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.