A closer look at the early development journey of ELLE Resort & Beach Club.

When asked about the progress of ELLE Resort & Beach Club, one of the first questions we hear is often about permits and approvals. It is understandable. For many investors, Bali’s development environment is risky and unfamiliar, and terms like “PBG submission” seem abstract. What most people do not realise is that this early approval phase is one of the most important and thorough parts of the entire journey, when done right. It is where the safety, longevity and future value of the project are established.

In Bali, just like in Australia, developments move through a structured system of planning, feasibility, engineering and regulatory alignment before they are allowed to build. ELLE Resort & Beach Club is progressing through this phase with one of the strongest consultant teams in Asia, supported by Colliers International as the project managers overseeing the development timeline and coordination.

The journey begins with feasibility studies and site assessments. This stage considers zoning, height limits, coastal regulations, environmental conditions, setbacks, cultural considerations and the long-term planning of the area. Seminyak is one of the most active and complex coastal zones in Bali, so early due diligence is essential.

For ELLE Resort & Beach Club, this work set the foundation for a project that is not only compliant but built for decades of performance.

Mark Reed, explains, “The planning stage is where the whole project takes shape. It is where safety, certainty and structure are built in. Nothing at this stage is improvised.”

After feasibility comes the assembly of the technical team. A resort like ELLE requires specialists from multiple disciplines working in precise alignment. The full team includes:

• Architects
• Structural Engineers
• MEP Engineers (mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire safety)
• Landscape Architects
• Interior Designers
• Geotechnical Engineers
• PBG Consultant

A resort of this size is not designed by one architect. It is designed by a network of specialists working together in precise coordination.

And, of course, we have Colliers in the vital role, overseeing it all. They manage timelines, track deliverables, align consultants and ensure every document progresses in sequence. Their oversight prevents misalignment between disciplines, which is vital before a PBG submission.

Understanding the site beneath the resort is one of the most critical steps. Geotechnical surveys assess the soil layers, sand composition, water table depth and stability. In Seminyak, where sandy soil and higher water levels are common, this information is essential to design foundations that can support the resort safely and sustainably.

This data does more than guide foundation engineering. It shapes how the entire building performs over time. Material choices, corrosion resistance, waterproofing strategies and long-term maintenance plans all begin with an understanding of the ground below.

At the same time, the team designs the operational system of the resort. A luxury experience relies on what guests do not see. Service routes, kitchen logistics, laundry flow, waste removal and back-of-house operations must be designed early because they influence the position of walls, lifts, corridors and support rooms. When done well, this planning allows a hotel to operate efficiently and elegantly for decades.

As Reed says, this is the most future-focused part of the journey, “The goal is to build something that lasts. When you design for longevity, profitability and sustainability, you protect the investment for the long term.”

Once the site conditions and operational needs are understood, the architects and engineers develop coordinated drawings. This includes architectural layouts, structural systems, MEP engineering, fire and life safety design, water and waste management and landscape integration.

Colliers manages this coordination so that all drawings align correctly. A structural beam must meet an architectural grid. A mechanical duct must fit above a ceiling. A drainage system must match the slope of the site. When these drawings are aligned early, construction becomes far more efficient and the PBG submission becomes stronger and more complete.

The PBG package brings all design and engineering work together. It includes architectural and structural drawings, geotechnical information, MEP and fire safety systems, environmental considerations, drainage planning and all supporting compliance documents.

The PBG consultant ensures every document meets government regulations before the submission is filed. Their experience and relationships with authorities help streamline the process and anticipate regulatory requirements.

Based on industry standards and the planning strategy for ELLE Resort & Beach Club, the structured timeline is as follows:

Q3 to Q4 2025 Design development begins, geotechnical surveys completed, and coordination across consultants underway.

Q1 to Q2 2026 Full architectural, structural and MEP coordination. Fire and safety systems finalised. Operational planning reviewed.

Q2 2026 PBG submission to authorities.

As design coordination progresses, site preparations also move forward. For ELLE Resort & Beach Club, demolition and ground clearing are scheduled to take place ahead of the PBG submission so the land is ready once full approval is granted. During this period, Colliers continues to align the work of all consultants, while the PBG consultant prepares the formal submission targeted for mid 2026.

Once the PBG application is lodged, the project moves into the contractor tender stage. Qualified builders review the final drawings, prepare proposals and pricing, and begin planning logistics. This means that as soon as the PBG is approved, the transition into main construction is immediate. Foundations, structural work and primary building systems can commence without delay because the site, consultants and contractors are already prepared.

Permits and approvals are more than administrative steps. They represent the intelligence, integrity and professionalism of a project. When done properly, they set the resort up for long-term success, efficient construction and a stable operational life.

The early planning phase is where value is protected. It is where safety is engineered, compliance is established and guest experience is shaped. For ELLE Resort & Beach Club, this is the part of the journey that ensures the resort is built to international standards and positioned for decades of performance.