The last time dragons were on my mind, Game of Thrones was still an ongoing series on HBO. In a more realistic realm, however, the closest we can get to these mystical creatures are the komodo dragon; a species endemic to several Indonesian islands including Flores. The western end of this isle—known as Labuan Bajo—typically serves as a base and gateway to Komodo National Park, which currently harbours the largest population of said reptiles. Unbeknownst to most, Labuan Bajo is also the home to a different type of dragon. That is, the team at Ta’aktana resort.
“We do call ourselves dragons,” my driver explains, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. We are on the way to Ta’aktana, which is located a mere five minute drive away from the airport. The land opens up before us as we begin our descent down a precariously steep slope; one of many in Labuan Bajo that locals dub ‘spaghetti roads’. The perilous nature of its terrain does nothing to take away the breathtaking views of the town, nor the intriguing lore behind Ta’aktana’s philosophy. Then as if he’s read my mind, my driver continues: “But of course, there’s a lot more to Ta’aktana and Labuan Bajo than its relation to the komodo dragon.” His smile is one of unwavering confidence. “You’ll find out in due time.”
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Indeed, discoveries of such variety begin the second I step foot into Ta’aktana. The space is home to a variety of suites and villas to suit a variety of group configurations, and it’s safe to say that my overwater villa has all the trappings of a luxury resort. Think a private deck by the ocean, as well as a dedicated butler service.
But it is through the smallest of details that I begin to unearth the essence of Ta’aktana. A hand-woven tapestry above my bed is the work of one of the many indigenous communities living on the island; a depiction of the marine life and nearby pink beach. Certain cabinets come with a textured finish made from the skin of stingrays, which can be found in the waters around the resort. Bathroom amenities come enclosed within woven bamboo boxes, a homage to the culture’s storage containers of the past. It is undoubtedly a love letter to the archipelago’s rich history; a keen understanding of how to meld tradition and modern sensibilities with sincerity.
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Detox and decompress
Naturally, this treatment applies to the Ta’aktana’s storied spa, Di’A Spa. With my goals for visiting the resort being centered on improving my current mental state and immunity, the multi-level wonder feels like a salve for frayed nerves. The interior alone is carefully constructed to incite calm. Eggshell painted walls comprise unique textural elements that are meant to resemble stalagmites and coral that an individual is able to spot in one of Labuan Bajo’s main attractions: the cave of Rangko and Batu Cermin. Guests are able to book a memorable experience which includes a guided tour to the above locations to luxuriate in the silence of the labyrinth-like cavern as well as meditation sessions conducted whilst floating in placid waters. This is followed by a visit to the spa, where an extensive number of therapies and treatments are available.
In my case, it is Loke Ngerrang which calls out to me. A morning spent in self-rumination exploring the numerous nooks and crannies of Batu Cermin has left me with knots in my shoulders and thighs, and so the appeal of a top-to-toe treatment feels too large to ignore. The four-hour long session begins with a thorough body scrub made from Labuan Bajo coffee—grinded at the resort’s very own coffee roastery, might I add—and brown sugar. An inflammation-reducing marine algae wrap is soon to follow, alongside a massage, anti-ageing facial as well as a scalp analysis, hair wash and mask.
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The strength of Di’A Spa is not dissimilar to Ta’aktana as a whole: an embracing and showcasing of traditional Indonesian rituals complemented by the latest in wellness tech. Herbal poultices and cold plunge pools co-exist in a singular sanctuary, accompanied by an amicable horde of staff that are attentive to every need, no matter how small. The team’s grasp of what it means to be well, in every sense of the word, is a humongous boon.
Health kick
And on that note, another key component cementing Ta’aktana’s foothold in the wellness scene is undoubtedly grub. Ta’aktana’s food options stem from three main restaurants; Leros, Umasa and Taba. All three serve up culinary masterpieces that are hearty and healthy in equal measure.
The breakfast spread at all-day dining establishment, Leros, makes a striking impression in large part due to its ever-changing menu of health-centric juices (see: kombucha, jamu, and spinach-laced concoctions) as well as local favourites. Umasa, on the other hand, is a deeper dive into Indonesian cuisine: a medley of sambals, lamb stews, and fish satays that delight the senses as they do nourish. And last but not least, Taba, a Japanese-fusion eatery with a focus on innovative flavours and inventive textures that are made and/or customised to work with local ingredients.
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All of this—and a fully kitted-out gym—means that one has no need to leave the resort to do better by their health and self. In fact, dare we say, it actually serves as a reason to travel to Labuan Bajo, particularly if you’re seeking inspiration to jumpstart your wellness journey. With direct flights from Singapore quickly becoming a reality, doing so sooner rather than later is most definitely a prudent choice.
