On my first morning at The Oberoi Beach Resort Lombok, I make a trip down to the resort’s private jetty. The wooden boardwalk stretches far out into the sea, framed by waves that seem to shimmer under the early sun. In the distance, lush greenery dots the horizon. I look out to the water, and am immediately captivated by what I find—from schools of fish that zigzag in unison, to a starfish that rests on the sand below.
Just east of Bali—about 40 minutes by plane or an hour and a half by boat—the beautiful island of Lombok is famous for its pristine beaches, verdant nature, and clear waters ideal for snorkelling and diving. There’s plenty to explore around the island, from Tangsi Beach with its pink-hued sand, to the grandeur of the Tiu Kelep and Sendang Gile waterfalls. The Autore Pearl Farm has a comprehensive and fascinating tour, whilst the Banyumulek Pottery Village offers a look at traditional designs handcrafted by the Sasak tribe. For the adventurous, Lombok is also home to Mount Rinjani, the second highest volcano in Indonesia, and a challenging climb that offers gorgeous, rewarding views.
That said, once I found myself settled into The Oberoi Beach Resort Lombok after a quick transfer from the brand’s Bali outpost—the two can be conveniently combined within the same booking—it was hard to find the motivation to leave the luxurious indulgence of the resort. Upon first stepping into the open-air lobby, guests are greeted by the sight of reflecting pools that extend out towards the tranquil Medana Bay, creating the illusion of endless water. Villas and pavilions are generously sprawled across 24 acres of direct beachfront, each offering views of either turquoise waters or landscaped gardens.
When I receive the key to my villa, I’m surprised to find that my name has been whittled into the little totemic wood carving that hangs from it as a keychain. Inside, a traditional thatched roof, hand carved furnishings and local artworks instil the residence with a distinct sense of place. All rooms have a spacious sunken marble tub perfect for an indulgent soak, and most villas feature a private courtyard with a sizeable pool and personal terrace. Each day, I find a printed list of activities available around the resort, from horseback riding sessions to an afternoon tea spread at The Bale.
When it comes to dining, there’s the charming Sunbird Cafe and the elegant Lumbung Restaurant. At the latter, make sure to try the ayam taliwang—a dish that originated in Lombok—as well as the delicious pandan souffle. On certain evenings, the resort also throws a barbecue dinner on the beach, with a wide selection of seafood and meat offerings that the chefs grill to smoky perfection. And for a unique experience, opt for a cooking lesson at the Chef’s Table, where you can try your hand at using fresh greens from the resort’s own herb garden to create local dishes with the skilful guidance of the culinary team.
The temptation to simply while all your time away in the resort is high. However, if there’s one thing absolutely worth carving out time for, it’s a snorkelling trip to the Gili Islands, a trio of idyllic islets just 20 minutes away by boat. An expert guide from the Oberoi Beach Club accompanies guests the whole way, ensuring that even first-time snorkelers feel safe, and providing tips on the best spots to see the gorgeous marine life.
There, impressively clear waters teem with unspoilt coral reefs, colourful fishes and sea turtles. 48 life-sized statues—some lying on their sides, others caught in an embrace; each made from a cast of a real person by British sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor—are situated in a circle on the seafloor, making for a hauntingly beautiful sight. For a pick-me-up whilst exploring, it’s worth making a pitstop at Bask, a chic beach club right along the shore of Gili Meno.
Upon returning back to the resort after a morning out in the water, the rest of the day is spent languishing in the easy comfort of the resort. Settling on a hammock in a quiet corner by the beach, I am lulled into a calm by the gentle breeze and the rolling of the waves. With a drink from Tokek Bar in one hand and a good book in the other, it is difficult to want for anything else. Indeed, these are the joys of island living.
Book a stay at The Oberoi Beach Resort Lombok here.
