Under the sway of windblown palm fronds and plump coconuts ready for harvest, I lie hypnotized by the sound of the waves rippling to and fro. The intensely strong sunbeams shine bright, the hum of small fishing boats passing in the distance and birdsong everywhere. To me, a serene, peaceful, quiet enjoyment of my surroundings is the true meaning of disconnect - mind, body, and soul; the perfect recipe for renewing, rebalancing, and revitalizing oneself. This is Indonesia.

Lombok, an Indonesian island east of Bali and west of Sumbawa, is known for beaches and surfing spots, particularly at Kuta and Banko Banko (in south Lombok). A quick boat ride away are the motor-vehicle-free Gili Islands (Gili Trawangan, Gili Air and Gili Meno) where transport is by foot or horsedrawn carts.

We are staying at the Oberoi Beach Resort, a classic with old-world charm and exceptional service. As you enter the expansive property, you are greeted with warm smiles and gorgeous cascading Thunbergia, which bloom year-round.

The scent of frangipani gently wafts throughout the 24-acre property. There are 50 pavilions and villas, and many have private pools. We stayed in Villa 208.

You have two seasons in Lombok, wet and dry. The weather is basically the same, mid-80s with full sun but a lovely breeze from the Bali Sea. The best months to be here are June through August as the sun sets directly in front of the property. Our villa terrace has magical views where one can sit for hours to watch the sky display it’s fiery orange and red hues turn into beautiful magentas and blues as the sun rests on the day.

On a clear morning you can see Mount Agung, an active volcano in Bali, in the distance. Breakfast on the large veranda is awash in bougainvillea and frangipani. The food is exceptional, with a mix of continental, Indonesian, and Indian cuisine.

We really fell in love with this magical resort—pure paradise.

Next property over, The Lombok Lodge is a 9-room boutique hotel, well designed, chic, and intimate, with the best two rooms closest to the pool. For its guests, it has a private beach club, Bagno di Gili, on Gili Meno, a 10-minute boat ride away.

The property has sunrise views only, but for those who prefer modern luxury villas, The Estate, their new venture, is located on the black sand beaches just 20 minutes north by boat with gorgeous sunset views. We met the owners, Ben and Anja, for a lovely day trip to Gili Meno to enjoy a relaxing and lovely lunch-al fresco, light and delicious.

We end our weekend rejuvenated as we head to Bali by Blue Water Express from Bangsal to Serangan. A ten-minute drive from the hotel to the port, a two-hour journey by boat to Bali. Your other option is a 1:45 min drive to the airport (on the south end of the island) and a 20-minute flight to Bali Denpasar.

Next stop… Bali!

Stay tuned,

Karen


The Oberoi Beach Resort
Medana, Tanjung, North
Lombok Regency, West Nusa
Tenggara 83352, Indonesia

The Lombok Lodge
Blue Water Express
Citilink