The Sira, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Lombok

What stood out most was the friendly service. Alex, the General Manager, welcomed us with a local drink and pearl chocolate, showed us around, and introduced us to the team. Everyone went out of their way to look after us. Our room looked over the pool and ocean, and waking up to that view each morning was the best part. The resort is beautiful and fits naturally into the Lombok landscape. The private beach was spotless, quiet, and felt exclusive. There were plenty of fresh food options too, and everything we ate was delicious. A peaceful escape.

We loved the mix of quiet time and things to do around the resort. There was plenty to keep us busy, and it felt like the right balance of relaxation and adventure for our honeymoon. All three hotel restaurants served incredible food, and the rooms were immaculate. The care from the staff made it feel intimate and personal. Sara, Raihan, Chili, Jeffrey, and so many others were thoughtful, kind, and helpful. It's a stay we'll never forget. Five stars all around, and we can't recommend booking here enough.

The service at The Sira was the highlight for us. Our butler, Willy, noticed my Leica camera and arranged a 30-minute sunset horseback ride the next day. He took photos the whole time and even offered my parents a ride for pictures. I later found out he loves photography too. The butlers and restaurant waiters were just as thoughtful, making guests feel welcome, and the staff's attention to detail was remarkable. The hotel is beautiful and new, with a clean beach that never felt crowded. If I'm remembering right, it has only 50 rooms. Watching the sunset there each day was peaceful, with views of the Gili Islands and even Bali's Mount Agung across the horizon. Breakfast was excellent, and the daily activities included Indonesian arts and crafts, a scent class where we made our own essential oil, and morning walks or cycling. The gym equipment was well kept too, which I appreciated as someone who works out. We have traveled to more than 50 countries and stayed at several luxury properties, including local Aman resorts. The Sira's five-star service was better than most five-star hotels in the country. If you decide to go, I'd suggest booking a Beach Front property and staying at least 2-3 nights. It was worth the money, and the staff made sure we had a memorable stay.

From the moment I arrived, the place felt special. The design blends traditional and modern elements, with marble, wood, koi ponds, water features, and open-air spaces creating a tranquil, almost zen-like feel. The infinity pool above the beachfront was stunning. My third-floor oceanfront suite looked over the pool and beach. Mornings on the generous balcony with freshly brewed coffee were lovely, and in the evenings the sunset shimmered gold on the sea. The suite was spacious and well laid out, with two L-shaped sofas that could seat at least eight, plus a dining table for two. With the balcony table and chairs, there was plenty of room to entertain. The coffee maker used supplied discs and made a strong brew. A pull-out refrigerated drawer held the minibar, and a generous welcome amenity included sweet and savory snacks and a special juice blend. I had breakfast and dinner at the hotel throughout my five-night stay, except for one night on Gili Trawangan. The meals were delicious, aside from one overcooked grilled chicken leg. The beach BBQ buffet was especially good. I tried four wines with dinner. The Spanish Tempranillo I prefer had been damaged by excessive or prolonged heat during storage, unfortunately, but the Pinot Noir, Rosé, and Syrah were good alternatives. The staff were the real highlight. Every person I met, from housekeepers to food and beverage staff to managers, knew me by name or appearance. Buda handled many of my travel and dining arrangements; Renaldo was attentive and connected with me on many levels; Rea looked after my dining needs; Yoga gave great service and a pot of honey from his grandfather's apiary; Jeffrey paid excellent attention to detail at breakfast; Pai was enthusiastic and offered great food recommendations; and Ryan managed food and beverage with skill and dedication. I'm sure I've missed some names, but everyone I met was professional and considerate. I felt like family. Going above and beyond seems rare these days, so it was good to see people still making that effort.