Sudamala Resort, Senggigi

Sudamala Resort, Senggigi stands on Jl. Raya Mangsit in northern Lombok, with the ocean and the sunset as its backdrop. The resort is built around Sasaknese living, so you stay among traditional thatched roof ceilings, wooden bungalows and villas with intricate ornaments. It suits you if you would rather experience local character than a generic resort.

The resort offers a mix of suites and villas in the style of the Sasak people. The Lingsar Garden Suite takes its inspiration from Pura Lingsar, with eight suites split between ground floor courtyards and upper level balconies, all with garden views. The Narmada Panoramic Suite draws on a 1727 Karangasem summer palace, with handcrafted furnishings and curated artworks. Eight beachfront Narmada Sunset Suites have a patio or balcony, a sunken bath and an outdoor shower, so you can watch the sun set over the Lombok Strait. The Suranadi One Bedroom Villa has a private pool, a courtyard and a berugak pavilion. In-villa breakfast is available with prior booking, so you can start the day in private.

Aqura Dives guides underwater exploration across Bali, Lombok and Komodo, which makes the resort a practical base if diving is part of your plans. The Gili Hai BBQ Sunset Cruise takes you by car to the boat departure point, then out towards the Gili Islands for sundowners and a barbecue dinner on the water, with snorkelling gear included in the package. Indigenous excursions introduce you to local culture and wellness traditions.

Sudajiva Spa, whose name means water of life, blends ancient and modern healing, and treatments take place in spa suites with private gardens and showers. Island natural products are used throughout. The Sudajiva Signature Massage uses papaya oil, followed by a body scrub and homemade papaya lotion over ninety minutes, while the Sea Shell Massage is another signature option. The seven Suranadi villas each have a private pool.

Olah Olah Restaurant is an open-air setting that suits a casual bite or a longer meal, a romantic dinner or an evening with family and friends. Chefs build their menus around the flavours of Lombok, blending sweet and spicy. A cooking class lets you learn those flavours yourself, and seaside dining by the ocean is available for a more private evening.

Senggigi lies in northern Lombok, close to the three Gili islands and their beaches, and the Rinjani trek offers breathtaking vistas if you want a more active day. The Gili sunset cruise leaves from a departure point 30 to 40 minutes by car. For celebrations, the resort has venues ranging from beachfront to garden settings, and local dances or modern music can be arranged.