Pampered in Paradise at Novotel Lombok, Bali

Pampered in Paradise at Novotel Lombok, Bali

The devastating riots on the tiny paradise island of Lombok
had all but chased tourists away. The area has been
extraordinarily quiet. So much so that hoteliers and others
involved in the tourism sector were faced with the grave specter
of closure.

But things have an odd habit of turning completely around
here. Along with a return to calm, visitors are arriving on the
island in even greater numbers. Welcome news for the tourism
industry, and the locals.

One hotel that has felt the brunt of the savage situation is
Novotel Lombok. Built on the southern shore of the island, on the
white sands of the well-known Kuta-Putri Nyale beach, Novotel
Lombok is a mere 20-minute flight from neighboring Bali. The
hotel is located in the heart of traditional Sasak land and is
the first of its kind in the Mandalika resort complex, a 1,250-
hectare project being developed by the Lombok Tourism Development
Corporation.

Novotel Lombok is part of Accor Asia Pacific, the largest and
fastest-growing hotel group in the region. The concern currently
has 141 hotels with 25,231 rooms in 16 countries: Australia, New
Zealand, New Caledonia, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan,
Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore,
Thailand and Vietnam.

Novotel Lombok's larger sister on Bali, the Novotel Coralia
Benoa Bali, is flanked by up-market Nusa Dua and Benoa harbor.
The resort captures a unique village atmosphere in a tropical
garden setting, which includes three pools, two restaurants and
three bars. All individual rooms either have their own private
balcony or garden. And, as you would expect on the Island of the
Gods, there's an extensive activity and sightseeing program.

As at Novotel Coralia Resort, the hotel on Lombok provides
different facilities and activities to ensure that guests
experience that authentic resort experience. Novotel Lombok, says
the hotel, is also a place to actively discover the real Lombok
while enjoying the luxury of the facilities.

Thai architect Lek Bunnag designed the Lombok buildings and
interiors of the Lombok resort, which reflect the local Sasak
surroundings. Thatched roofs on all the buildings, constructed
almost entirely of natural materials, such as coconut wood and
rattan, veil the four-star resort in a village atmosphere.

The current trend to maintain the inner-self, as well as the
outer, is upheld at this resort. The Novotel Fitness Center and
Spa provides modern sporting and exercise facilities with a view
of its lagoon. The spa offers various traditional Indonesian body
treatments, such as body scrubs and massages, aromatherapy,
facials, pedicures and manicures and hair braiding.

Water sports are a popular attraction on any island resort,
and Novotel Lombok is no exception. A free scuba diving
demonstration is available to guests, with the hotel's diving
instructor or dive master. If windsurfing, kayaking or fishing is
more your thing, Novotel Lombok is where it's at. Beach
volleyball and archery, among other things, compliment the
hotel's program of activities. The resort also boasts three
uniquely designed swimming pools, whether for lazy days in the
sun or in secluded and shaded environs.

For the adventurous, Novotel Lombok offers what it says is a
4-wheel-drive challenge that's not to be missed. The trip takes
you into the heart of the island, where guests can discover the
untouched beauty of Lombok and see the life of the Sasak people.

Planning a corporate meeting? Don't miss out on Novotel
Lombok's meeting and banquet facilities. A 140-square-meter
meeting room can be divided into three breakout rooms, all of
which have a separate entrance and foyer.

Children can be difficult on vacation and hold you back from
various excursions and activities. Management at the resort is
well aware of this and provide a club for kids, Dolfi, for 5 to
12 year olds. The club has various activities to keep the little
ones entertained, both inside and outside the hotel. For nights
out, a baby-sitting service is available through the club and
there is a junior club for toddlers under five.

If it is nightlife you are after, don't forget to check out
the Papaya Bar's happy hour, which runs from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. and
again from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m., all the while lying back under the
stars with a gentle sea breeze cooling you down as you enjoy the
live musical entertainment.

There is no better way to get away from it all than a break in
paradise with Novotel. For more on these resorts, visit
www.novotel-lombok.com and www.novotelbali.com.