Innit Lombok Is a Design-Led Approach to Hospitality

Bali’s neighbour has a new designer destination courtesy of Indonesian studios andramatin and d-associates

East of Bali, across a narrow strait, lies Lombok — the smaller and less densely populated option for lovers of an island vacation and those looking for the next wave to ride. Lombok exists to the east of the Wallace line, a biogeographical boundary that divides Australasia and Asia and separates Lombok from its more famous neighbour, making it quite visually different in parts to what one might expect. Here you’ll find the landscape is dominated by Mount Rinjani — Indonesia’s second-highest volcano — with lush forests in the north and drier coastline in the south.

A hop, skip and a jump from the international airport — by car or including a boat trip, if you prefer — and you’ll arrive at the coast of Awang Bay in the south-east of the island. Here, on a 300-metre stretch of pristine white sand beach, nestled in the dunes and protected on either side by rocky outcrops, lies Innit, a new kind of resort experience. An architecture and design collaboration between two of Indonesia’s most celebrated architecture firms — Andra Matin of andramatin architects and Gregorius Supie Yolodi and Maria Rosantina of Yolodi+Maria Architects (formerly known as d-associates) — the seven identical beachfront villas were inspired by the traditional lumbung homes found across the island.

Designed to blend into their natural surroundings, each of the two-bedroom villas is made entirely of natural local materials, with sustainability and ease of maintenance in mind. Each is sheathed by a facade of narrow vertical timber battens that provide protection from the sun during the day and an element of privacy at night. Oversized windows allow for cross ventilation and access to salty sea breezes, minimising the need for use the air conditioning. The lower of the two levels is entirely open to the elements, with sand from the beach flowing straight through into the living, dining and kitchen areas, giving new meaning to the term barefoot luxury. These open living areas are mere metres from the lapping waves, boasting unobstructed ocean vistas and setting the stage for magical sunsets every evening.
On the opposite side of the private beach is the resort’s lone restaurant, open entirely to the elements, and just steps away from the sand so you won’t ever feel too far from the water. Priding themselves on using locally sourced ingredients — the fresh produce and seafood include locally farmed lobster that adventurous guests can help catch on a twilight boat expedition — the head chef and his team will be more than happy to assemble a barbecue right on the beach for you.

Situated at the centre of the resort, stretched out parallel to the beach is a 35-metre infinity pool. Lined with black tiles (this is a Design Hotel™, after all!) and flanked by umbrellas and oversized bean bags, this is an ideal spot for languorous afternoons. And if unwinding is your main agenda item, Innit also provides the opportunity for a digital detox and mindfulness with massage and spa services available. But if adventure and activity is more your jam, you’ll be pleased to know that the resort has been designed to cater for guests to have multiple experiences in one holiday, not just within the resort but also across the entire island. Activities such as spearfishing, hiking, kayaking, paddle-boarding, surfing and snorkelling should keep your adrenaline levels up.

Further plans for the resort include clifftop villas, a more fully decked-out spa and accommodation that bridges the two hills that frame the property, each option offering its own unique views of the surrounding untamed natural beauty. But our best bet would be to visit now and make the most of the feeling of remoteness and privacy while the location is still a hidden gem.

Text by Suzy Annetta

Images courtesy of Innit Lombok