You’ll feel like a treasured house guest at this super-exclusive boutique hotel in northern Lombok, a short boat ride away from Indonesia’s Gili Islands. Nothing is too much trouble for the stellar staff who will steal your heart with their generosity. Garlands, cold flannels, sorbets by the infinity pool – it all makes you feel very, very special.
There are just 9 striking cubist lodges, plus newer luxe pool villas (in one, two or three-bedroom versions), all with private outdoor seating areas built to showcase the luminous views. Sharp, well-lit bathrooms with open-air showers invite serenades to the moon as you lather up with the finest Acqua di Parma toiletries. Soulful guests can head to the hotel’s jetty to watch the magnificent volcano, Mount Rinjani, blush at dawn, then back to bed till you’re ready for breakfast, which can be served at any time and any place you please. How civilised is that? The Indo fusion food is downright gorgeous, and you’ll meet executive chef Jiwa and personable manager Pak Hamdi at each night’s convivial dinner. Whether you're a solo traveller, family, honeymooner or independent couple, you will happily recharge your batteries at this absolutely splendid destination hotel.
Highs
- Rates include a healthy a la carte breakfast and a stunning dinner; the truly superb Indo-fusion food is created by one of the best chefs we’ve come across in Indonesia
- Flawless service by discreet, insightful staff
- The many lovely treats and extras, which are on-the-house and replaced without question, which feels like you’re staying with good friends
- Unlike Bali, Lombok is largely untouched by tourism and has a distinct culture. You can explore indigenous villages, visit Hindu and Muslim places of worship, and the hotel can arrange treks to Mount Rinjani volcano and its sacred lake
Lows
- The local beach is rocky, so it's not the best place for a swim in the sea. But there’s a huge infinity pool, and they have a private beach on Gili Meno, where you can swim, snorkel and laze on white sands and help release turtles into the wild
- Though the chef has the lightest of touches, it's easy to over-indulge in all the scrumptious food!
- This sheltered little cove gets hot. Really hot. Siestas are definitely the order of the day
- We have yet to visit the pool villas in person but they look gorgeous
Best time to go
Any time! Lombok is blessed with a dry, tropical climate. There's no 'monsoon season', so expect to book ahead in peak months. If travelling the region, we suggest visiting here at the end of your holiday, as it will almost certainly become your Gold Standard hotel.
Our top tips
If returning from the Gili Islands, The Lombok Lodge is a perfect antidote to lost weekends and missed mornings. The owners and the staff are genuinely lovely people who not only listen, but remember, and you'll be waved off like a duchess when you leave.