The Oberoi, Lombok is the quiet luxury choice on an island most travelers still pass on their way to Bali or the Gilis. It sits on Medana Bay on Lombok's northwest coast, in terraced tropical gardens that run down to a calm beach, with the three Gili Islands lying on the horizon about 15 minutes away by boat.
Accommodation comes in two styles. Pavilions are thatched, spacious rooms with ocean, pool or garden views. Villas are larger and more private and three of the villa types come with their own pools. For a honeymoon, an ocean-view pool villa is the one to book.
The resort runs at an unhurried pace. Meals move between the Sunbird Cafe, the Lumbung Restaurant and dinners under the stars at The Amphitheatre and the Oberoi Spa has open-air, thatched treatment rooms for couples set in private walled gardens. It suits couples who want privacy, Oberoi service and an easy hop to the Gilis for snorkeling. Couples who want surf, nightlife or the south coast beaches near Kuta should stay farther south instead.
Highlights at a glance
- Quiet Medana Bay facing the Gili Islands
- Villas with private pools
- Open-air spa suites in walled gardens
- Gilis about 15 minutes by boat
- Dinners under the stars at The Amphitheatre
Why Couples Love The Oberoi, Lombok
Peace is what guests mention first. Medana Bay is far from the busy parts of Lombok and the resort feels like it has the coast almost to itself. Mornings are still and the bay is usually calm for swimming.
The view helps. The Gili Islands sit across the water and at sunset the sky behind them turns pink and orange. On clear days, Bali's Mount Agung can sometimes be seen to the west.
Service is the Oberoi signature: discreet, warm and attentive. Staff remember preferences and help plan trips to the Gilis, waterfalls or local villages. Couples often say it felt like a private retreat rather than a hotel.
Pavilions and Villas to Book
There are two families of accommodation.
- Pavilions come in ocean-view, pool-view and garden-view versions. They are thatched and spacious, with outdoor space and garden or sea outlooks, but no private pools.
- Villas are larger and more private. Three of the five villa types include a private pool: the two-bedroom ocean-view villa, the ocean-view villa and the garden-view villa.
For a honeymoon, an ocean-view villa with a private pool is the top choice. You get privacy, a pool and the view of the Gilis from your own terrace. A garden-view pool villa is a good value alternative. If you book a pavilion, choose an ocean view for the sunsets.
Food, Drink and the Spa
The Sunbird Cafe is the casual spot for lunch and drinks by the pool. The Lumbung Restaurant, named for the traditional Lombok rice barn, serves dinner with Indonesian and international dishes. The Amphitheatre hosts dinners under the stars and Tokek Bar is the place for a sunset drink.
Ask the resort to arrange a private dinner on the beach for one special evening. Try Lombok's own dishes, such as ayam taliwang, a spicy grilled chicken and plecing kangkung, water spinach with chili sauce.
The Oberoi Spa is a highlight, with open-air, thatched treatment rooms for couples set in private walled gardens. A long massage there in the late afternoon is one of the best ways to spend a day.
Why guests fall for it
Things to Do
The Gili Islands are about 15 minutes away by boat. Spend a day snorkeling with turtles off Gili Air, Gili Meno or Gili Trawangan, then return to the quiet of Medana Bay. The resort can arrange private boats.
On Lombok, hike to the Tiu Kelep and Sendang Gile waterfalls near Senaru, on the slopes of Mount Rinjani, about an hour and a half away. Fit couples can trek to the Rinjani crater rim with a guide.
Other ideas: visit a traditional Sasak village, learn about local weaving, take a cooking class or simply relax on the beach. The south coast beaches near Kuta Lombok, such as Selong Belanak and Tanjung Aan, are a long day trip.
Getting There
Lombok International Airport (LOP) is about 66 km away, roughly 1 hour 45 minutes by car. The resort can arrange private transfers. Lombok has flights from Bali, Jakarta and other Indonesian cities and some international connections.
From Bali, you can also take a fast boat to Lombok or the Gilis; the resort can arrange a boat pickup from the Gilis. Sea crossings can be rough, so check the forecast and choose a reputable operator.
Many couples combine a few nights in Bali with three or four nights here. The Oberoi's location close to the Gilis makes it easy to add island days without staying in their busier hotels.
Is It Worth It?
For quiet luxury at a fair price, yes. The Oberoi, Lombok costs far less than comparable resorts in Bali or the Maldives and the pool villas, spa and service make it a strong honeymoon choice.
It is remote. Restaurants and shops outside the resort are limited, so you will eat most meals there and the drive from the airport is long. Couples who want surf breaks, cafés and nightlife will find more around Kuta Lombok in the south.
Three or four nights is ideal, with one day out to the Gilis and one to the waterfalls. The resort welcomes families, but its quiet setting rarely feels busy.
Good to Know
The dry season, roughly May to September, is the best time to visit. The wet season brings heavy afternoon rain but lush landscapes.
Mosquitoes are present and dengue occurs in Indonesia; use repellent, especially at dusk. If you're pregnant or hoping to be soon, check CDC travel health notices.
Lombok is mostly Muslim, so dress modestly for both of you away from the resort, with shoulders and knees covered in villages. Currents can be strong off some beaches; swim where the resort advises. Bring your passport for check-in.
Insider tips
- Book an ocean-view pool villa for the best view and privacy.
- Take a private boat to the Gilis for snorkeling with turtles.
- Ask for a private dinner on the beach one night.
- Visit between May and September for the driest weather.
