Living Asia Resort and Spa Lombok

A walking path through manicured green lawns leads to the open-air reception pavilion, draped with flowing vines from its low-slung rooftop. Inside, cocoa-brown rattan sofas and teak furniture provide a neutral backdrop to a corner gallery that pops with colorful local artwork. In an adjacent pavilion, a casual bar with contemporary platform sofas opens to expansive views of the ocean and the long infinity pool, which is surrounded by handsome teak decking and cushioned sun beds. The same gorgeous view is shared by the open-air restaurant on the pool's other end, where guests sip morning coffee on a terrace perched on the white sand. The vast majority of guests here are international couples seeking a quiet beach vacation. 

The hotel overlooks Setangi Beach on the northwest side of Lombok island, about 15 minutes by car from downtown Senggigi, a lively district filled with restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. Within a 60- to 90-minute drive is Lombok International Airport, which has direct flights from Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, the major hubs for connecting flights from Europe. Flights from Bali to Lombok take around 20 minutes.

The resort's 66 minimalist and modern rooms are housed within two-story, thatch-roof buildings and standalone villas with private pools. All are spacious, air-conditioned, and decorated in soothing neutral colors, with bamboo ceilings and clean-lined furniture crafted of local woods. Private, furnished decks or balconies overlook the ocean or the well-kept grounds. Comforts include crisp white linens on king-size beds, flat-screen TVs, minibars with potato chips and cold beverages, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms feel tropical, with stone vessel sinks and open-air rain showers with pebble floors. A variety of toiletries, like toothbrushes and shampoo, are provided.

Features at this boutique hotel are noteworthy and convenient. While the oceanfront locale is magnificent, the rough surf is not ideal for swimming. Most guests gather around the hotel's lovely infinity pool, which can sometimes result in a shortage of sunbeds. The open-air Malaka Restaurant features spectacular water views and a menu of Asian-fusion cuisine that incorporates the cabe taliwang, a prized local chili. Also served here is the daily buffet breakfast (included in the rates), with a good range of local and Western fare including eggs and pastries. A cozy beach bar offers cocktails and snacks. Free afternoon tea and snacks are served, which is a nice treat for those returning from excursions. The hotel also organizes weekly beachfront barbecues and live music. Room service and private dinners on the beach can also be arranged. 

At the Camplung Spa, treatments incorporate traditional recipes and natural products. Services include massage, facials, reflexology, and scrubs with coffee or black rice. 

The on-site dive center, DSM Dive, offers instruction as well as daily dive trips around the local Gili islands, where the surrounding waters are home to turtles, sea horses, and tropical fish. 

Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.