When choosing a place to stay on holidays, hotels generally fall into two categories: the hotel is often just a base from which to explore a destination, whereas other times, the place is a destination in and of itself.

Qunci Villas in Lombok falls into the latter category.

Many people who stay at Qunci Villas say they never end up going anything else. And surely that is the mark of a great hotel… when the facilities, ambience and amenities are so complete there is no need to go elsewhere; all your wants and needs are perfectly met in one location.

Quintessential: adjective. Representing the most perfect or typical example of a quality or class.

And this is probably the key to Qunci’s phenomenal success ever since it opened (Qunci is a play on the word Kunci, which in Bahasa Indonesia means “key”, by the way).

The original Qunci Villas opened in Mangsit in July 2003 and was unique amongst Lombok hotels, offering a truly bespoke boutique hotel experience.

So great was the demand for this stylish type of accommodation, expansion of the hotel began almost immediately, with Qunci Pool Villas opening in 2008.

Then, in 2012, the land between the two hotels was developed, seamlessly uniting them into one beautifully integrated resort perched on over 150 metres of magnificent beachfront.

So what does this resort have that others don’t? The key may be in the minimalist design created by Joost Van Grieken, the renowned Dutch architect residing in Bali; and the Zen harmony of the buildings and the decoration used throughout.

Using natural tones and clean classic lines, and combining woods, stone and flowing landscaping, the resort oozes stylish charm from the moment you enter.

A smooth Teak tree trunk casually parked on the lawn as a garden seat, a slab of slate masquerading as a table top, elegantly twisted frangipani trunks supporting a thatched roof balé, or a huge boulder hollowed out in the centre to create a unique bathtub… the taste is impeccable, creating an ambience that is at once as soothing as it is visually appealing.

The secret may also lie in the location. The beach at Mangsit is a long sweeping curve of white sand bordering clear turquoise water, with a view across the Lombok Strait to the island of Bali floating on the horizon. The sunsets that paint the sky behind the island and silhouette the sacred volcano of Mt Agung are sublime.

Laying on padded lounges, gazing across one of the three infinity swimming pools that perch over the beachfront and taking in this natural splendour in the evening – or watching the waves on the brilliant blue water during the day – is a natural balm for any travel-weary soul.

Discreet waiters hover on the periphery, ready to take care of your every need. Another towel, a happy hour cocktail, a snack, a massage… it’s all on tap; poolside, beachside or in the air-conditioned serenity of your room.

Then again, it could be the rooms themselves that lure travellers into a blissful languor. The understated design, with original artwork on the walls, soft comfortable sheets and towels; day beds and private terraces that provide glimpses out to the ocean. The bathrooms with modern fittings and classic pale stone, open to the sky with huge rain showers, complete the picture of elegant comfort.

The Pool Villas provide still less reason to venture outside, even as far as the pool. Cunningly concealed behind discreet walls and clever plantings, the spacious one and two bedroom villas face onto their own private plunge pools. Sun lounges on wooden decking, draped with towels and pillows, await tired bodies. Room service is only a phone call away.

Unique, indulgent, luxurious but never pretentious… quintessentially Qunci.

If you can drag yourself the few metres required to reach the beachfront restaurants, the effort is rewarded with delicious cuisine prepared with skill and beautifully presented.

Under the leadership of Executive Chef Vittorio Negri, both Quali and Qerang Restaurants are rated amongst the best in Lombok, with an emphasis on freshly prepared fine Italian fare.

Fresh seafood is also featured, with local Indonesian and Asian-fusion specialties rounding out the delicious menu choices.

Enjoy the ambience of the restaurants from the comfort of padded banquettes with discreet lounge music playing in the background, or opt for the candlelit tables on the beachfront with the sound of waves as your music.

For the ultimate in romance, splash out on a romantic dinner for two in a curtain-draped gazebo on the beach, surrounded by flickering candles and scattered Frangipani flowers, while being served a delicious feast by your personal waitperson. Did I mention the ultimate in romance?!

Some hotels are a place to lay your head at the end of a long day of exploring, and some places are an entire destination at the end of a long journey… the quintessential holiday experience.

If the latter is what you are seeking, Qunci may be the key.

https://quncivillas.com/