In a nation that boasts some of the most sublime scenery in the world, the south coast of Lombok surely rates as being up there with the best. So stunning is the scenery in this part of the island that Vice President Kalla requested a photo of the view of Kuta and Mandalika beaches to hang on his wall.
It’s a view that inspires photographers from around the world and draws crowds to bake on the blindingly white sands, swim in the crystal clear oceans and challenge some of the best surf breaks in Indonesia.
Kuta (sometimes spelt Kute), the main tourist resort on the south coast, is an unprepossessing town – nothing like Kuta in Bali. It’s a small haven of hotels, home-stays and backpacker’s hostels that cater mainly to the thousands of surfers from around the world who are drawn to the area every year. Low-key eateries and simple restaurants evoke images of Bali in the 1980’s, which has its own rustic charm for those who are willing to sacrifice luxury to explore the awe-inspiring landscapes of the south.
For those who prefer luxury and awe-inspiring landscapes, there is really only one choice of accommodation – the Novotel Lombok Mandalika Resort. Perched on the white sands of Putri Nyale (Mandalika) Beach, one of the most stunning in a series of breathtaking beaches on the south coast, the Novotel is a sprawling resort that, rather than impacting on the environment, blends with and enhances the landscape.
Designed by American, Bensley, and Thai, Lek Bunnag, the architecture is drawn from the shapes of traditional Sasak constructions; the homes and buildings that existed on the island long before brick and tile came to be used. Soaring roofs made of thatched alang-alang grass slope gracefully low over terracotta and earth textured walls. Natural stones, weathered timbers left in natural shapes, coconut wood, bamboo, limestone, rock and the sparkling white beach sand all work together to give the impression that this resort has risen out of the natural landscape surrounding it.
Under the directorship of manager, Dominique Duvivier, this harmony with the environment has been taken to a higher level, with the resort in the process of gaining Green Globe Qualification this year. “Green Globe” is a global brand that includes programs for sustainability, carbon neutrality and Benchmarking, Certification and Performance Improvement based on the Agenda 21 principles for sustainable development agreed to by 182 Heads of Government at the United Nations Rio Earth Summit of 1992.
Agenda 21 for the Travel and Tourism Industry: Towards Environmentally Sustainable Development, named ten areas in which travel and tourism operations could take action, including waste minimisation, reuse and recycling; energy efficiency, conservation and management; management of freshwater resources; waste water management; hazardous substances; transport; land-use planning and management; involvement of staff, customers and communities in environmental issues; design for sustainability; and partnerships for sustainable development.
With these key directives in mind, the Novotel Lombok has been working towards redefining the resort’s operations to meet the Green Globe standards of environmentally-aware and sustainable practices. Waste management and recycling programmes are in place, including sustainable water use and recycling, environmentally low-impact waste management, replanting of gardens to incorporate plants that use little water and are natural to the environment, and a level of community involvement which, although already good, is now better than ever; have all been implemented in accordance with the Green Globe vision.
All this does not, however, mean that guests are required to endure any hardships. The Novotel offers a high level of comfort and luxury, with all the facilities expected from a world-class resort. There are 52 superior rooms, 25 deluxe rooms and 23 Sasak Villas, including the recently completed Pool Villas which each feature private swimming pools. Air conditioning, mini-bars, satellite television, IDD telephones and internet access are standard in all rooms.
The resort boasts two restaurants: Kafe Chilli, which is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as snacks all day, sits under a high thatched roof on the beachfront and offers informal dining and live entertainment every night. Empat Ikan, the resort’s stylishly designed restaurant, is alongside the elevated swimming pool, with views across the pool to the ocean beyond. Open for dinner only, Empat Ikan specialises in seafood and offers an elegant fine dining experience to guests.
The range of services and activities on offer keep both children and adults entertained, with a different programme of free activities available every day, including aqua aerobics, archery, beach volleyball, diving and snorkelling lessons, and more. Classes in pottery making, weaving, wood carving and Bahasa Indonesia allow guests to learn and experience the local culture, and further strengthen the resort’s Green Globe commitments.
In addition to the daily activities, the Novotel offers fine spa services at the luxurious Vous Spa, two resort swimming pools, water sports, excursions and tours, the Dolfi Kids Club and an interesting shopping arcade, with boutique and art gallery.
While all this is the icing on the cake, the real draw-card of the Novotel is still the amazing location… the beach which curves at both sides, ending in small rounded hills that add counterpoint to the already sublime scenery, and the dazzling white sand flowing into the clear azure waters stretching as far as the eye can see.
