Finding family accommodation, or places that can accommodate large groups, is not easy – especially on the south coast. Most hotels and even private villas seem to be configured for smaller families of up to four.

So it was a challenge when we set out to find somewhere to stay in South Lombok for a group of 15!

The lovely Sempiak Villas on Selong Belanak Beach need no introduction as one of the premier places to stay on the south coast but few people know about the Sempiak Holiday Houses – which are a separate entity to Sempiak Villas but on the same property.

Sempiak Holiday Houses occupy their own compound toward the road entrance at Sempiak Villas. Set in a lovely garden compound, the small cluster of houses surrounds a separate swimming pool just for the Holiday Houses guests.

Here you will find one three-storey house with four bedrooms (Villa Kemos), a separate house with two bedrooms (Villa Kidung), and two one-bedroom suites (Koru and Kelana).

The four-bedroom, the two-bedroom and one of the suites fitted our needs perfectly – allowing the whole group to stay together while giving everyone plenty of space for sleep and play.

Managed by Sempiak Villas, the Holiday Houses have been built especially for groups and families and are spacious, comfortable and nicely appointed with perfect holiday amenities such as stereos, books and magazines, tea and coffee making facilities, fridges, safes and complimentary drinking water dispensers.

Unlike the stylish private villas, which for safety reasons do not accept children under the age of 12 years, there is no age restriction for guests staying at the Holiday Houses… making them ideal for families.

The secluded location of the houses ensures that noise from families and children has no impact on the exclusivity of the villas on the hill.

The swimming pool area has sun lounges, an outdoor sofa, and bean bags to relax on. There is also an outdoor shower and an elevated lounging platform for views and privacy.

I could easily imagine renting out the whole complex with the four villas for a private party or group event – or even an intimate wedding on a budget. The lovely staff at Sempiak is happy to help arrange any of these.

There is also another separate house (Villa Kemiri) which is located closer to the beach, near the reception and Spa area. This two-bedroom cottage is fully furnished and air conditioned and has a queen sized bed on the mezzanine level and a king sized bedroom on the ground floor… making it perfect for a family of four or two couples sharing.

There is a well equipped kitchen and dining area, a spacious bathroom, and a wide verandah with a comfortable seating area shaded by the surrounding trees. The beach and restaurant is only a minute’s walk away.

All guests at the Holiday Houses enjoy the resort facilities at Sempiak, such as access to the Spa and Camplung Beach Club, and can attend the daily yoga classes and use the laundry services, etc.

As the Holiday Houses are around 5 minutes from the beach, the complimentary buggy is available to transport guests to and from their houses to anywhere in the resort.

Rates for the Holiday Houses are surprisingly reasonable, with the suites starting from just Rp 800,000++ per night. Breakfast is included in the rates and is served in the lovely Laut Biru Bar and Restaurant overlooking the beach.

Guests at the Holiday Houses can spend their time relaxing by the pool, swimming and sun-bathing and then switch it up with time spent on gorgeous Selong Belanak Beach.

The Camplung Beach Club – an area on the beachfront exclusively set up for Sempiak Villas guests – provides shady lounging pavilions (berugaq) and sun lounges for spending a day on the beach, as well as toilet and shower facilities. Order up a drink or snack from Laut Biru Restaurant, just a few steps away, or move over to the beachside tables for lunch or dinner.

Selong Belanak Beach is one of the most scenic beaches on the south coast, with white sands stretching on either side of Sempiak. The small waves are fun for body surfing and younger kids love playing in the shallows and on the sandy shore.

The south part of the beach near the village is lined with beachside shacks selling drinks and local food at cheap prices. Learning to surf is very popular here, as the waves are small and the bottom is sandy, so you will find many places renting out surfboards and offering surfing lessons.

The north end of the beach is long and deserted with beautiful views, making it perfect for leisurely strolls in the early morning or in the evening after dinner.

Sempiak encompasses the ideal beach holiday and, with the stylish hillside Sempiak Villas combined with the casual elegance of the Holiday Houses, offers solutions to any accommodation needs… whether you are a romantic couple seeking luxury and privacy or a group of fifteen adults and children spending fun times together!