Ayana Komodo

Ayana offers a comfortable and convenient land-based option for exploring the Komodo Islands.

• Its seafront location with gorgeous views of Komodo National Park
• The two large swimming pools, including an adults-only infinity pool
• The Variety of dining options—from a beachfront grill to a Japanese izakaya and an all-day dining international restaurant

Ayana Komodo is a game-changer for luxury travelers looking to visit the Komodo Islands. Before Ayana opened in late 2018, there was no luxury resort on the island of Flores, the gateway to the Komodo Islands. Travelers would either have to charter a schooner (a minimum of four nights) or stay at a budget hotel in the nearby town of Labuan Bajo.

Enter Ayana, which lays claim to being the first and only luxury hotel in Komodo. For anyone constrained by time, budget or just a general dislike for sleeping on boats, Ayana provides a solution. This is especially true for non-divers whose main purpose of visiting the Komodo Islands is to see the storied Komodo dragons and to get a taste of the area’s pristine beaches, with a bit of snorkeling and island-hopping. All of these activities can be accomplished in two to three nights, with the comfort and convenience of staying in a full-service hotel. While it’s not a true five-star property, Ayaya is still very comfortable, with a great location just 15 minutes from Labuan Bajo airport and an hour boat ride to Komodo National Park.

The hotel has six dining outlets offering a good variety of cuisines, ranging from an all-day dining restaurant serving Western, Chinese and Southeast Asian dishes to a Japanese restaurant serving sushi and teppanyaki and a beachfront grill with the day’s fresh catch. For a cocktail, choose from a rooftop bar, the lobby bar or the marina bar, where plush loungers float above the lapping tides. Sunrise and sunset yoga are held on an over-water deck with an expansive view of the bay. Water activities include swimming in the resort’s two pools, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking and snorkeling just off the marina and beach at the resort. There is a spa featuring traditional Indonesian treatments.

Most importantly, the hotel has three large boats that offer regular excursions into the national park. For guests looking for a memorable and truly luxurious experience, book the luxury schooner for an overnight in the Komodo Islands.

Travelers who don’t have the time or budget for a four- to seven-day private schooner, but still want to see the dragons and get a taste of the beautiful islands will appreciate this comfortable property.