Tl;dr – The Samara Lombok will be the first Destination by Hyatt property in Southeast Asia
Scheduled for a 2027 debut, Samara Lombok is located on the island of Lombok, the less-busy, unassuming but beautiful neighbor-to-the-east of Bali.
This will be an ambitious project. Planned for 249 guest rooms and villas, the resort’s campus will be spread across two sites, Samara Bay and Samara Hills. The project’s development site, which is well done, provides some great insights into the vision.
Once complete, guests can look forward to a “wellness village, multiple swimming pools, and over 10 restaurants and bar venues offering a diverse range of culinary concepts developed in collaboration with some of the region’s most respected chefs.”
You won’t get bored here as “there will be purpose-built sports facilities, including four tennis courts and four padel courts, a marine and water sports center, an educational marine biology center, an organic farm and sustainability hub, a dedicated kids’ zone, and a collection of beach clubs and day clubs designed for guests to relax and connect.”
Notably, Lombok is home to Mount Rinjani, the second-highest volcano in the country. Hikers can get their steps in, and as Lombok has some plush (and uncrowded) wave breaks, surfers will be at home as well.
If you’re unfamiliar with Destination by Hyatt, it’s one of Hyatt’s now 35 brands (my goodness), and it’s a soft brand focused on (though not exclusively made up of) independent resorts. You have regal historic castles, hotels that make it easy to watch a team-wearing-a-superior-shade-of-blue-beat-a-team-wearing-a-lesser-shade-of-blue-on-its-home-court, and even ski resorts.
I like this move by Hyatt as it shakes things up. While the chain is no stranger to opening upscale and luxury properties in Asia (including Southeast Asia), this resort is a bit off the beaten path and, true to its name, is a ‘destination.’ Additionally, for years, we’ve been hearing about the over-tourism of Bali and how various brands are seeking opportunities to establish something ‘new’ in the nearby islands. For example, earlier this year, Marriott opened the doors to TA’AKTANA, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa in Labuan Bajo on the island of East Nusa Tenggara, three major islands east of Lombok. Boasting some of the newest overwater bungalows in the region (and affordable, I might add), perhaps you can pair a stay at the Samara Lombok with some time at TA’AKTANA, all while skipping to the crowds in Bali.
I’m excited to check this one out once it opens.
