A private beachfront, a villa designed for style and comfort, and all the services you would expect from a luxury resort. Sounds like a dream? Project developer and CEO of Amber Resort, Theo Dandine, thought so too, and has been working with designers and architects to make it come true. He spoke to My Lombok recently, and described his latest venture – a project that combines natural beauty with ultra-modern features and offers the perfect beachside getaway.

Can you tell us about where you came from?

I grew up in Nice, in southern France, with my father, who was a builder, and my mother, an artist. The area is well known as a seaside destination but we actually spent a lot of time in the mountains or in the hinterland. The vegetation varies a lot, depending on the altitude, and the whole region is very attractive. Now that I’m living far from my parents, I always try to imagine how they would do things in Lombok – both technically and creatively – and that gives me inspiration.

What brought you to Lombok?

I used to work in Hong Kong but I would often travel to Bali for weekend getaways. After a while, though, I got tired of all the traffic, so I decided to go somewhere else for a calmer holiday. That’s when I discovered Lombok. It’s only a 30-minute flight from busy, bustling Bali, but it’s a totally peaceful sanctuary. I was blown away by the beautiful uncrowded beaches!

Are you concerned about your buildings being environmentally and socially sustainable?

Many people make the mistake of thinking that sustainability is all about using wood, or collecting rain for showers. There is so much more to ‘green building’ than that.

You have to think about overall infrastructure, such as taking care of your underground water source, designing rooms to make them earth-friendly by default – by using only cold water taps, pre-set room temperatures, and glass water bottles. It’s also important to put standard operational procedures efficiently into place when you manage a hotel.

There are about 100 features we have worked on – from the materials used for construction to our management procedures – so yes, we care deeply for the Earth.

You have two projects that we know of in Lombok, Villa Bliss and Origin. Are there any other projects on the horizon – either in Lombok or in a different location?

With Villa Bliss and Origin, we were experimenting with something new in Lombok, by breaking from the usual joglo designs and trying to build an experienced team. We are now working on a new project called Amber, located in the Selong Belanak area, on Torok Beach. It started about four years ago; there were no roads to the area at the time. The Amber Resort project offers a range of villas for sale, located within the grounds of a managed hotel resort. The beachfront site has it all – big mountain backdrops, offshore breaks to create a perfect lagoon, and even a new road, which cuts driving time to Selong (less than 8 minutes), Kuta (35 minutes) and the airport (45 minutes).

None of our projects are located in busy areas, like central Kuta, because we want to offer a retreat experience far from the crowds, the noise and the dust. Amber Resort will have full holiday facilities: a restaurant, a lounge, pools, an Ayurvedic spa, health and wellness consultations, yoga shala, a gym, a boutique and a recreational kiosk.

We want our guests to experience a relaxed atmosphere and genuine service they’ll always remember.

Why did you choose the name Amber?

Amber is a resin that is prized for its gorgeous spectrum of colours. For us, it’s a reflection of south Lombok’s natural beauty. Amber is a stone that clears the mind and eases stress – and that’s what the resort will do for our guests. In short, we aim to make it the gem of Torok Beach.

How would you describe the design of Amber?

I’d use three terms: bohemian chic, coastal, and eco-friendly. This will be obvious in the warmth of the materials, the nautical-inspired hues and laid-back California vibes. Guests today have very different needs from what we’ve seen in the past. The rooms have to be ergonomic and include all modern comforts, without the bling. There must be lots of social areas. Food and beverages have to be innovative, with a menu that is frequently updated. The design of Amber had to take all this into consideration, with overall aesthetics a key priority. Let’s be honest: it has to be Instagram-worthy.

What is your ‘vision’ for Amber?

Amber is luxury without the pretence. The resort will be a destination in itself – an oasis on the beach. We hope to provide a carefree holiday experience for well-travelled visitors, and a place where they feel at home.

What is a unique feature that will set Amber apart?

Amber will have an Ayurvedic program for guests who want to combine their holidays with health and wellness, including retreat and detox options. My wife Amy will lead the program; her extensive experience in yoga, Ayurveda and teaching will allow us to offer something exclusive in Lombok and cater to a rapidly growing market for holistic healthcare.

Having already completed 2 projects in Lombok, you are now taking on a third. Some might call you ‘crazy’. How do you feel about this, and why choose Lombok again?

I say we’d be crazy not to continue! The first years were difficult. We almost quit the project twice. But with time (and a lot of patience) you find people who share the same vision and passion for high-quality results. Then things get interesting, and a little bit easier. Lombok is a place where anything is possible as long as you have the motivation and discipline to put your ideas into action.

What are the most difficult situations you have faced?

There wouldn’t be enough time or space to tell you about all of them! Let’s just say you need to have a good sense of humour when you’re working on a project like this.

So it’s all looking good?

Absolutely! We have just signed an agreement to work in collaboration with the talented ARTOTEL team to manage Amber. With their energy, their approach to hospitality and their dedication to guest satisfaction, they are a perfect fit for our vision. Amber is in competent hands, and ARTOTEL will deliver the best service imaginable.

In terms of your work, what is your ultimate goal? What do you want to be remembered for?

I prefer to stay in the shadows, rather than be in the spotlight. I like to work on a project with other passionate people, so we can achieve a common goal. Whether it’s about building or managing, there is always something you can do better, and with more originality. I think people are remembered for how they stand out from the others. And that’s exactly where I put my energy.

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