This is the story of how two brothers made the leap of faith, took the chance and gave it their all.
It’s not every day you meet someone whose vision aligns so seamlessly with the soul of the place they’ve chosen to build in. Steffan is one such individual — a property developer whose journey into Bali’s real estate landscape is rooted not just in ambition, but in deep respect for the island’s culture, community, and natural beauty. After a successful business exit in 2022, what began as a spontaneous vacation with his brother quickly evolved into a life-changing mission to create something meaningful on the Island of the Gods.
In this conversation, Steffan generously shares the heart behind Ubuntu Residences — a project that is more than just a luxury development. It is a story of intention, perseverance, and values-driven leadership. Join us as we explore how he turned a dream into one of Bali’s most unique and purpose-driven real estate offerings.
…The start of beautiful beginnings…
How did you get into property development?
“After successfully exiting my previous company in 2022, I felt it was the right moment to pursue a long-held ambition — together with my younger brother. What started as a casual vacation to Bali quickly turned into a business call just 48 hours later. He saw the potential instantly and convinced me to take a closer look. That trip became a turning point.
“Fast forward three years: we’ve built a strong team of 12 professionals and established ourselves as a respected name on the island. What began as a gut feeling has grown into a full-scale development business, grounded in vision, discipline, and a deep respect for Bali’s unique landscape and lifestyle.“
What made you choose Bali out of all the beautiful locations in the world?
“Bali is, in my view, Asia’s most precious piece of cultural heritage. The people, the spirituality, the way of life — there’s a depth here that, as a Westerner, both humbles and teaches you.
What struck me early on wasn’t just the richness of the culture, but also a gap in the built environment. While the soul of the island is timeless, many building standards still lag behind global benchmarks.
Our mission with Ubuntu Residences is clear: to bring Western-level quality and innovation to one of the most extraordinary places on Earth — without compromising the soul of Bali. We believe world-class craftsmanship belongs in a world-class location, and we’re here to deliver exactly that.”
If your current project could speak, what story would it tell about your vision?
“If Ubuntu Residences could speak, it would tell the story of intentional luxury—of how every square meter was designed not just to impress, but to mean something. It would speak about a vision that’s rooted in balance: between architecture and nature, between investment and lifestyle, between global ambition and local respect.
It would probably say: ‘I was built for those who don’t just want to stay in Bali, but who want to own a piece of it — responsibly, beautifully, and with long-term value in mind.
At the core, Ubuntu is more than a development. It’s a statement. About what happens when you place a high standard on quality, but also on integrity. My vision has always been to deliver something timeless in one of the most iconic locations in the world — and I believe the project reflects that from every angle.”
…In terms of Design and Innovation…
How do you balance timeless design with modern lifestyle trends in your developments?
“For Ubuntu Residences, we started by listening. We interviewed high-networth individuals to understand not just what impresses them — but what truly adds value to their lives. That insight became the foundation for our design philosophy.
Balancing timeless design with modern lifestyle trends means creating something that feels elevated today, but still relevant a decade from now. That’s why we chose a fullservice, fully equipped residential concept: from a spa and fitness center to a co-working space and even a nanny service.
We’re not just building beautiful units — we’re anticipating how people want to live, work, and relax in a place like Bali. It’s lifestyle-driven luxury, designed to last.“
Have you incorporated any “firsts” in this project — in technology, materials, or sustainability?
“What sets us apart begins with location. Ubuntu Residences is uniquely positioned between the two most prestigious resorts in Bali: the iconic Bvlgari Resort and the award-winning Six Senses Uluwatu. This stretch of coastline is known not only for its breathtaking views, but also for its scarcity — after the opening of Six Senses in 2018, no new residential development has been built in this area due to the complete lack of available land.
Thanks to our strong local network and long-term vision, we secured one of the last untouched parcels in this exclusive enclave. After seven years of dedication and groundwork, we are proud to say that Ubuntu Residences now stands alongside Bali’s most iconic names — offering a new standard of private luxury on the Island of the Gods.”
What makes this development stand out in today’s highly competitive real estate landscape?
“Set aside the location, the generous unit sizes, and even the full range of amenities—what truly sets us apart from every other development on the island is our ocean view.
Ubuntu Residences sits directly on Bali’s most iconic cliffside, offering uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean and front-row seats to the island’s most breathtaking sunsets.
This combination—of view, position, and atmosphere—is simply unmatched in Bali. And that’s what makes Ubuntu truly unique.”
Who inspired you in coming up with the design for this project?
“Much of my inspiration comes from the conversations I’ve had — both with locals and with people from all over the world. Those exchanges shaped our vision: to create something that people truly find beautiful and meaningful, without ever losing the soul of the island.
And if I’m honest, a big part of our drive also comes from our father. He’s been our mentor from day one. The late-night talks, the values he passed on, and the perspective he brings continue to guide every step we take.”
…Moving on to the Challenges that lead to Triumph…
What was the biggest challenge you faced with this project, and how did your team overcome it?
“The biggest challenge? Arriving on the island as two brothers three and a half years ago — with no team, no network, and no deep knowledge of how things work in Bali. We came with a vision, but without the infrastructure to bring it to life.
What followed were years of learning, adapting, and building — brick by brick, relationship by relationship. We faced the challenges of doing business in a new country head-on, and through perseverance, trust, and local collaboration, we not only delivered our first project successfully, but are now proud to be launching Ubuntu Residences.
Looking back, the real victory isn’t just the buildings — it’s that we fought for our dream and proved to ourselves that with the right mindset, anything is possible.”
Were there any breakthrough moments during the construction or planning for the entire vision of your project?
“There wasn’t a single breakthrough moment in the form of a setback or breakdown — but there was one moment that will always stay with me.
The plot where Ubuntu Residences now stands was one of the last remaining pieces of land in this iconic location. Over the years, many developers submitted proposals for it. Most were rejected—either because they didn’t align with the area’s vision or simply weren’t strong enough.
Since this was a tender process, we knew we weren’t the only ones eyeing it. There was real competition, and it felt like a race. So when we got the call that our concept had been selected—it was an unforgettable moment. Not just because we had secured the land, but because our vision had been recognized as the best.
It wasn’t a breakdown—it was the breakthrough.”
…Their take on Sustainability…
How does your work reflect your values, especially when it comes to sustainability?
“Sustainability is one of our core values — especially here, on the Island of the Gods. We feel a deep responsibility to develop in a way that respects Bali’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
That’s why we’ve integrated sustainable practices throughout every stage of our project. From using locally sourced, eco-friendly materials to installing solar panels that allow residents to store and use renewable energy, we’re committed to minimizing our environmental footprint. Our construction process is designed to be as climate-conscious as possible, ensuring compliance with local regulations while also contributing to a more responsible future for the island. For us, sustainability isn’t just a trend—it’s a long-term commitment to doing things the right way.”
…The last question with the answers that struck my heart…
If you could leave one lasting impression on the skyline or the local lifestyle, what would it be?
“If I could leave one lasting impression, it would be the idea that luxury and cultural respect can coexist.
I don’t just want Ubuntu Residences to be seen as another beautiful structure on the skyline — I want it to become a symbol of what’s possible when modern design embraces the soul of a place, rather than replacing it.
If we’ve done it right, our project won’t just elevate the standard of living — it will quietly blend into the rhythm of local life, create opportunities for the community, and serve as a benchmark for how to build with purpose in Bali. That’s the legacy I know we will leave behind.”
Enlightened by my interview with Steffan, it became clear to me now that Ubuntu Residences is more than just a development — it’s a philosophy brought to life. Through thoughtful design, environmental stewardship, and an unwavering commitment to cultural respect, Steffan and his team have crafted a legacy project that not only elevates Bali’s property landscape but also honors its spirit. His story reminds us that meaningful development is not just about what you build, but how — and why — you build it.
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