Often referred to as Bali’s “sister island”, Lombok is steadily growing in popularity as a holiday destination for those who seek a slower pace of living. Located in the West Nusa Tenggara province of Indonesia, the island is home to pristine beaches and natural attractions such as Mount Agung and Mount Rinjani.
While hikers and surfers have been drawn to Lombok for decades, a surge in real estate demand in recent years has seen developers looking to build residential and commercial projects on the island. One such new luxury opening is The Sira. Under the Small Luxury Collection brand, it marks Marriott International’s first luxury property in Lombok.
The Sira, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Lombok.
Located via a two-hour car ride from Lombok International Airport, the resort sits on the northwestern corner of the island. Getting there, you’ll pass through dramatic landscapes showcasing the unique beauty and charm of the land.
The journey took us through quaint little villages of the Saksak, Lombok’s indigenous people who have lived on the island for centuries and still make up most of the population today. The Saksak people are known for their craftsmanship in weaving and pottery, traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation.
This rich cultural heritage is translated into The Sira’s architecture and design. Once you arrive, you’ll notice the property’s distinctive character which takes its inspiration from Buddhist, Hindu and Islamic elements throughout. A large wall near the 70-metre outdoor pool depicts engravings of the Majapahit empire and is an apt reflection of the property’s tribute to the local heritage.
While distinctively Southeast Asian, the decor also combines contemporary influences resulting in cosy and spacious villas that are warm and welcoming.
The suites feature partial or full ocean views and hotel guests are encouraged to discover the nature surrounding the property. Given that Lombok is famous for its many waterfalls, the resort provides nature outings to nearby waterfalls such as the Tiu Teja and cycling activities where you’ll get to explore the surrounding sites. There’s also the Sire Beach Golf Club, the only international 18-hole championship course on the island located adjacent to The Sira.
As for the food, Lombok is known for its distinctive culinary heritage. Black pepper, cacao, vanilla and cinnamon are just some of the crops grown on this fertile land. The Sira features two main restaurants; Medsa, which serves Mediterranean fare inspired by Italian and Greek cuisine and The Island’s Table, an all-day dining spot serving international cuisine with a strong focus on local flavours.
Expect traditional Indonesian dishes such as beef rendang and Lombok’s famous ayam taliwang, a local dish of grilled chicken marinated in a medley of spices. Tuak, or palm wine, is all the rage here. The concoction is made using liquid tapped from palm trees before going through a fermentation process. While each region has its own way of fermenting tuak, the one on Lombok is usually made using the arenga palm or sugar palm.
Given the rich cultural history of Lombok, the resort’s staff goes to great lengths to inform guests about the island’s unique culture and if you fancy trying your hand at making your own tuak, there are also masterclasses available.
Staying here, you truly get a sense of the Lombok experience. It’s no surprise why the laid-back island is gaining popularity, but you might want to visit while it’s still slightly off the beaten track.
