I’d only been to Indonesia once years ago and to be honest, I didn’t enjoy it that much. Don’t get me wrong, it was beautiful, but there were too many congo lines for a girl in her teens to handle. Since then, I’ve been mostly surrounded by city terrains and concrete jungles and while there is a never-ending list of things to see and do, downtown life does wear on you. So, when the opportunity arose to be one of the first to experience The Sira, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, in Lombok, Indonesia, I was at the airport in double time, ready for a much-needed getaway.
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At Zainuddin Abdul Madjid International Airport, I met up with my lovely driver before heading off on the 90-minute drive to the resort. With scenes of green paddy fields, free-roaming cattle, long winding roads, and sights of quaint island life, your girl was definitely not in Singapore anymore—a fact that was made even more obvious the minute we drove through the resort’s welcoming gates.
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Blending modern sophistication with traditional Lombok heritage, the latest addition to Marriott Bonvoy’s The Luxury Collection leaves no stone unturned in creating an unforgettable stay. Boasting 46 suites, including a presidential suite and 14 private pool villas, each space has been designed as a serene sanctuary of elegance and comfort.
I was taken by the open layout, warm wooden tones, and the abundance of natural light and airflow throughout the resort, which evoked a sense of lightness and serenity. When I checked into my ocean view suite, I was immediately greeted by intricately carved teak lattice walls, handwoven tenun ikat fabrics that decorated the bed, and the stunning sight of white sands, crystalline waters, and Mount Agung on the horizon. When not partaking in activities or dining on gourmet meals, I spent most of the trip taking soaks in the big tub and taking in the sights by the balcony—the simplest of luxuries.
Lunch and dinner on the first day were spent at Medsa (with delectable Mediterranean-inspired dishes) and The Island’s Table, an all-day dining venue with a sumptuous array of local and global delicacies. There is also Sija, a dinner venue which offers a menu brimming with Asian flavours, as well as the resort’s bar, Glassary, which serves creative cocktails crafted from locally sourced spirits. Fresh, delicious, and tantalising, the dishes are of the finest produce, and you can tell that the chefs put their hearts and souls into preparing them for an authentic and hearty dining experience.
The Sira offers a wealth of activities both within and outside the resort. Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate the 24-hour fitness centre equipped with state-of-the-art machines. Water babies will find it impossible to resist the two-level, 70m infinity pool. And what is an island vacation without time by the beach? I highly recommend getting up early or making time just before 5.30pm to take a stroll and catch the sunset.
The spa also deserves a mention. Featuring five private rooms—two designed for couples—along with sauna and steam rooms, and open-air spa treatments, guests can indulge in restorative therapies inspired by centuries-old remedies using rare aromatic oils and herbs unique to the island (there’s also an array of international products if that’s what you prefer). Growing up, I used to skip spa indulgences and instead opt for extra hours by the pool, beach, or for luxuriating in the room.
However, my 20s so far have been riddled with tech neck and the worst tension knots in my shoulders—I found myself getting very excited at the prospect of being pain-free. After a thorough consultation, the massage therapist administered a deep-tissue body and head massage. She used ylang-ylang essential oil to help me unwind, and applied coconut oil to my scalp and body. The result? Fewer aches and pains on top of moisturised skin and the best sleep I’ve had in a while.
Then, there’s the hardworking hospitality team at The Sira that went above and beyond to ensure my stay exceeded all expectations. On my second day, we had a picturesque picnic breakfast near Kerta Gangga Waterfall followed by a cultural immersion visit to the well-known Sade Village, home to 15 generations of Sasaks (local indigenous folk). Dinner was by the beach with Asian fusion dishes and customised cocktails.
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The resort also offers a myriad of in-house itineraries, inviting guests to enjoy the wonders of Lombok—from cooking classes to live performances. All you need to do is share your interests with the concierge who will curate an experience suited for you.
The Sira is more than just a destination—it’s an invitation to rediscover the joys of nature and culture in the lap of luxury. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply seeking a rejuvenating escape, this idyllic resort promises a holiday that you will cherish—I’m already planning my next trip over!
WHAT TO DO IN LOMBOK
Gili Islands
Book a day trip by boat from The Sira directly to one of the Gili Islands where you can indulge in water sports, snorkel, visit the Gili Trawangan Night Market, and more.
Mount Rinjani
Grab your trekking gear and make your way to Mount Rinjani to experience the cascading waterfalls of Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep.
The Sade Village
For culture enthusiasts, The Sade Village gives visitors an immersive glimpse into the Sasak heritage through over 15 generations.
The Sira, a Luxury Collection Resort and Spa, Lombok is located at Dusun Sira Barat, Desa Sigar Penjalin, Lombok, Indonesia 83352, Tel: +62 370 7525555. marriot.com.