A Londoner in Lombok… A solo trip to this affordable-luxe hotel was life-affirming

A Londoner in Lombok… A solo trip to this affordable-luxe hotel was life-affirming
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A Londoner in Lombok… A solo trip to this affordable-luxe hotel was life-affirming
Author: Hayley Spencer
Published: Feb, 16 2025 18:00

Summary at a Glance

After a few hours of snorkelling the Gili islands — spotting numerous tortoises, tropical fishes and the famous Gili Meno statue under the sea — I am walking on the beach feeling ecstatic and full of vitamin sea and D, only to feel like a brick has just hit my foot.

So the idea of being alone for 72 hours — in spite of the gorgeous ocean-view villa that awaits me at The Oberoi Beach Resort — is enough to make me panic.

And I do over the next few days, whiling away hours with excursions to Tiu Kelep Waterfall, ordering snacks to my lounger overlooking the beach, eating as many roti wraps as I can handle, and sauntering around the grounds taking endless sunset snaps.

While feeling particularly amorous after a Balinese massage (medium equals pretty firm in case you’re wondering) and a calming foot bath with floating frangipani, I find myself sitting down on a swing at sunset, and with a flower behind my ear I’m compelled to take a selfie.

As I wait on the dock at Padang Bai ferry port in east Bali to board one of the notoriously choppy rides to Lombok, I have a sinking feeling.

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