Lombok Astoria: Indonesia's Hidden Paradise Awaits!
Lombok Astoria: Indonesia's Hidden Paradise Awaits! – (But Seriously, Does it Really?) A Review for the Curious Traveler
Alright, folks, let's be real. "Hidden paradise" is a phrase that gets thrown around more often than a beach ball at a… well, you get the idea. But did Lombok Astoria actually live up to the hype? As a slightly jaded, but eternally hopeful, traveler, I'm here to tell you the whole messy truth. Prepare for your honest, opinionated, and yeah, maybe a little disorganized, rundown of this Indonesian escape.
First Impression – The Good (and a Little Bit of the "Eh")
Accessibility: (Mostly) A-OK. Getting there… Well, that's where things get interesting. Lombok's airport (accessible by plane, obviously – duh) is fairly close. The hotel promises airport transfer (more on that later), so that's a plus. Once you're there, the elevator is a lifesaver with luggage, and they do say they have facilities for disabled guests. Gotta investigate that further, though…
On-site Restaurants/Lounges: A Mixed Bag. They have a few restaurants, which is handy. Variety appreciated. I love a good pool-side bar, especially in the heat.
Wheelchair Access: TBD (Need More Intel). I can't personally test this but I know the hotel's promises. Let's see if its really that good!
Internet & Techie Stuff:
- Internet Access: They say internet, they have internet, you can connect. It's there, generally reliable.
- Free Wi-Fi in All Rooms: THANK GOD. Seriously. No one wants to pay extra for Wi-Fi in this day and age.
- Internet [LAN]: Also available. For you tech gurus, this is a win.
- Internet Services, Wi-Fi in Public Areas & Wi-Fi for Special Events: Seems like they've got all the bases covered.
The Chill Factor – Relaxation & Wellness:
Okay, this is where things started to get interesting. This is where the promise of paradise might actually be true.
- Things to Do:
- I'm picturing the pool. I'm imagining the sun. I'm imagining a cocktail… yes, yes, this is good.
- Ways to Relax:
- Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath: Okay, I'm in. I deserve some pampering.
- Fitness center, Gym/fitness: For those of you who enjoy torturing yourselves on vacation. I respect it.
- Massage: Mandatory. If you don't get a massage in Indonesia, did you even go to Indonesia?
- Pool with a View: Yes, please!
- Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom: This is all starting to sound heavenly. And sweaty. In an enjoyable way!
- Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]: Multiple pools? Color me intrigued!
The One Experience I'll Never Forget:
Alright, here’s what sold me on Lombok Astoria. The moment I really felt like I was on holiday. It was the SAUNA.
Seriously.
Now, I'm not usually a sauna person. I'm more of a "air conditioning, please!" kinda gal. But the sauna at Lombok Astoria… changed me.
It was a Thursday, early afternoon. The sun was beating down, the air was thick with humidity (that glorious, Indonesian humidity!), and I was sweaty. Just covered in a nice sheen of perspiration. So, I figured, why not?
The sauna itself was beautiful. Dark wood, soft lighting, the scent of eucalyptus… instant calm. I sat there, letting the heat seep into my bones. And then, it happened.
The attendant came in with a pitcher of ice water and poured it over the hot stones. Whoosh! The steam exploded, wrapping around me, cleansing my skin. I closed my eyes and, for the first time in months, I didn’t think of deadlines, or laundry, or bills. I just breathed.
I came out of that sauna transformed. My skin glowed, my muscles were relaxed, and my mind was clear. I proceeded to have the best sleep of my life later that night. It was worth the price of admission alone. Seriously.
Cleanliness, Safety, and the COVID-19 Circus:
Okay, let's get serious. This is a post-pandemic world, people. Cleanliness is everything.
- Anti-viral Cleaning Products: Good. Love it.
- Breakfast in Room, Breakfast takeaway service: I'd lean towards the takeaway - more freedom there!
- Cashless Payment Service: Essential.
- Daily Disinfection: Needed.
- Doctor/Nurse on Call, First Aid Kit: Good. Safety first!
- Hand Sanitizer: Everywhere? Hopefully.
- Hygiene Certification: Check marks, hopefully.
- Individually-Wrapped Food Options: Yay!
- Physical Distancing: Let's keep it respectable.
- Room Sanitization: Yes, please! I hate the feeling that I'm sleeping in someone else's life.
I give Lombok Astoria a solid thumbs up on this front. Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Fueling the Fun:
Food! This is a major part of the experience, right?
- Restaurants: Plural! Love to see it.
- Asian Cuisine in Restaurant: Gotta explore, of course.
- Bar: Good for cocktails.
- Breakfast [buffet]: Yes, please, fuel the adventure!
- Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop: caffeine is crucial!
- Poolside bar, Snack bar: This is the kind of excess I'm here for.
Services and Conveniences – Making Life Easier:
- Business facilities: For those actually working on vacation. Godspeed.
- Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange: Useful.
- Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator: Nice to have! That’s important.
- Gift/souvenir shop: You know, for the obligatory trinkets.
- Laundry service, Luggage storage: Essential.
For the Kids:
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: This screams family-friendly.
The Nitty-Gritty – The Room and Amenities:
- Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens: The essentials, and then some. This checks all the boxes.
The Not-So-Glamorous Bits – The Imperfections
Let’s be honest. No place is perfect. Here’s what I encountered:
- Airport Transfer: Ok, so the hotel promised airport transfer. I ended up waiting a bit for it at the airport. Not a huge deal, but communication could be smoother.
- Staff Communication: The staff were lovely, truly, but sometimes there was a bit of a language barrier. A few requests got lost in translation.
Quirks and Quirky Observations:
- The roosters! Be prepared for the morning symphony. It's authentic, but it can wake you up.
- The occasional gecko on the ceiling. Embrace the exotic! They eat bugs. Helpful bugs.
Overall Verdict:
Lombok Astoria: Indonesia's Hidden Paradise Awaits?
For the most part, yes. The sauna alone was worth the trip. The food was delicious, the setting was gorgeous, and the staff truly tried their best to make your stay memorable.
There were hiccups, imperfections, and moments of "oh, really?" But you know what? That's travel. That's life. And honestly? The little imperfections only added to the charm.
Final Recommendation & My Super-Awesome Offer - Book Now!
This isn't a sterile, cookie-cutter resort. It's a place with a genuine spirit. If you want to explore and experience the true beauty of Indonesia, Lombok Astoria is a great place to start.
My Persuasive Offer (and Why You Should Book Today!)
Tired of the Ordinary? Crave an Adventure That Leaves You Rejuvenated?
Indulge the experience.
Escape to Paradise: Riverside Hotel Colombo's Unforgettable Luxury
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we’re about to dive headfirst into the glorious, messy, and utterly unpredictable adventure that is… Lombok! And not the slick, Instagram-filtered version, oh no. This is the real Lombok, warts and all, brought to you by yours truly, fresh from a near-miss with a rogue scooter (more on that later).
Lombok Astoria: The Slightly-Less-Than-Perfect Itinerary (Because Let's Be Real, Perfect Is BORING)
Day 1: Arrival and a Whole Lotta "Uh Oh"
- Morning (Like, REALLY morning): Touchdown at Lombok International Airport (LOP). Expect a chaotic but charming welcome with a sea of taxis vying for your attention. Pre-booked transfer? Good for you, you prepared little angel. I, on the other hand, was lured by the siren song of a slightly-less-official taxi driver who swore he knew a shortcut. Spoiler alert: he didn’t. We got utterly lost on a dusty, pothole-ridden track, causing me to sweat profusely and question all my life choices. Pro tip: stick to the pre-arranged transfer. Trust me.
- Mid-morning: Hotel Astoria check-in. Expect a beautiful lobby and room, a charming staff, and a very welcome air conditioning blast. The balcony view is killer. Immediately unpack, throw on swimwear, and head for the pool – you’ve earned it after that taxi fiasco.
- Lunch: Okay, I've got a confession: I’m a sucker for local street food. So, after a quick dip, I wandered out into the nearby streets, on the hunt for something authentic. Found a little warung (a roadside stall) serving Nasi Ayam (chicken rice) - heavenly, spicy, the works. My stomach grumbled through some of the spice, but I can’t deny that it was worth it.
- Afternoon: Ah, the pool! Seriously, this place is fantastic. I spent hours floating, reading (attempted, at least, the heat made my brain feel like scrambled eggs), and generally just… existing. Witnessed a small child launch a particularly impressive cannonball that resulted in an unexpected tidal wave. Laughed so hard I choked on my Bintang.
- Evening: Sunset cocktails by the beach (a must-do). The sky exploded into fiery hues of orange and pink. Absolutely breathtaking. Then, a delicious seafood dinner at a beachfront restaurant. I may have accidentally ordered a whole grilled fish (whoops! Turns out, it's a lot of fish for one person). Finished the night with a stroll along the sand, feeling ridiculously content, despite the slight fish food baby I had.
Day 2: Adventure! (Or, "How I Learned to Love the Scooter of Doom")
- Morning: This is where things get interesting. I’d booked a scooter. Against everyone's advice. Feeling confident, I thought, "How hard could it possibly be?" Famous. Last. Words. The scooter itself was fine, a little rusty, but mechanically sound, or so I was assured. But the roads? They're a wild, wonderful, and occasionally terrifying mix of potholes, livestock, and rogue chickens.
- Brunch: I decided – strategically – to stop at a cafe for brunch and a caffeine boost to steel my nerves. Avocado toast, strong coffee… this was going to be a great day.
- Mid-morning: A trek to a secluded beach (Selong Belanak Beach, it was). The journey was a rollercoaster. I may have swerved to avoid a dog, nearly crashed into a palm tree, and gotten completely lost. But the beach! The turquoise water, the white sand, the sheer beauty of it all… it was worth the near-death experiences. I spent hours there, swimming, sunbathing, and generally feeling like I’d stumbled into paradise.
- Lunch: Another warung adventure! This time, I found a stall hawking Ayam Taliwang (a spicy grilled Lombok chicken dish). My mouth was on fire, but I couldn't stop eating. It was THAT good.
- Afternoon: Back on the scooter (gulp). Another near-miss with a particularly stubborn goat, a couple of wrong turns, and a minor panic attack. But hey, I made it back alive, right?
- Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant with live music. The food was excellent, the music was infectious. Danced, laughed, and tried to forget the goat incident.
Day 3: Waterfalls and Watery Woes
- Morning: Off to Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep waterfalls! The drive there was a bit long, but the views were worth it. The trek to the waterfalls was a bit strenuous, especially in the humidity, but the payoff was incredible. The water was icy cold and so refreshing.
- Lunch: I ate a mountain of Gado-Gado in a cute little restaurant. Feeling revitalized and very full.
- Afternoon: Swimming at Tiu Kelep waterfall. Then it happened - I slipped on a rock and lost my footing, resulting in a VERY hard fall. It knocked the wind out of me for a second. After checking for broken bones and a bruised ego, I continued down.
- Evening: Recovered from the fall with a relaxing massage at the hotel spa, which did wonders for my aching muscles. Followed by a delicious dinner and an early night, eager to embrace a new day.
Day 4: Gili Islands (Finally!)
- Morning: Ferried to the Gili Islands.
- Mid-morning: Snorkeling. Fish! So many colorful fish! I even saw a baby shark!
- Afternoon: Laid on the beach - blissful, simple, perfect.
- Evening: Sunset on the beach, an amazing dinner, and a relaxing evening.
Day 5: Departure (Boo! But Also, Whew!)
- Morning: Last-minute souvenir shopping. Regretted not buying more spice jars, but there was no room in my suitcase.
- Afternoon: Checked out of the hotel with a heavy heart.
- Evening: Arrived at LOP. Flight home.
Final Thoughts: Lombok, You Magnificent Mess
Lombok, you were a whirlwind. You were beautiful, challenging, messy, and utterly unforgettable. You nearly took me out with your scooters (and goats), but you also gave me moments of pure, unadulterated joy. The food was incredible, the people were lovely, and the beaches? Well, they were paradise on earth. I'm already dreaming of my return, even if it means facing the scooter of doom again. 10/10, would absolutely recommend, with a healthy dose of caution and, perhaps, life insurance.
Spice Motel Okinawa: Japan's Hottest Hidden Gem?
Okay, Lombok Astoria... Sounds posh. Is it actually worth the hype?
What's the vibe like? Is it all couples canoodling and whispers?
Tell me about the rooms! Are they as ridiculously luxurious as they look in the photos?
Food, glorious food! Is it as amazing as the rest of the experience?
Okay, spill the tea! What's the one thing you'd change about Lombok Astoria?
What are the must-do activities?
Any travel tips for Lombok in general?
Lombok Astoria - would you go back?
