Masterminded

Masterminded
by traditional art collector Anhar Setjadibrata
after he amassed a museum-worthy collection of Indonesian
handicrafts over several decades, Tugu Hotel Lombok is a hymn to
local heritage crafts, spotlightling Lombok’s artistic legacy with
typical Indonesian heart and soul. Stretching across the white
sugar sands of Sire Beach, all 37 suites are individually designed,
embellished with unique antiques and ancient Javanese prints that
depict the tale of Indonesian kings from times gone by. Every
corner has a story to tell – from the Chinois-inspired koi ponds
that encircle the colonial-style reception, to the bedrooms adorned
with batik textiles – creating a timeless elegance that weaves the
magic of the past with the comforts of the present.

The hotel’s commitment to cultural preservation runs right
through to its staff, too – all of whom are genuinely passionate
about Tugu’s legacy, eager to share their culture and even more
eager to make each guest’s stay the most memorable and seamless
experience it can be. And beyond hosting regular cultural evenings
– where guests are invited to keep age-old traditions alive by
immersing themselves in traditional music, dance performances, and
storytelling – the hotel is also home to an on-site museum offering
a treasure trove of historical artefacts and heritage artworks.

Rooms

Whether overlooking the glittering ocean or verdant-green
gardens, rooms offer breathtaking views that only add to the
general ambiance of tranquility. Amenities are luxurious yet
tasteful -think wheel-sized rainfall shower heads, huge copper
bathtubs and sweet-smelling sustainable toiletries.

Tell us about the food…

Presided over by sculptures of Hindu deities, the dining room is
set within a soaring poolside pavilion. At breakfast you’ll find
coffee sourced from Tugu’s own plantation, as well as a
three-course menu of deliciously nutritious pick-me ups – think
everything from power bowls of frozen yoghurt and fruit to pancakes
and eggs many ways. A complimentary afternoon tea (served from
4-6pm) showcases traditional Indonesian snacks like vegetable
fritters and coconut jelly, while the hotel’s delectable lunch and
dinner menu celebrates the vibrant palate of the archipelago with
Sasak specialities, as well as intricate Javanese and Balinese
flavours.

What about accessibility?

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

What’s the crowd like?

You’re just as likely to meet staycationing Indonesians as you
are international holidaymakers here. They’ll mostly be well-heeled
couples and families – although I didn’t feel out of place as a
young(ish), solo traveller.

Things I should know

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

Within a short walk I can find…

A slew of sleepy beach bars, known as ‘warungs’ – think
family-owned wooden huts, not up-all-night boozers, plus a
palm-fringed, 18-hole golf course and small dive centre – both of
which can be booked at reception.