Luxury And Sustainability: A Winning Combination

Selong Selo Lombok is a luxury destination that’s a little off the beaten track, in a jungle setting on the side of a mountain. It’s also a still-growing example of sustainable tourism.

Its founders, James Kibble and Andrew Corkery, visited Lombok on a surf trip in 2009, fell in love with the place and created a series of beautiful villas that provide visitors with a unique experience.

Australian born Bobbie-Jane Gaylard-Skewes was recently appointed General Manager of the resort. Raised in Noosa, on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, she brings to the role more than 20 years’ experience as a sales and marketing specialist in the hospitality industry, with a focus on luxury resort openings and hotel company start-ups.  She’s worked in Australia and as an expat in Egypt, UAE, Jordan, Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam. The move to Lombok, in October 2023, with husband, Brad, and their three sons, was a great opportunity to use her many skills in a senior management position.

As General Manager, she works with Brad, who is the Selo Group’s Chief Marketing Officer and also manages the Group’s Selo Footprints Foundation.

Bobbie-Jane recently received a Sustainable Development Advocate Award at the 2024 Inspiring Women in Travel - Asia Awards.

mylombok spoke with her about her role and how she sees her ongoing involvement in travel and tourism.

Congratulations on your recent award. What significance does it have for you?

Thank you!  It’s an honor to be acknowledged in this way but everything I do is usually part of a team effort, so I’m not sure I feel comfortable being awarded for the dedication, passion and work of so many people.

What does ‘Sustainable Development’ mean to you?

It is mainly about ensuring our business is conducted responsibly with positive local impact, minimising the resources we consume and the waste we produce. No single person or organization can change the world, but we work closely with locals, provide value to the communities in which we operate and treat local people, the environment and wildlife with respect.

What are the opportunities and challenges of your role as General Manager?

It’s been a great opportunity to move into the next phase of my career.  Selong Selo is a unique independent luxury villa resort and it’s exciting to shape the vision and direction of the property; that isn’t always possible in a larger organisation.

The biggest challenge has been leaving family behind in Australia. 

Do you have a vision of what you hope to achieve?

There are so many things .... 

I want to develop Selong Selo as the best villa resort in Asia – in terms of service, experience and product offering and have our guests’ experiences go beyond their expectations.

I want to achieve net zero waste for the resort and have a staff that is at least 50% women.

And I want to play a part in making Lombok a top tier destination. It’s all part of a journey, so I can only chip away at it, one task at a time.

Your husband manages the Selo Footprints Foundation. Can you tell us more about that?

The Foundation provides the framework by which Selong Selo can actively help our local communities and environment. It’s a registered not-for-profit organisation, with a focus on education, health, environment and inclusiveness initiatives.

The Selo Footprints Foundation also conducts weekly English and eco-literacy classes for school children in our local villages – Jabon, Dasan Baru, Jowet, Rujak Praya and Mekarsari.

We also have adult education classes, to provide opportunities for local women.  In the past few weeks, we’ve held classes in weaving and making natural dyes, for women from Jabon.  The intention is for the women to have economic independence – producing goods that can be sold via Selong Selo.

What would you say are the biggest challenges at the resort? 

Probably water security. I never thought I would learn so much about the mechanics of water supply and distribution but, because water scarcity is a constant threat in South Lombok, I’ve become something of an expert.

Your proudest moment? 

Hiring Selong Selo’s first female security officer, Ephat. She’s amazing.

Most memorable?

The time a monkey sneaked into my villa and stole my moisturising cream from right under my nose. I like to think there’s a very smooth-skinned monkey out there somewhere.

What makes the resort so attractive?

Our guests appreciate the tranquility, the privacy and the stunning panoramic views. We have the most beautiful view in all of Lombok. 

There are 35 completed luxury villas, each with unique bespoke designs, from studio suites to 7-bedroom residences.  Each villa has its own infinity pool, which provides privacy and exclusivity for our guests.

The Aura Lounge and Bar is a standout restaurant that provides a superb dining experience.  The food is exceptional and guests love the warm service they receive from our beautiful staff.

We also have SeloFit – a fully equipped fitness studio – and SeloSpa, for pampering and massage treatments. We’re currently developing new wellness and spa offerings, so ‘watch this space’.

What are your impressions of the current state of the tourism industry in Lombok?

After the challenges of Covid, Lombok is now a destination on the cusp of massive potential growth. 

I appreciate the Indonesian government’s efforts to replicate the tourism success of Bali in other destinations, including Lombok, but it’s important that this happens with consideration and intent. The general impression now is that Bali is overdeveloped and over-crowded; I don’t think anyone wants that for Lombok.

There’s now a greater consciousness of eco-tourism and sustainable travel. If we make sure that is embedded, as a core aspect of Lombok’s tourism appeal, it will help us increase tourist numbers in a way that has the greatest positive impact on the island.

What are your hopes for the future of the industry?

I hope to see more women step up into leadership roles. We’re moving in the right direction, but there is still a way to go.

I also hope, and believe, that sustainable travel isn’t just a trend, but a new benchmark for the industry. There are many wonderful hotels, resorts and destinations creating solid Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) frameworks, and it’s heartening to see organisations taking serious account of their impact on local environments and communities.

What do you see yourself doing in five years’ time? 

I am so focussed on what I am doing now and the world can change so much in 5 years, but I’d like to be doing meaningful work and having a positive impact. Who knows, maybe I’ll be CEO....

Bobbie-Jane is keen to raise awareness and funds for the Regenerative Land Management in Lombok campaign, organized in collaboration with WRA.  The project needs all the support it can get.

For more information, go to:
https://selongselo.com/embracing-regenerative-agroforestry-for-sustainable-tourism-in-lombok/

Support the environment in Lombok by making a donation, at: https://wra.org.au/2402lombokforestry/

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