Bali's famously striking neighbour, Lombok has all the unspoilt natural beauty that Indonesia is known for — yet with fewer crowds. Initially popular with surfers who rode the waves of the spectacular south coast, the island has since attracted beachgoers and active types eager to hike through its verdant interior. The hotel scene is also well-established now, with everything from gorgeous private villas to superb seaside resorts. Whether you’re travelling as a couple or with friends and family, you’ll find some seriously special spots on our Gurus’ list of the best places to stay in Lombok.

Lombok’s dazzling beaches are a draw in themselves. Many of our top seaside recomendations are clustered on the southern coast, with Kuta as a buzzy base for world-class surfing. The western side of the island is also marvellous, with a coastline fringed by sandy beaches — including Senggigi — and views of the idyllic Gili Islands. Keen snorkellers and divers can discover magical underwater worlds beneath the waves, home to colourful fish, sharks, rays and friendly turtles. For a more remote escape, look to the north, the east or to Lombok's wonderfully wild interior.

Head inland to clamber up Mount Rinjani, Indonesia’s second-largest volcanic peak, or to spot wildlife around Segara Anak, a crater lake framed by lush jungle. Rushing waterfalls, scenic viewpoints and mountain biking or horse riding opportunities await. Return to the best places to stay in Lombok to savour rejuvenating spa treatments and sensational Sasak cuisine in style.

The Best Places to Stay in Lombok

For Beachfront Romance

• Jeeva Santai Villas comprises 14 seaside suites and villas on Senggigi Beach. Expect draped four-poster beds in airy rooms with hand-carved furnishings, plunge pools and verdant views. A restful, romantic boutique hotel for couples in a superb location. Also fabulous for small weddings.
• Tugu Hotel Lombok also boasts private villas in a tropical setting. Like its Balinese sister hotel, The Tugu, this quirky spot boasts ornate oriental interiors, complete with rich embroideries, antique furnishings and an eclectic art collection. Romantic sunset dinners and a soothing spa add to the magic.
• Qunci Villas offers chic suites and one- or two-bedroom villas with mesmerising ocean views on Mangsit Beach. Set in leafy gardens, the resort has a superb infinity pool, hip bar and restaurant. Featuring lots of wood, pale stone and glass, this is a seriously cool beach break resort for design-minded couples.
• Jeeva Klui Resort is an indulgent hideaway with 35 generously proportioned suites and villas. Four-poster beds sit under pitched ceilings with big beams, and terraces reveal open-air bathtubs for long soaks under starlit skies. Feast at the The Waroeng Restaurant after rejuvenating afternoons at the spa.

For Families or Groups

• Sempiak Villas offers a collection of villas & holiday houses — each individually designed to be modern or more classic — on Sempiak Hill. Multi-room villas have well-equipped kitchens, and some have their own pools, whilst others share access to the resort's main pool. Gather for yoga in the pavilion or take the little ones out on surf and boogie boards at the resort's Camplung Beach Club.
• Katamaran Hotel & Resort is an opulent beach resort with a glass-sided oceanfront pool, two restaurants and a plethora of activities for guests of all ages on land and sea. The two-bedroom villas are perfect for fun-filled villa trips; each has a private pool.
• Ko-Ko-Mo Resort Gili Gede has 27 airy, light-filled rooms and villas with pitched roofs, natural wood and ocean views. Set on Gili Gede, five minutes' boat ride from Lombok, this is a terrific choice for active types of all ages looking to fish, kayak, kite surf, snorkel, dive & play tennis. Great fun.
• Merumatta Senggigi's lagoon pool winds its way between classic rooms, suites and villas, the largest of which have multiple bedrooms, sitting rooms, dining rooms and pool-facing terraces. Families will adore the swimming pool, playing tennis or badminton, and snorkelling at Senggigi Beach. Also great value.

For a Verdant Hideaway

• Seven Havens Residence promises jaw-dropping views from its hilltop setting overlooking Selong Belanak. Indonesian architect Budi Pradono has used reclaimed containers, recycled wood and bamboo to create unusual suites and villas, all with mesmerising views, the best with plunge pools. Minimalist interiors will appeal to design-minded couples.
• Jati Villas offers just five century-old teak houses with private pools tucked within verdant gardens in the heart of Kuta. Interiors are simple and contemporary, and the two-bedroom villa is ideal for friends or a family. A laid-back, eco-minded stay with elements of traditional Indonesian charm.
• Selong Selo's beautiful modernist villas & glamping tents feature contemporary decor, earthy tones and polished wood. On a leafy hillside in southern Lombok, this is a very special holiday escape for couples or groups — the largest villas have seven bedrooms. For eco-minded luxury.

For All-out Luxury

• The Oberoi, set on its own private beach, has an award-winning spa, an 18-hole golf course and beautiful thatched villas tucked within 24 acres of landscaped gardens. An exceptional resort for romantic couples with classic design features and luxurious touches. Also well-placed for excursions to the Gili Islands.
• The Lombok Lodge overlooks unspoilt Medana Beach. Its nine sleek lodges have white-on-white interiors, ocean views and big bathtubs. Gourmet cuisine, a superb swimming pool and a wealth of activities await at this intimate luxury hotel. For minimalist design fans, romantics and families.

For Keen Surfers

• Origin Lombok offers 33 rooms and suites, each clad in soothing white and blue tones with lots of natural wood and handwoven textiles. Private terraces overlook the pool and gardens. Fun for couples, friends or families — some rooms have space for additional beds — this is also a surf and yoga-focused favourite. The team can arrange surf lessons at points all over the area.
• Segara Lombok has ten relaxed beach bungalows with terraces and thatched roofs, close to a popular surf point on striking Serangan Beach. A simple base for surfers and beachgoers of all ages in south Lombok.

FOR GREAT VALUE

• Sikara Lombok Hotel offers modern, minimalist rooms with private terraces and sink-into tubs set around a large swimming pool in Kuta. An affordable base for couples, groups of friends or families, this is also an appealingly sociable spot. Cycle to Kuta Beach or speak to the team about tours and surf lessons.
• Sudamala Suites & Villas offers a collection of thatched spaces with classic interiors and a sense of elegant, timeless style surrounding an ocean-facing swimming pool in Senggigi. Honeymooners can retreat to a Suranadi Pool Villa, complete with flower-filled bathtub and private plunge pool. A reasonably priced and intimate beach resort.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR VILLA

• If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

• Fly into Lombok Airport. If you’re coming from Europe or the US, you may need to travel via Jakarta Airport. Speak to your hotel about arranging an airport transfer, or hop into an airport taxi.
• Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
• Close to the equator, tropical Lombok is hot and humid year-round. July - August and the Christmas holidays are the most popular time to visit, but you'll find good weather and good deals April - June and in September, outside the rainy season but without the crowds.

STILL NOT SURE?

• Explore our list of all the best places to stay in Bali.
• Alternatively, expand your search to see our pick of the best places to stay in Indonesia.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Lombok