The Novotel Lombok Resort is (at present) the largest resort on the south coast of Lombok. That may change, with several large resorts planned for development over the next couple of years, but for now, the Novotel offers the greatest range of accommodation options in the south.

With a total of 102 rooms available, the 4-star Novotel has accommodation for all tastes and budgets. Most travellers will be very comfortable in any of the 77 superior and deluxe rooms and suites at the resort.

But for those looking for a little more luxury and privacy, the private villas are the stars of the show!

The Novotel offers 10 traditional Private Sasak Villas, 5 Garden Pool Villas and 10 exclusive Private Pool Villas in 1 or 2 bedroom configurations.

Reflecting the original Sasak architecture featured throughout the resort and enhanced by the unique landscape, the villas were built using natural materials such as coconut wood, rattan, clay and terrazzo.

Most have huge wooden four-poster beds with mosquito curtains, wooden floors, luxurious bathrooms, satellite television, air conditioning, in-room safes, tea and coffee making facilities and more. Each villa has a private garden terrace and some have private swimming pools.

The quirky Sasak Villas are the entry-level villas at the resort and each are located within their own walled gardens.

The Sasak Villas blend traditional architecture with modern decor and facilities. Interiors are spacious and comfortable with large luxurious bedrooms and modern bathrooms.

A unique feature of these villas is the outdoor dining gazebo set in the garden, providing a peaceful and private space for meals when you don’t feel like leaving your villa.

The Garden Pool Villas are the original villas at the resort and are set within a walled garden with a spacious shared lagoon pool that meanders around each villa.

Each of the five Garden Pool Villas is uniquely designed with quirky Sasak architecture and tasteful decorations, and all are spacious with modern amenities.

Private terraces with sun lounges provide relaxing spaces with steps leading directly into the lagoon pool, which is decorated with statues and water features and has interesting niches for privacy.

The 10 Private Pool Villas are divided between the older villas located on the quiet east side of the resort and the newer premium villas that overlook the beachfront.

Our personal favourite are the older Garden View Private Pool Villas, which offer true privacy and tranquility, being tucked away on the eastern edge of the resort.

Each is set in its own landscaped garden with the private swimming pool being the highlight. There are sun lounges in the gardens and a gazebo for dining and relaxing in the shade.

The rooms are spacious and luxurious, combining wood and stone architecture and all modern conveniences. The bathrooms are huge and most feature large bathtubs. Outside is a shady terrace with comfortable seating – perfect for relaxing poolside in the evenings.

However, many people will opt for the Ocean View Private Pool Villas with their superb views of the beach and the sparkling ocean only steps away from the villa.

Like all the villas, the Ocean View Private Pool Villas are designed for comfortable living in the tropics with plenty of space (especially the 2-bedroom villas, which suit families).

Outside, the private pool sits in the centre of the lawn area with a spacious gazebo nearby for dining, reading and playing games.

The villa grounds open directly onto the sandy beachfront and allow guests to roam freely between their private pool and the beach.

Villa guests, of course, have access to the full range of facilities at the Novotel, which include three pools, a gym, a day spa, kids’ club, kids play area, water sports and dive centre, and resort shop.

Restaurants and bars are located beach-side to enjoy the idyllic views and the ocean breezes in the evenings.

Breeze Bar, with its cool wooden deck overlooking the beachfront, serves cold drinks, beers, and cocktails all day with happy hours every afternoon. The menu also includes freshly brewed coffees and light snacks.

Guests can dine at romantic private tables on the beachfront at night or enjoy breakfast, lunch and themed dinners at the open-air Spice Market Restaurant, which also offers free entertainment every night.

Cool Family Bar, just behind the main resort swimming pool, is especially for kids and has many free activities, such as darts, snooker, a soccer table, big table chess, Nintendo Wii as well as box office movies showing every night for families.

The Family Bar serves a good selection of food and beverages, as well as cotton candy, ice cream and pop corn to keep the little ones happy!

In Balance Spa at the resort offers a range of services to rejuvenate, relax, restore and revitalize body, mind and soul.

The Spa offers a combination of massages and specialist beauty treatments to soothe away stress in either the peaceful spa rooms or at the special balé on the beachfront.

In addition, the resort offers a full schedule of activities throughout the day ranging from free tours to nearby beaches to deluxe breakfasts on a hill overlooking the beach.

Of course, if you’re staying in a villa, you’re just as likely to spend the day reading a good book and drinking cocktails beside your private pool!