Courtesy of TA’AKTANA, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Labuan Bajo
Beyond the bustling city of Bali and Indonesia‘s other well-traveled resort towns, a tranquil oasis in the country’s Lesser Sunda Islands is gearing up to welcome travelers.
The Luxury Collection, one of Marriott Bonvoy’s 31 hotel brands, will open a new resort on Flores Island on May 1. Located in the idyllic fishing town of Labuan Bajo, Ta’aktana covers some 16 acres of lush land and is teeming with natural beauty instead of tourists. In fact, the Lesser Sunda archipelago is home to the Komodo National Park and is inhabited by a population of around 5,700 Komodo dragons.
Inspired by web-shaped rice fields called lingko, Ta’aktana features an interconnected network of pathways that lead guests around the grounds. As an ode to the times before electricity, the resort will provide hand-held lanterns to help you explore.
The resort itself comprises 45 suites and 25 villas. (The Sea Villas are the first of their kind in Labuan Bajo, the Luxury Collection says.) There are 12 different accommodations available, from the entry-level Wae Rana Suite to a downright lavish three-bedroom mansion. All of them feature stylish interiors by Balianese firm A&P Interior.
Spanning 742 square feet, the Wae Rana Suite combines smooth wood paneling with stone-gray floors and navy walls. The layout includes either a king-size bed or two doubles, a living room, a luxe bathroom, and a balcony with views of the resort. Interestingly, the top-tier Ta’aktana Suite doesn’t offer more space than the Wae Rana Suite but sits on the top floor and provides unobstructed sea views.
The villas range from a one-bedroom that spans 1,205 square feet to a two-bedroom that covers 1,474 square feet. Each villa pairs a warm palette with wooden furnishings and glitzy gold accents. The one-bedders again include a king-size bed or two doubles, a separate living room, a swanky bathroom, a terrace, and a private pool. The Mansion is the resort’s largest and most luxurious villa, with three beds and three baths in nearly 5,000 square feet. All villas come with 24-hour butler service, naturally.
Beyond the suites and villas, Ta’aktana features an Olympic-sized swimming pool, fitness center, and spa. Umasa, the signature on-site restaurant, serves dishes that reflect local coastal cuisine. The resort also has an onsite coffee roastery, ensuring you get a tasty and eco-friendly cup of joe. Other highlights include a kids’ club and a wedding chapel.
As to be expected, there is much to see outside of Ta’aktana. Notable local attractions include the UNESCO heritage site of Wae Rebo, the Rangko Cave, and the Cunca Wulang waterfall. Who needs Bali?
Ta’aktana is now accepting bookings, with rates starting at $530 per night.