Hotel Tugu Lombok

The Hotel Tugu Lombok provides a luxury vacation that’s meant to remind guests of the Lombok of yesteryear. While grounds are well-maintained, they’re not overly manicured, and raw building materials create an authentic experience. Anhar Setjadibrata, who founded the hotel, has amassed an enormous collection of Indonesia artwork. "Tugu" translates to “monument,” and the property is packed with antiques and artwork that pay tribute to the different cultures that were on Lombok before Dutch colonization. Views of the Mount Rinjani can be seen from the beach, where long-tail boats are anchored offshore, casting beautiful silhouettes against the skies at sunset. The large property features Dutch colonial-era buildings, including a reception area with intricate carved designs and tapestries. Staff members greet guests by name, creating an intimate environment, and there's free afternoon tea. The romantic and mystical setting means the hotel gets plenty of destination weddings, though families with children also appreciate the peaceful atmosphere. 

The Hotel Tugu Lombok is on a side street off Jalan Pantai Sire in West Nusa Tenggara. There’s nothing in the immediate area but beautiful nature, beach activities, and the 18-hole Golf Kosaido Country Club (a five-minute drive away). Trips to the Gili Islands can be booked through the hotel and the Bangsal Ferry Terminal is a 15-minute drive away. Mataram, the capital, is one hour by car and offers tons of shopping and dining options. Private car transfers can be arranged through the front desk to the Lombok International Airport, which takes one hour and 45 minutes to reach. Other activities offered at the concierge desk include snorkeling, diving, fishing, waterfall excursions, horseback rides, and bike tours. Bali is half an hour away by speedboat.

Hotel Tugu Lombok's villas, suites, and bungalows are arranged in close walking distance to the sea and heavily decorated in Indonesian, Javanese, Chinese, and Balinese art. Thatched-roof details and vaulted ceilings, with exposed beams, add to the exotic look. All units offer air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, slippers, hairdryers, safes, DVD players with free loaner DVDs, umbrellas, minibars, and kettles. Little luxurious extras include couples' beach hats, bathrobes, insect spray, and flower/fruit arrangements. The Sang Hyang Nirvana and the extra-large Sang Hyang Jagatnata Suites are on the beachfront and have large infinity pools. The Puri Dadap Merah Villa has a rooftop dining area, a massage room, a plunge pool, and an indoor/outdoor bathroom. Bhagavat Gita Oceanfront Suites, in colonial-era buildings, feature lotus ponds, indoor/outdoor bathrooms with bathtubs carved from boulders, and pools in gardens. Other units, such as the Aloon Garden Villas and Kampong Lombok Bungalows, have outdoor copper bathtubs. Aloon Rama Sinta Villas have open-air bathrooms with bathtubs and rainfall showerheads. 

True to its name, Hotel Tugu Lombok has features that reflect the area's past and culture. Many of the activities offered on-site are designed to immerse guests in the local culture, including cooking and dance classes. Yoga and meditation sessions are offered in the Hening Swarga Spa, which is designed like a temple with Singhasari and Majapahit statues, a hot tub, and a fitness center. Barbecue moonlight dinners on the beach and picnic breakfasts can be arranged for guests who want a unique dining experience. There’s also the thatched-roof Bale Kokok Pletok, the main restaurant, which sits poolside and has high season, towering totems. Statues with water fountains surround a second pool, which overlooks the sea. A second restaurant Gedong Gangdrong is heavily adorned with statues and the open-air Klenteng Bar features antique benches and oil lamps. Breakfast is included in room rates, and Wi-Fi is free.