About Xanadu

José, our super-social and vibrant Chilean, is the heart of guest experiences at Xanadu Retreat. Originally arriving as a guest himself, he fell in love with Lombok (and us!) and made the bold decision to swap his successful law career in politics for the relaxed rhythms of island life and Lombok waves. Now, José oversees every aspect of guest experience, ensuring your stay is seamless, enjoyable, and full of unforgettable moments. When he’s not charming or attending to guest-related matters, you’ll find him perfecting his longboarding skills—a tradeoff we’d call pure magic!

Read José’s full story here

A bold decision-maker, Sam’s life took a turn when she landed a job at Xanadu. Never having set foot in Lombok before, she embraced the unknown with open arms. Without hesitation, she bid farewell to her apartment, and embarked on a journey to continue her dream of working in the surf industry. With previous experience in surf tourism in South Africa, the UK, and Sri Lanka, Sam now finds herself against the stunning backdrop of Lombok’s hills and warm waters.

Meet Sam here

Gigih, a Lombok native, is the driving force behind the smooth operations at Xanadu Retreat. Starting his journey with us as a housekeeper during the Covid era, Gigih’s dedication and hard work saw him rise to Assistant Manager at Xanadu Village before taking the reins at Xanadu Retreat. Known for his attentiveness and genuine care, he ensures both operations and guest experiences are handled with passion and precision. A fun fact about Gigih? Before joining Xanadu, he worked on a cruise ship, traveling the world—a journey that shaped his exceptional hospitality skills and love for connecting with people.

Kayan oversees the entire surf programme at Xanadu. Together with the rest of the surf team, he ensures that you receive valuable feedback and guidance that improves your surfing. Kayan comes to us from the Canary Islands and previously worked at multiple surf camps in Sri Lanka. He was on his way to Australia when we met him but we’ve managed to convince him to ditch that plan and join our team.

Kayan is also a talented photographer. See Lombok through his lens here

Born in Copenhagen to a Swedish-Danish mother and a Dutch father, Dani is a true global nomad with a passion for holistic well-being. As the lead of Xanadu Retreat’s yoga program, she specialises in traditional Hatha yoga with a unique focus on Body Opening. While her practice works on the physical level, Dani’s ultimate goal is to engage the energetic body—helping to release stored or stagnant energy and encouraging its natural flow. Her classes offer more than movement; they’re a journey toward renewal and energetic balance.

Read more about Dani on our blog

Duggy has been an integral part of Xanadu almost since the very beginning. As the Senior Surf Coach at Xanadu Village, he ensures every surf adventure is seamless, safe, and full of stoke. Guests love him for his patient and knowledgeable teaching style—and a fun, laid-back vibe. Having traveled to Germany and Australia, Duggy still believes there’s no better place than his home island of Lombok, where the waves, warm waters and welcoming nature of people are unbeatable.

If you’re staying at Xanadu Village, Maya is the friendly face you’re sure to get to know. She began her journey with us as a Front Desk Officer at Xanadu Retreat, but her exceptional organizational skills and natural talent for connecting with people quickly earned her the role of Assistant Manager at Xanadu Village after her maternity leave. Maya is your go-to person for all things Xanadu Village, ensuring every detail of your stay is seamless and enjoyable. We’re thrilled to have her leading the team and bringing her warmth and expertise to every guest experience!

Hailing from South Australia, Leah discovered her passion for surfing in 2018 while living in Portugal, where she combined managing a surf camp with refining her own skills on the waves. Her surf journey then took her to Sri Lanka and eventually to Lombok, where she has been immersed in the local surf culture for over a year and a half.

Leah’s laid-back longboard style and vibrant, enthusiastic energy make her a natural teacher and a joy to be around. Now, as the Surf Manager at Xanadu Village, she’s dedicated to sharing her love for the ocean and creating memorable surf experiences for guests from all over the world. With Leah, it’s not just about catching waves—it’s about embracing the journey.

Bryan, originally from the beautiful island of Flores in Eastern Indonesia, is a gentle soul and passionate yoga teacher dedicated to self-discovery and growth. His yoga journey began in 2014, and since then, he has embraced the practice as a path to physical strength, inner peace, and self-acceptance.

After his first visit to Xanadu in 2023, Bryan is now part of the Xanadu family, bringing his calm energy and heartfelt teaching style to our yoga studio. With a deep commitment to sharing the transformative power of yoga, Bryan creates a space for connection, healing, and personal growth in every class.

Gong has been an integral part of Xanadu almost from the very beginning. As the head of our surf coach family, he’s highly respected for his patience, dedication, and unmatched expertise. A true Kuta native and one of Lombok’s first-generation surfers, Gong has played a key role in shaping the local surf culture. He knows every surf spot in the area like the back of his hand and loves sharing his insider knowledge with guests. Outside of surfing, he’s a devoted family man who cherishes time with his wife and three kids. Fondly nicknamed “Papa,” Gong brings warmth, wisdom, and a deep connection to the island to every aspect of Xanadu life.