Some of the Best Places to Stay on Indonesia's Lesser-Known Island of Lombok
Spend a few nights on a private beach or head up to villas set within mountaintop forests for the ultimate tropical island getaway.
The island of Lombok is Bali's equally magical (but considerably less crowded) neighbour. Here, you get long white sand beaches, deep forests hiding waterfalls and small villages filled with friendly locals.
Yes, Bali has all this too. But Lombok is significantly quieter and cheaper. Experienced travellers come here for all the luxury trimmings at beachside or mountaintop villas but at a fraction of the price.
Read on to find our favourite places to stay in Lombok, all of which can be booked through Concrete Playground Trips.
HOTEL TUGU LOMBOK
This luxury Lombok hotel is full of character. One of the dining rooms sits under an enormous wooden pavilion filled with locally made furniture. The bar is located within a traditional hut decorated with a smattering of artworks and sculptures. And the uniquely designed rooms include features like private rooftops, lotus ponds, outdoor baths, plunge pools and more. Add the private beach and spa facilities and you're left with the total wellness package. Plus, it's only a short boat ride away from the famous Gili Islands — so your day trips are sorted.
KU VILLAS
This small resort has a few different accommodation types, ranging from individual rooms and suites (with or without a plunge pool) to larger villas with private gardens and larger pools. Modern simplicity is also key when it comes to design and amenities — expect large open rooms with classic wooden furniture and crisp white linens. The in-house spa and small restaurant both make spending entire days by the pool all too easy.
We're so impressed with KU Villas that we've teamed up with them to bring our readers one massive island holiday deal. Guests will get a three-night stay, an hour-long massage, a personal chauffeur, a $200 food and beverage voucher for the nearby SIWA Clubhouse and daily breakfast for only $455 — an absolute bargain by anyone's standards.
SELONG SELO RESORT AND RESIDENCES
These villas and studios feel more like luxury homes than travel accommodations. Guests have their own modern kitchens, living rooms and bedrooms as well as private balconies with barbecues and private plunge pools. And the views — well, they are just serene. Whether you're sitting in your room or dining by the main pool and restaurant, you'll have uninterrupted sea views framed by wide-open plains and dramatic mountains. Plus, with the option to book a seven-bedroom villa, Selong Selo Resort and Residence is great for large groups of travellers.
RINJANI BEACH ECO RESORT
This rustic eco-resort has all the essentials required for having a super comfortable holiday on a tropical island — but it's the location and long list of adventure experiences that make it one of the best places to stay in Lombok. The resort's team will organise snorkelling and diving trips and hikes up to the Rinjani volcano where you'll see large emerald-green lakes and hidden waterfalls. What else is on the menu? Day trips to the nearby Gili Islands, massages at the spa and the opportunity to watch turtles hatch on the beach. Head here to immerse yourself in nature.
JEEVA BELOLAM BEACH CAMP
Now, this is the ultimate glamping destination. The off-the-grid recycled wood and alang alang beachfront lodges combine elements of Robinson Crusoe with East Indonesia aesthetics to create a boutique beach camp experience. When staying here, you'll feel totally removed from the outside world. Jeeva Beloam's 11 rooms lie within a 55-hectare nature forest preserve, facing the Timor Sea from a sand dune above a quiet 250-metre-long white sand beach. This Lombok paradise is made for true escapism.
HARMONY VILLAS LOMBOK
Is minimalism your vibe? If so, you've got to check out these beautifully designed villas in Kuta, Lombok. On the property, you'll find just five boutique villas (painted stark white inside and out) set around a luxurious lagoon-style swimming pool. It's gorgeous and calming — especially thanks to its adults-only policy. You won't find little kids running around this joint, disturbing your relaxing holiday.
NOVOTEL LOMBOK RESORT AND VILLAS
This is a stellar middle-of-the-budget resort on Lombok. You're not spending a heap of money, but you still get to stay right on the beach — free from crowds — getting all the top luxury resort inclusions. You've got large air-conditioned rooms by the water, free daily activities, three outdoor pools and a great restaurant and bar. Tick, tick, tick. It has it all.
THE OBEROI BEACH RESORT
This beachside resort is made for chilling out. Spend your days jumping from the pool to the beach and then to the bar — all before starting the rotation again. Sure, you can go on one of its snorkelling trips or have a private dinner on the shore, but you've got to take your time just hanging at the property too. That's especially true of you book the enormous luxury villa that has its own pool and private courtyard.
Feeling inspired to book a truly unique getaway? Head to Concrete Playground Trips to explore a range of holidays curated by our editorial team. We've teamed up with all the best providers of flights, stays and experiences to bring you a series of unforgettable trips in destinations all over the world.
Top image: Selong Selo Resort and Residence
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