Viceroy Bali earns GSTC sustainability certification in Ubud

Ubud — Viceroy Bali, a boutique luxury resort in the Ubud highlands, has earned Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) certification, becoming one of the first boutique hotels in Ubud to be recognised under the globally benchmarked standard for sustainable tourism, according to the resort and supporting media reports.

In an announcement dated 19 June 2026 on the resort’s website, Viceroy Bali said it had achieved certification from the GSTC, describing the recognition as applying to the property itself and positioning it among Ubud’s first GSTC-certified hotels.

According to the resort, the certification was awarded following an independent assessment by Control Union, a GSTC-accredited certification body, in June 2026. The evaluation covered the hotel’s performance across four pillars: sustainable management, socioeconomic benefits, cultural heritage preservation and environmental responsibility, the resort said.

NOW! Bali magazine likewise reported that Viceroy Bali had achieved GSTC certification, noting that the property’s sustainability practices are embedded in daily operations rather than seasonal campaigns and describing the resort as an independent, family-owned boutique hotel operating since 2005.

Assessment and scope of certification

Viceroy Bali’s own materials state that the GSTC certification covers the entire property, including its private pool villas and on-site facilities, and that the assessment conducted by Control Union included documentation reviews, interviews, supplier assessments and on-site audits.

The resort says the certification formally recognises its commitment to responsible operations and continuous improvement, highlighting initiatives such as supporting nearby communities, preserving Balinese culture, reducing its environmental footprint and strengthening responsible business practices.

Media coverage of the certification echoes those themes. A September 2026 article on Visit Gilis notes that the Control Union assessment evaluated Viceroy Bali’s performance across sustainable management, socioeconomic benefits, cultural heritage preservation and environmental responsibility, and that the certification covers the property’s 40 private pool villas, dining venues and spa facilities.

What the GSTC standard measures

The GSTC sets global standards for sustainable travel and tourism and provides a framework for businesses to measure and improve their sustainability performance across four key areas, according to the council’s description cited in Viceroy Bali’s announcement.

Under this framework, certified properties are assessed not only on environmental practices but also on how they are managed, how they contribute to local economic and social conditions, how they respect and protect cultural heritage, and how they address resource use and wider environmental impacts.

Viceroy Bali’s sustainability communications emphasise long-term commitments that include employment and training opportunities for local residents, partnerships with nearby communities, cultural programming that highlights Balinese traditions, and systems aimed at reducing waste and conserving water and energy.

Resort positioning and management comments

The resort describes itself as a family-owned boutique hotel, independently operated since 2005, offering private pool villas overlooking Ubud’s Valley of the Kings along with dining, wellness and personalised hospitality.

General Manager Patrick Farrell has characterised the GSTC certification as a milestone that confirms sustainability is part of daily decision-making at the resort, from operations to community support and protection of the island’s natural surroundings, according to statements quoted in Visit Gilis and other media.

Viceroy Bali’s communications present the GSTC certification as an additional layer of independent verification for its existing sustainability programme, intended to give guests greater confidence that the property’s environmental, cultural and community initiatives meet an internationally recognised standard.

Sources

• Viceroy Bali – "Viceroy Bali Achieves Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Certification"
• EIN Presswire – "Viceroy Bali Among the First GSTC-Certified Boutique Hotels in Ubud"
• Visit Gilis – "Viceroy Bali achieves GSTC certification for sustainable tourism"
• Jakarta Globe – "A Romantic Escape at Viceroy Bali, Ubud"
• NOW! Bali