeking out villas that align with their values. They’re not just booking a stay; they’re choosing to support properties that care for the planet as much as they do. And trust us, they notice the details. According to Booking.com’s 2025 Travel & Sustainability Report, 84% of global travelers consider sustainability important, and 73% are willing to pay more for eco-conscious experiences. This shift presents a significant opportunity for villa owners and property managers to adapt and take the lead. Whether you manage a beach villa in Bali or a countryside retreat in Tuscany, implementing sustainable villa practices can boost bookings, build guest loyalty, and protect the environment. The question is, how can you make your property ‘stand out’ to this new wave of mindful…
With climate change and eco-awareness in the spotlight, “sustainability” has become a popular term in the hospitality industry. But when it comes to implementing sustainable practices in villas, most villa owners and property management companies are asking: can sustainability truly be implemented, or is it just a myth rather than a reality? It’s a fair question—because while the term gets thrown around a lot, the actual implementation can feel murky. That’s why it’s important to separate fact from fiction and understand what’s really possible in the world of villa sustainability. Let’s bust 10 common myths about sustainability in villas and reveal what’s really happening on the ground. Myth 1: Sustainability Is Too Expensive Reality: While some eco-friendly upgrades require investment, many practices only use a small investment and can easily be done, without you noticing it! Like switching to LED lighting, installing low-flow water fixtures, using a timer to turn…
As a villa owner, you’re not just providing a place to stay — you’re offering an experience for your guests. Today’s travelers care about more than just luxury. They’re looking for authenticity, sustainability, and ethical practices in the places they visit. One key aspect that’s becoming increasingly important is animal welfare. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what animal welfare means, why it matters to your guests, and how you can promote it at your villa — all without compromising on the charm or comfort of your property. What is Animal Welfare? Animal welfare refers to the well-being of animals and ensuring they live in environments where they are treated with respect and kindness. This includes providing appropriate food, shelter, and freedom to express natural behaviors, without being subjected to cruelty or exploitation. For further information, we have collected guidelines on animal welfare from ABTA and the manual guidebook…
Sustainable suppliers are at the heart of Bali’s growing eco-conscious movement, and we’re here to make it easier for you to find them. As part of our commitment to supporting greener choices on the island, we’ve put together a regularly updated list of trusted, sustainability-focused partners. Whether you’re after eco-friendly amenities, efficient waste management solutions, or locally made products with a light footprint, this guide is tailored to help villa owners, hospitality businesses, and mindful consumers connect with the right local experts. Bookmark this list, share it with your team, and keep checking back as we uncover even more inspiring suppliers across the island. What’s in This Sustainability Supplier List? We’ve handpicked reliable local partners that can help you building a greener Bali. These suppliers support eco-initiatives through products, services, and community involvement. Here’s what you can expect: Renewable Energy Solutions Switching to renewable energy like solar isn’t just a…
Ever thought that your vacation could be more than just sun, sea, and selfies? Volunteer holidays (aka voluntourism – sounds kinda cool, right?) let you travel and make a positive impact by volunteering your time and skills. By doing it, you’re not only enriching your own experience, but also supporting local communities and helping with environmental conservation. To get you inspired, here are organizations and community groups in some destinations offering eco-friendly activities: 1. Bali, Indonesia Volunteer holidays here let you connect with the real Bali, give back to its communities, and experience the magic in a whole new way. Let’s uncover some awesome organizations: Sungai Watch Sungai Watch focuses on protecting Bali’s rivers from plastic pollution. Volunteers help with river cleanups, spread awareness about environmental protection, and promote sustainable living in local communities. You can register here to be part of this impactful movement! Trash Hero This passionate volunteer…