Located in Labuan Bajo, the 70-key Ta’aktana will open on 1 May 2024
Beyond the bustling city of Bali and Indonesia‘s other well-travelled resort towns, a tranquil oasis in the country’s Lesser Sunda Islands is gearing up to welcome travellers.
The Luxury Collection, one of Marriott Bonvoy’s 31 hotel brands, will open a new resort on Flores Island on May 1. Located in the idyllic fishing town of Labuan Bajo, Ta’aktana covers some 16 acres of lush land and is teeming with natural beauty instead of tourists. In fact, the Lesser Sunda archipelago is home to the Komodo National Park and is inhabited by a population of around 5,700 Komodo dragons.
Inspired by web-shaped rice fields called lingko, Ta’aktana features an interconnected network of pathways that lead guests around the grounds. As an ode to the times before electricity, the resort will provide hand-held lanterns to help you explore.
The resort itself comprises 45 suites and 25 villas. (The Sea Villas are the first of their kind in Labuan Bajo, the Luxury Collection says.) There are 12 different accommodations available, from the entry-level Wae Rana Suite to a downright lavish three-bedroom mansion. All of them feature stylish interiors by Balinese firm A&P Interior.
Spanning 69 square metres, the Wae Rana Suite combines smooth wood panelling with stone-grey floors and navy walls. The layout includes either a king-size bed or two doubles, a living room, a luxe bathroom, and a balcony with views of the resort. Interestingly, the top-tier Ta’aktana Suite doesn’t offer more space than the Wae Rana Suite but sits on the top floor and provides unobstructed sea views.
The villas range from a one-bedroom that spans 112 square metres to a two-bedroom that covers 137 square metres. Each villa pairs a warm palette with wooden furnishings and glitzy gold accents. The one-bedders again include a king-size bed or two doubles, a separate living room, a swanky bathroom, a terrace, and a private pool. The Mansion is the resort’s largest and most luxurious villa, with three beds and three baths in nearly 465 square metres. All villas come with 24-hour butler service, naturally.
Beyond the suites and villas, Ta’aktana features an Olympic-sized swimming pool, fitness center, and spa. Umasa, the signature on-site restaurant, serves dishes that reflect local coastal cuisine. The resort also has an onsite coffee roastery, ensuring you get a tasty and eco-friendly cup of joe. Other highlights include a kids’ club and a wedding chapel.
As to be expected, there is much to see outside of Ta’aktana. Notable local attractions include the UNESCO heritage site of Wae Rebo, the Rangko Cave, and the Cunca Wulang waterfall. Who needs Bali?
Ta’aktana is now accepting bookings, with rates starting at US$530 per night.
This story was first published on Robb Report USA
