Blog

May 01, 2023

Hotel Tugu Lombok

Experience a bygone era of Indonesian heritage and beauty at this enchanting art

Experience a bygone era of Indonesian heritage and beauty at this enchanting art hotel on Lombok's quiet coastline

17 May, 2023

Masterminded Masterminded by traditional art collector Anhar Setjadibrataafter he amassed a museum-worthy collection of Indonesianhandicrafts over several decades, Tugu Hotel Lombok is a hymn tolocal heritage crafts, spotlightling Lombok's artistic legacy withtypical Indonesian heart and soul. Stretching across the whitesugar sands of Sire Beach, all 37 suites are individually designed,embellished with unique antiques and ancient Javanese prints thatdepict the tale of Indonesian kings from times gone by. Everycorner has a story to tell - from the Chinois-inspired koi pondsthat encircle the colonial-style reception, to the bedrooms adornedwith batik textiles - creating a timeless elegance that weaves themagic of the past with the comforts of the present.

The hotel's commitment to cultural preservation runs rightthrough to its staff, too - all of whom are genuinely passionateabout Tugu's legacy, eager to share their culture and even moreeager to make each guest's stay the most memorable and seamlessexperience it can be. And beyond hosting regular cultural evenings- where guests are invited to keep age-old traditions alive byimmersing themselves in traditional music, dance performances, andstorytelling - the hotel is also home to an on-site museum offeringa treasure trove of historical artefacts and heritage artworks.

Whether overlooking the glittering ocean or verdant-greengardens, rooms offer breathtaking views that only add to thegeneral ambiance of tranquility. Amenities are luxurious yettasteful -think wheel-sized rainfall shower heads, huge copperbathtubs and sweet-smelling sustainable toiletries.

Presided over by sculptures of Hindu deities, the dining room isset within a soaring poolside pavilion. At breakfast you'll findcoffee sourced from Tugu's own plantation, as well as athree-course menu of deliciously nutritious pick-me ups - thinkeverything from power bowls of frozen yoghurt and fruit to pancakesand eggs many ways. A complimentary afternoon tea (served from4-6pm) showcases traditional Indonesian snacks like vegetablefritters and coconut jelly, while the hotel's delectable lunch anddinner menu celebrates the vibrant palate of the archipelago withSasak specialities, as well as intricate Javanese and Balineseflavours.

The hotel is set back from the beach in a large 'T' shape, sosome rooms are fairly far from the central restaurant (where themain action happens). This said, everything is on the ground floor,so wheelchair access should be feasible throughout.

You're just as likely to meet staycationing Indonesians as youare international holidaymakers here. They'll mostly be well-heeledcouples and families - although I didn't feel out of place as ayoung(ish), solo traveller.

All communal areas are set under thatched, open-air pavilions,so be prepared to get a little wet if you sit at a side tableduring the rainy season (or order food and drink to your room,which staff are more than happy to accommodate on request).

A slew of sleepy beach bars, known as 'warungs' - thinkfamily-owned wooden huts, not up-all-night boozers, plus apalm-fringed, 18-hole golf course and small dive centre - both ofwhich can be booked at reception.