TA’AKTANA, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Labuan Bajo

The spa was relaxing and serene, and the food across the resort was excellent, with lovely flavors, quality ingredients, and beautiful presentation. Service from the restaurants to housekeeping was consistently strong. Our butler Azzam was thoughtful, responsive, and proactive, while the butlers coordinator kept things running smoothly. Giannie at the front desk was professional and kind, making check-in and our other interactions pleasant. TA’AKTANA's design is modern but fits the natural surroundings of Labuan Bajo, and the ocean views are stunning. From arrival onward, the service felt warm and attentive. It made for a luxurious stay in a beautiful part of Indonesia, and we can't wait to come back.

I'm still here and already thinking about returning. The small details really stood out, from the decor and food presentation to the flavors and the way staff treated us. They seemed able to make decisions and personalize things, rather than just follow SOPs. Rambu was especially responsive and made sure we had what we needed. Dinner at Umasa was memorable. Ardi looked after us, and the fresh, aromatic dishes were fantastic, refined without losing the character of Indonesian cuisine. Breakfast was excellent too. I also enjoyed learning about Flores coffee with Valerian and trying some latte art. Their house blend surprised me. I'm usually not keen on robusta-heavy beans, but this one may have changed my mind. Yohanes from the fitness center led my wife and me through a couple of challenging training sessions, in the best way. The gym equipment was impressive. This place feels worth the splurge.

Desy, our butler, made our 10th anniversary trip feel special and even prepared a sweet card for us. At the restaurant, the manager greeted us warmly and chatted with us, while the staff remembered our names. The food was consistently excellent. We loved the range of activities, from hiking and snorkeling to sunset drinks, and the facilities were great. I also appreciated the gym sessions with personal trainer Gilbert and the many drinks included with the room. The view was breathtaking, and it was convenient to get around Labuan Bajo. The hospitality and attention to detail made this a memorable stay and worth the price.

The beach was very dirty and not good for swimming, and the overwater villas felt overrated, without much authenticity or privacy. I also would have liked a more private toilet. On the plus side, the rooms were excellent, amenities fairly comprehensive, Marriott Elite status was well recognized, and the personal butler service was consistent and good. There are three restaurants. Food was average overall, and service was inconsistent, even at the Japanese restaurant, which is meant to be a highlight. Hotel services are extremely overpriced: an airport transfer was 600K compared with 80K for an independent taxi, and the spa was two to three times outside prices. Still, it was a very good experience for a couple of days.