Tl;dr – There are two new-ish Luxury Collection properties where you can enjoy the beauty of Indonesia’s waters without the Bali crowds.
The other day, I wrote about Hyatt’s ambitious project in Indonesia – the Samara Lombok, Hyatt’s first Destination by Hyatt property in Southeast Asia. If you aren’t keen on waiting for that property to open, then you should turn your attention to these new Luxury Collection properties from Marriott. At the tail of 2024, Marriott opened The Sira, a Luxury Collection Resort and Spa, Lombok, on the same island as the Hyatt property mentioned above. Additionally, Marriott also opened the TA’AKTANA, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Labuan Bajo. Both properties have been well received by early visitors, so let’s take a look at them!
The Sira, a Luxury Collection Resort and Spa, Lombok
Located on the northwest side of Lombok, The Sira is located right on Sira Beach and offers stunning views of the Bali Sea and the Gili Islands.
A mostly-suite property (there are 46 of them), with another 14 pool villas, the rooms are something.
This place screams relaxation. Guests can lounge in the crystal infinity pool or break a sweat in the modern fitness center. For mindfulness and bodywork, visitors can head to the resort’s invigorating spa.
Dining options include Medsa, a Mediterranean-themed spot; The Island’s Table, a full-service all-day dining restaurant offering a variety of options; Sija, where guests can grub poolside; and Glassary, the resort’s main bar.
Nearby attractions include Mount Rinjani – the second-highest volcano in the country, Tiu Kelep Waterfall, and Benang Kelambu Waterfalls.
Rates at the Sira are affordable. The cash rate for a base-level room starts at 370,500 IDR (~$227.89 as of today’s writing) and can reach as high as 712,500 IDR ($438.24). Points range between 27,000 and 48,000 points per night.
TA’AKTANA, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Labuan Bajo
What immediately catches one’s eye about Ta’aktana (it means ‘green land’ and comes from the Manggarai language of Flores Island) is the property’s overwater villas. I’m a huge fan of overwater villas, so seeing a luxury property pop up with them outside of the South Pacific and the Maldives was refreshing.
The seven overwater villas are accompanied by 63 other guestrooms, including 25 villas and 45 suites that feature outdoor balconies with sweeping views of breathtaking sunsets.
Located on the island of Flores in the small fishing village of Labuan Bajo, the Ta’aktana is a boat ride away from Komodo Island National Park, where you can get up close and personal with the legendary Komodo Dragon. Flores, the island on which the resort is located, is one of five islands where the Komodo dragon is endemic.
When guests aren’t swimming in the hotel’s pool or hiking in the hills outback of the property, they can recharge at the Di’a Spa or fitness center.
There are five dining outlets: full-service Leros; Umasa, offering an authentic Indonesian; Taba, a Robata grill; Nera Lounge, serving tapas, cocktails, coffee, and tea in a sunset-forward setting; and Maiga!, a vibrant bar also providing panoramic sea views.
Rates at Ta’aktana are a bit pricier than Sira – the lowest price you’ll find for a base-level room is ~$376. Overwater villas start at approximately $1300. On the bright side, a redemption night in a base room will cost you as few as 38,000 points per night.
Both of these properties put you front and center to excellent diving and snorkeling, so if you’re a water child who also enjoys some luxury, keep these in mind.
