IT'S ALL ABOUT YOU
Founded in 2017, Istana was inspired by Ian Ross-Smith’s personal history of an affluent but dysfunctional upbringing, undiagnosed childhood trauma, substance dependence and a long road to recovery.
This experience exposed flaws inherent in even the most exclusive treatment centres: uncertain confidentiality, homogeneous programs, impersonal relationships with staff, and business interests trumping clients’ needs.
Istana’s guiding star is the unwavering prioritisation of our clients’ therapeutic requirements above all else.
We believe clinical excellence should be a given, but we know that it is ineffective without human connection.
Compassion, empathy and respect are palpable rhythms felt by our clients.
Our locations in the Mediterranean, the Caribbean and South East Asia are strategically placed to serve a global clientele.
And we have actualised the surprising notion that entering treatment could be something to be relished rather than dreaded.
Our objective for every client is lifelong freedom from the burden that brought them to us.
We go to extraordinary lengths to make this a reality for our clients before during and after treatment.
And we will do the same for you.
Your Istana Team
Balancing a 20-year career in international media communications with an unseemly enthusiasm for various substances, Ian is well-placed to understand the challenges faced by many of our clients.
On his road to recovery, Ian tried everywhere from the lowliest of public rehabs to the most upmarket luxury clinics.
On this journey, it became apparent that a generic impersonal approach to treatment was standard. Confidentiality was non-existent and all facilities were using the same methodology and materiel, some of which dated back to the 1950’s.
More alarmingly, it also emerged that business decisions often trumped therapeutic requirements. There was no room to address and resolve an individual’s unique needs for recovery.
Ian created Istana as a sanctuary where every client’s unique personal and therapeutic needs were met in absolute confidence.
Dr. Jeremy Alford is a graduate member of the British Psychological Society, Member of the International Association for Cognitive Psychotherapy and the Member of The British Society of Clinical and Academic Hypnosis.
Jeremy is a qualified clinical hypnotherapist and neurofeedback/biofeedback therapist and is the Founder and President of the Middle East Eating Disorders Association www.meeda.me a non-profit organisation.
Jeremy adopts an integrative cognitive behavioural therapy approach in addition to mindfulness practices. This combination and Jeremy’s progressive attitude offer the best results in the overall psychological intervention of mental health therapy treatment.
Chiara’s role is to ensure that your needs are met clinically, therapeutically and personally. She is your prime point of contact for anything you may need.
Educated in Switzerland and having worked across diverse international settings, Chiara is passionate about interdisciplinary collaboration and person-centred care. In other words she will run your treatment team with flawless efficiency and work with you with compassion and empathy.
Chiara creates a safe, compassionate and luxurious experience for our clients where nothing is left wanting whilst ensuring that your treatment process and outcome are effective and lasting.
Chiara is fluent in German and English, with conversational knowledge of French, qualified with Masters and Bachelors degrees in clinical mental health, special needs and certified in psychotherapy.
Chiara is the embodiment of all that is Istana – the rare ability to integrate clinical excellence with The Human Touch.
Gemma Lockett – Head of Holistic Services
Trauma-Informed Yoga Teacher | Breathwork & Meditation Guide | Holistic Wellness Practitioner
Gemma leads our Holistic Services Team with a calm, grounded presence and a deeply supportive approach to healing. With over 10 years of experience in the wellness space, she specialises in trauma-informed yoga, breathwork, and nervous system regulation — helping clients feel safe in their bodies and reconnected to themselves.
Her teaching blends mindful movement, breath awareness, and practical tools for emotional wellbeing, always meeting people where they’re at. Known for her down-to-earth nature and nurturing energy, Gemma creates safe, empowering, and genuinely transformative spaces.
Originally from the UK and based in Bali, Gemma is passionate about holistic living, meaningful connection, and slowing down. A creative at heart, she finds joy in writing, exploring new places, and embracing life’s little adventures — especially when they involve strong coffee, open skies, and soulful conversation.
Curating your Team
Our teams in each location consist of best-in-class practitioners from a broad range of healthcare, therapeutic and bodywork disciplines.
All Istana practitioners are qualified and certified to the highest levels of international accreditation and are leading professionals in their fields.
Treating teams are curated specifically for each client using various criteria.
Naturally they are skilled  in the rapid and effective resolution of a client’s presenting issues. We also look for personnel who have a shared life experience, consider whether they are a cultural fit and have the right personality to suit the client.
Our wish is for you to enjoy the company of those around you as much as you respect their expertise and experience.