The editor of Indonesia Expat recently had the chance to spend four days and three nights at The Sira, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Lombok. This is his review of the resort.
Picture this. A warm ray of sunlight breaks through the curtained window. The sound of soothing waves, not the morning alarm, awakens all senses from the profound slumber. Soft linens and cushy pillows make the bed too inviting to leave. Once the door of the suite’s balcony opens wide, the aquamarine seas become an immediate scenery that revives the bleary eyes, into which the presence of slow-moving yachts and ferries breathes more life as well as fervour. The sky’s pristine tint nearly matches the ocean surface underneath, turning the soft horizon separating the two into nothing but a dreamy blue thread.
The above exposition is not a product of imagination, though; it was a moment of daybreak that I actually had during my stay at The Sira, a Luxury Collection Resort and Spa, Lombok (or, simply, The Sira). During my four-day stay at this property, best known as Marriott’s only luxury beachfront resort in Lombok and one of Tatler Asia‘s 20 Best Indonesian Hotels in 2026, I was determined to find out whether The Sira truly embodies the majestic magic of the so-called “The Raw Pearl of Lombok”.
What I experienced at The Sira, delightfully so, was more than what I had expected. Calling The Sira a tropical getaway would be an understatement; it was a tropical haven to reconnect with oneself as well as the natural wonders.
The first impression
Staying at a certain resort for the very first time, regardless of the glowing reviews by past guests, can be understandably nerve-wracking—even for an experienced travel writer such as myself. Adding to that, this was my first time visiting Lombok Island altogether, which means that my inaugural staycation at The Sira would shape not only my first impression of this resort but also my first impression of the whole island.
As far as first impressions go, however, The Sira more than delivers.
A chauffeur from The Sira readily stood by to welcome me as soon as I landed at the Lombok International Airport on a sunny Thursday afternoon. The resort, which is located in the northern region of Lombok Island, might appear remote on Google Maps. In reality, and to my surprise, Lombok Island is clear of the kind of livid traffic congestion that has made Jakarta so infamously legendary—so much so that, in Lombok, a 20-kilometre distance can be met in a smooth half an hour.
The chauffeur then suggested we take a few stops down the road so that I could witness the natural beauties of Lombok Island before we arrived at the resort—which we did. This island has remarkably reached that profound tipping point: a virgin oasis poised to transform into the next level. With the right development in the right direction, Lombok Island can be as iconic as Mustique or the Maldives.
Once I arrived at The Sira, I was welcomed by the resort staff with a smile and a fascinating ‘ritual’: I was served a beach-like tray consisting of locally sourced chocolates designed akin to Lombok pearls and a cup of tuak manis, which is a traditional drink of the island’s Sasak tribe in the form of palm sap from the sugar palm or coconut tree. The welcoming ritual was sweet and reviving—for my palate as well as my urban-weary soul. I immediately knew that The Sira would take good care of me as well as my fellow guests.
Relaxation meets conservation
As I have witnessed first-hand, The Sira stands out among other holiday properties by leaning into natural authenticity devoid of conceited artificiality.
For the suites complex, The Sira does not stand taller than its fifth floor, enabling sunshine to encapsulate not only the resort premises but also their natural surroundings. The Presidential Suite, in particular, offers a view of nearly the entire vista of the breathtaking Lombok Strait. Meanwhile, the villa complex is situated on the slightly lower plains, next to the suites complex. Each villa features a private swimming pool, with the larger one more than suitable to host an intimate beach wedding as well as reception.
Plants and trees native to the island, including a towering banyan, decorate nearly every corner of The Sira, reflecting the resort’s pride in its connection to this historically significant island. Earthy tones extend into the interiors of the suites and villas, featuring natural lighting, woodcraft designs, and agreeable air humidity. Even when the sun is at its peak position, guests and travellers who are not necessarily accustomed to Indonesia’s tropical climate should have no qualms about enjoying this resort to the fullest.
All the photos on Google Images and social media may have already showcased the snap-worthy Sire Beach (Pantai Sire), on which The Sira exists gracefully. That being said, this white-sandy coast is actually more enchanting and radiant when witnessed with the naked eye. Even though the Sire Beach is not a private area, the staff at The Sira can be seen diligently cleaning up the coast every morning. The resort has also left the coast as virgin as it could be—no man-made shoreline or beach cabana in sight—resulting in the preserved natural beauty of its white sands, small coral reefs, and seawater texture.
On top of that, the seawaves’ slow oscillations would be ideal for a relaxing dip with family or loved ones.
The Sira’s devotion to nature goes beyond mindful development and coastal sanitation. By donating no more than Rp150,000 per room, guests can participate in releasing newly hatched sea turtles to the seas at the Sire Beach—an inspiring activity that I have participated in as well. (I named my baby turtle Felix. And I hope he enjoys an incredible life travelling across different seas and oceans.) This initiative has been consistently conducted in partnership with the Nipah Beach Turtle Conservation Centre, with the submitted guests’ donations going directly towards the local turtle hatchery and marine conservation programmes.
In my humble opinion, this turtle-release experience is already enough reason to make your bookings this summer at The Sira. It was an unforgettable consequence that even managed to remind my jaded mind what matters the most in life: to be a guardian for Earth’s fellow creations, and a protector for a better world.
Happy tummy, happy times
Fortunately, and this part is particularly addressed to those who are not big fans of hoity-toity meals, The Sira knows exactly what modern and sophisticated guests are genuinely looking for on their plates: delicious and hearty culinary delights that proudly exemplify cultural pride.
During my stay, I have seen and experienced how the resort’s restaurants—Sija, Medsa, and The Island’s Table—managed to cater to and meet the expectations of the very diverse epicurean preferences. For instance, the grilled squid at the resort’s barbecue experience, endearingly named “Bakar by the Bay”, was appetisingly aromatic, lusciously yummy, and still seductively haunts my hungry tummy to this day.
All dishes considered, however, it was the locally traditional ones that shone the brightest during my stay at The Sira. Ikan Tuna Gohu, a Sulawesi-style freshly marinated yellow fin tuna, made for an invigorating appetiser perfect for a summery supper. Bebek Bumbu Hitam, a Maduranese-style, braised-and-deep-fried crispy duck, was incredibly juicy and exactly what the belly needed after a long journey from Jakarta to Lombok. Also, a diverse range of sambal options was ready upon request—from sambal matah to my personal favourite, the iconic sambal terasi.
Meanwhile, for those who prefer meals that are more generally Asian, I have several personal recommendations poised not to disappoint. Yam Neua, charred Angus beef with cucumber, cherry tomato, mint, cilantro, chilli, roasted cashew nuts, and fresh herbs, is the ideal salad for epicureans looking to watch their calorie intake. Refined Butter Chicken is the resort’s mouth-watering interpretation of the classic Indian dish, consisting of juicy chicken meat, fragrant tomato gravy, universally beloved butter, cream, fenugreek, the iconic garam masala, and parotta—a main course that promises pleasure without the guilty part.
In conclusion…
The Sira, simply put, truly embodies “The Raw Pearl of Lombok“. This resort celebrates and elevates the island’s untouched beauty, and it brings along its esteemed guests on its jubilation. All elements manage to live together in harmony, proving that true glamour is born out of respect, unity, and balance. And if you are lucky, after a brief warm shower of rain on the beach, you may encounter the biggest rainbow that you have ever seen.
An old proverb says that no two pearls are ever exactly alike. Well, The Sira is, genuinely and unquestionably, one of a kind.
To find out more about The Sira, visit its Instagram account @thesiralombok
All images are courtesy of Felix Martua.