Work With Attitude
Many travellers to Lombok, Indonesia, head straight for the laid-back Gili islands − the hallowed trio of Trawangan, Meno and Air northwest of Lombok. But, during a recent stay at Wyndham Sundancer Lombok Resort, I discover the Southern Gilis, a pristine paradise made up of 13 islands off Lombok’s southwestern coast.
Located on the hillslopes of Raya Pandanan in the secluded village of Sekotong, Wyndham Sundancer Resort is a luxurious hideaway that is perfectly positioned for exploring the Southern Gilis.
image by tiarahana.com
The journey from Lombok International Airport to the resort is a brilliant prelude to the natural splendour that surrounds the 66-room property. The hour-long scenic coastal route winds past villages on the ascent to Raya Pandanan, which on clear days, rewards visitors with panoramic views of two majestic mountains − Lombok’s Mt Rinjani and Bali’s Mt Agung.
At the resort’s lobby, I am garlanded with a pretty kalung bunga woven with red and pink petals, and offered a soothing cup of lemongrass tea. After quenching my thirst, I make my way along a pebble stone path to my weekend abode that sits atop a hillock within the sprawling property.
There are four categories of accommodation at Wyndham Sundancer Resort, and they are all nothing short of luxurious. Suite options include the snug 1 Bedroom Deluxe Suite (80sqm) and the spacious 2 BedroomGrand Suite (140sqm).
My expansive 2 Bedroom Grand Suite is warm and inviting, and showcases a creamy colour palette punctuated with dark wood cabinetry. Given its massive size, my suite is fit for a family of four and features a host of amenities that caters for maximum comfort and convenience.
The suite’s living area is equipped with a giant 52-inch LED smart TV, and a plush three-seater sofa, as well as two armchairs, while the adjoining kitchenette comprises an induction cooktop, microwave and refrigerator. Flanking the living room are the two bedrooms − a master suite with a king-size bed, and another equipped with two single beds. That aside, each room is identical in terms of design and amenities; both come with their own 42-inch LED smart TV, desk and walk-in wardrobe, as well as attached baths that include marbledressers, luxe stone bathtubs and rainshowers. My favourite chill-out spot in the suite is the airy balcony overlooking the resort’s lush grounds. This is where I spend most of my time, lost in contemplation.
Being on holiday is as good an excuse as any to indulge. At Wyndham Sundancer Resort, guests are spoilt for choice with the plentiful F&B options on offer. The resort’s dining venues include Sunrise Restaurant − a casual space that dishes up sumptuous Western and Asian selections for breakfast and lunch; The Bukit that plates up local favourites; and Sunset Pool Bar, where guests can unwind with a hearty beef burger and ice cold Bintang when not doing laps in the spectacular 900sqm pool. My favourite of the trio is The Bukit, where I savour local specialties like Ayam Taliwang (grilled free range chicken served with water spinach, eggplant and spicy sambal) and Bulayak Satay (skewers of tender beef served with glutinous rice cakes).
While panoramic views can be enjoyed throughout the property, the best sunsets are to be had at Sundancer Beach Club, a cool hangout located on a private stretch of beach just outside the resort’s grounds. The casual dining venue serves up tapas, gourmet sandwiches, steaks, salads and crusty pizzas baked in a wood-fired oven.
To burn extra calories, guests can work out at the resort gym, or head to Sundancer Spa, which features a jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and cold-plunge pool. Best of all, one complimentary spa treatment per day is offered to guests who book the 2 Bedroom Grand Suite.
For more adventurous pursuits, the Wyndham Sundancer Resort has you covered.
The property’s proximity to the Southern Gilis makes it the perfect jump-off point for snorkelling and diving excursions. I join the hotel’s chartered snorkelling excursion to Gili Nanggu and Gili Rengit − a 45-minute boat ride from the resort. The pristine waters of the Southern Gilis teem with marine life, and I am rewarded when a hawksbill turtle swims alongside me.
Watching the lonesome turtle gracefully navigate the coral reefs and schools of fish, I can’t help but feel blessed to witness nature’s splendour up close.
Wyndham Sundancer Resort Lombok, Raya Pandanan, Dusun Pandanan, Desa Sekotong Barat, Sekotong, Lombok Barat NTB, Indonesia.
Source: airasiago.com
Saiful Kameli 