Ayana Komodo – Hotel Review

Opened in September 2018 and the only five-star resort on Flores Island, the Ayana Komodo is set against a hillside facing Waecicu Beach. It’s designed to take full advantage of its beachside position – from the 11th-floor lobby’s sweeping views to the wooden jetty stretching out into the sea, you hear the call of the crystal-blue waters.

The location

Situated on the north-western coast of Flores Island, the hotel is a 30-minute drive from the busy port town of Labuan Bajo, which is a one-hour flight from Denpasar in Bali and a favoured destination for travellers seeking a diving experience.

The rooms

The 205 well-appointed rooms and suites are decorated in a palette of cream, white and biscuit with marine motifs. All guestrooms have uninterrupted water views and feature king-sized beds, generous bathrooms with rainforest showerheads, baths you can watch the sunset from, dressing rooms and floor-to-ceiling sliding doors that open on to balconies with comfortable cane armchairs.

Food and drinks

There are dining options to indulge all tastes, from the fine-dining HonZen Japanese restaurant and fresh seafood at Kisik Seafood & Grill to the all-day Rinca restaurant. The breakfast buffet includes crisp bacon and eggs done to order alongside local favourites such as nasi goreng, fresh fruit, French-style pastries and barista-standard coffee. Return later for the à la carte menu featuring soto ayam, Indonesian chicken noodle soup, and banh mi of roast pork with pickled carrot slaw and chilli mayo among its choices. For a pre-dinner or late-night drink, such as a Negroni, there’s the Unique Rooftop Bar, with its Instagram-worthy views.

For business travellers 

A great option for corporate events such as conferences, brand launches or team-building, Ayana Komodo’s meeting rooms and venues have state-of-the-art sound, lighting and media equipment and can be customised to suit your requirements, both business and social such as sunset cocktails on a private terrace.

For wellness travellers

What sets Ayana Komodo apart are the activities it offers for fitness in mind and body. Greet the day with yoga on the beachfront then take a dip in the infinity pool. Be transported by speedboat to nearby snorkelling areas to gaze at coral reefs and marine life. Dive off the jetty for a scuba-diving trip. Jump on a kayak or try stand-up yoga atop a paddleboard. The resort also has a spa for beauty pampering and traditional Indonesian body treatments like Balinese massage. The gym is open 24/7 and staff can advise on a personalised exercise regimen.

The fab factor

For the ultimate sea experience, book a cruise on the resort’s luxury 54-metre phinisi ship, the Lako di’a. With nine suites and onboard chef, this private oasis takes you on a leisurely tour of nearby islands to swim, snorkel or just chill.

 

SEE ALSO: The 10 Best Restaurants in Bali Right Now