Words: Rhonda Bannister
Lombok, a lush and unspoiled paradise in Indonesia, is often overshadowed by its famous neighbour, Bali. Yet with its pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and verdant mountains, Lombok offers a tranquil and luxurious escape in its own right. Nestled on the island’s northwest coast, The Oberoi Lombok is a luxury retreat renowned for its commitment to sustainable hospitality. Its dedication to preserving the island’s natural beauty and supporting the local community truly distinguishes it from other high-end resorts.
Surrounded by 24 acres of tropical gardens, The Oberoi Lombok provides an exclusive haven for couples seeking adventure, relaxation, indulgence, and romance. Whether you want to explore or simply unwind, the resort offers an unforgettable escape that blends luxury with a deep respect for nature and local culture.
The Oberoi Lombok prides itself on offering a diverse range of accommodation options, from spacious villas to elegant pavilions. Each of these options is carefully crafted with local materials, reflecting the region’s rich cultural heritage. This variety ensures that every guest can find the perfect setting for their stay.
Luxury Pavilions
Our stay in a Luxury Pavilion showcased the comfort and luxury that’s helped make The Oberoi Lombok an iconic Indonesian destination. The charming and spacious pavilion was tastefully decorated with traditional, hand-carved teak Indonesian furnishings, including a four-poster king-sized bed with plush bedding that was as comfortable as it looked. The high, alang-alang thatched roofs and polished timber floors add to the tropical feel. The large marble bathroom featuring a sunken bathtub overlooking a private garden courtyard, a separate rain shower, and his and her sinks epitomised Hollywood glamour.
An outdoor dining pavilion and two sun loungers set within the walled courtyard offered us a private retreat when we had enough of the sun, pool and ocean and was the perfect spot for our in-room dining on one evening.
Luxury Villas
For those seeking the utmost exclusivity, the Luxury Villas at The Oberoi Lombok offer spacious living areas and private swimming pools – the epitome of tropical luxury, designed to make you feel like a privileged guest in a private paradise!
The expansive villas offer separate bedrooms and living areas, while the private pool and sun deck offer a tranquil escape outside. With oversized daybeds and alfresco dining areas, these villas are designed for outdoor living, allowing you to make the most of Lombok’s pleasant weather.
Dining Options
The Oberoi Lombok’s culinary experience is not just exquisite; it’s a journey of flavours that matches the resort’s luxury. From casual beachside dining to elegant fine dining, the resort offers a variety of options that showcase the flavours of Indonesia and the world. Each meal is a celebration of taste, promising a memorable dining experience that will leave you excited and intrigued.
Fine Dining
Lumbung Restaurant is the heart of the dining experience at The Oberoi Lombok. Set within an open-air pavilion with views over the swimming pool and ocean, this restaurant offers a serene setting for a delicious dinner. The menu features a mix of traditional Indonesian dishes and international cuisine, including delicious Indian specialties, using the freshest local ingredients. Local musicians provide ambient dinner music that enhances the fine dining experience.
Sunbird Café
Start your day with a sumptuous breakfast with tropical fruits, freshly baked pastries, and made-to-order eggs at Sunbird Cafe overlooking the Lombok Strait. This alfresco café offers a light and refreshing menu throughout the day and is a popular spot for a laid-back afternoon tea, where you can indulge in delicate pastries and traditional Indonesian sweets while sipping on freshly brewed tea.
Tokek Bar
Every luxury resort is complete with a sophisticated bar, and at The Oberoi Lombok, the Tokek Bar delivers just that. Located opposite Sunbird Cafe on the other side of the pool and water gardens, the bar offers a cozy atmosphere with plush seating and expertly crafted cocktails, wines, spirits, and local beers. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring Lombok.
Activities
While The Oberoi Lombok is the perfect place to relax and unwind, the resort also offers a range of activities for those looking to explore the island or stay active during their stay.
Water Sports and Diving
Lombok’s crystal-clear waters make it a haven for water sports enthusiasts. The resort’s private jetty provides easy access to the Gili Islands, renowned for their vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. Snorkelling and diving trips can be arranged directly from the resort, allowing guests to explore the underwater world just minutes from their villa.
For those who prefer to stay above the water, the resort offers kayaking, paddle boarding, windsurfing, and a romantic sunset cruise. Medana Bay’s calm waters make it ideal for beginners, while more experienced water sports enthusiasts will enjoy exploring the coastline.
Spa and Wellness
The Oberoi Spa is a tranquil oasis where guests can indulge in various treatments designed to relax and rejuvenate the body and mind. The spa’s menu includes traditional Balinese massages, aromatherapy treatments, and Ayurvedic rituals, all using natural ingredients from the island. We chose the 60-minute signature holistic massage, one of our vacation’s best parts! And if you’re looking to maintain a fitness routine, there’s a fully equipped gym and a range of wellness classes, including yoga and meditation.
Cultural Experiences
The hotel’s activities reflect Lombok’s rich cultural heritage. For example, it offers Indonesian cooking classes and guided tours to nearby villages, where guests can experience the local way of life and learn about Lombok’s unique culture and traditions. These experiences are perfect for travellers who want to immerse themselves in the local culture and gain a deeper understanding of the island.
For those interested in the island’s natural beauty, the Oberoi Lombok can arrange excursions to some of its most famous landmarks. Take a trip to Mount Rinjani, the island’s majestic volcano, or explore the lush rice terraces and waterfalls that dot the landscape. Whether you’re interested in adventure or relaxation, the Oberoi Lombok offers something for everyone.
For more information or to make a booking, visit The Oberoi Lombok’s website here.
Related: Your travel guide to Lombok // The best things for couples to do when visiting Lombok