Lombok, which in Bahasa Indonesia means chilli, is a quiet yet attractive holiday destination, compared to its more vibrant and well-known neighbour, Bali. Despite the media hype of Lombok being the “new Bali”, the locals look upon the island as uniquely different, and has an allure of its own.
Sheraton Senggigi Beach Resort, which was established 20 years ago as an idyllic beachfront location west of Lombok, captures that allure. The hotel is right smack on Senggigi Beach, and all rooms face the sea. It’s about an hour away from the Lombok International Airport, and the drive to the hotel is a scenic one – tiny, Dutch-influenced rumah desa dot the sides of the roads while sweeping green landscapes of padi fields and hills invite the visitor to breathe in the sights. Lombok, at least for this writer, is calming.