I escaped Bali to stay at Sempiak Seaside Resort in Lombok – a boutique hotel with direct beach access, hillside villas, and a strong sustainability ethos.
There’s something so raw and special about Lombok – AKA Bali’s neighbouring, quieter island to the east. Maybe it’s the untouched beaches, the rolling hills, or the slow rhythm of island life. I won’t lie, I’ve island-hopped here on multiple occasions to escape Bali’s infamous bustle. And one of my favourite places to find tranquillity is at Sempiak Seaside Resort on the picture-perfect shores of Selong Belanak Beach.
What I love most about Sempiak Seaside Resort is that you get the best of both worlds: epic views from the hillside, and direct access to the beach. It also feels truly authentic, and you can tell that it’s deeply rooted in the local community.
Here’s what I got up to on my most recent stay at Sempiak Seaside Resort. Spoiler alert: I didn’t want to leave!
Authentic, cultural villas in a prime location
Sempiak Seaside Resort is perched high up on a hillside overlooking Selong Belanak Beach. The resort follows the natural landscapes down to the bright white sands, complete with direct beach access. And what a treat that is. It’s one of the most pristine beaches in all of Lombok. It’s incredibly long and vast, with the softest sand and beginner-friendly waves for surfing.
To top it off, Selong Belanak Beach is still blissfully untouched by mass tourism. You won’t find any pumping beach clubs or booming restaurants – just a string of local warungs and sunbeds against a tropical backdrop. And yes, all of this natural beauty was mere footsteps from my hillside villa.
I stayed in one of the resort’s Scenic Villas – Villa Kenanga – and it was honestly hard to leave. It was a wooden cabin-style villa with a cosy bedroom. My favourite nook? The sunlit patio where I soaked in the ocean views each morning. It felt rustic yet refined – an authentic taste of Lombok life, mixed with a boutique stay experience.
After roaming around the resort, I also found the octagon-shaped Villa Kokoh (it’s perfect for couples) with an open-plan living space, kitchen and a lovely veranda. Or, if you’re a family travelling with teens, there’s Villa Kesambi with two breathtaking bedrooms, and its own private pool.
All the perks of a full-service resort
If I’m being completely honest, I was initially drawn to Sempiak Seaside Resort for its direct access to Selong Belanak Beach (though I soon realised there are so many more reasons to love it!). I don’t know of any other hillside hotels that also have the beach just footsteps away. So naturally, whenever I dragged myself away from my villa, I hit the seaside.
Selong Belanak is one of the prettiest beaches in Indonesia. It’s ideal for beginner surfers and long walks at low tide. But that wasn’t all I found on my little stroll. Sempiak Seaside has a guest-only beach club, where I spent a lazy afternoon on a bean bag with a cocktail in hand. It’s not like other each clubs though – this one is mellow and chilled out, perfect for all-day lounging.
It sits right next to their signature dining spot, Laut Biru Bar & Restaurant, which also sits right on the beach, shaded by towering trees. This restaurant is open to both in-house and non-staying guests, and it’s so good, people drive all the way from Kuta to eat here. I tried their grilled snapper with coconut rice and sambal matah, and yes, it was as good as the ocean views.
A stay here wouldn’t be complete without a spa sesh, so I got the most soothing massage at the on-site spa (bliss!). It’s just footsteps from the resort’s own art gallery, and a boutique stocked with locally made crafts. There really is everything you need here, without ever needing to leave the resort.
Sustainability and community connection
One of the most impressive things about Sempiak Seaside Resort is its genuine commitment to sustainability and the local community. For starters, the resort is locally owned and managed, and many of the staff come from nearby villages. The materials used throughout the resort are also sourced regionally, with traditional crafts and cultural elements thoughtfully integrated into the design. Think local textiles, carvings, and locally grown ingredients in every dish. They even take part in energy efficiency, waste reduction, and reforestation efforts.
If you’re looking for a peaceful beach getaway that’s rich in culture, natural beauty and heartfelt hospitality, Sempiak Seaside Resort in Lombok really should be at the top of your list. It offers all the charm of a boutique stay, with ocean views from the hillside, direct access to Selong Belanak Beach, and a strong commitment to sustainable practices. I can’t get enough!
Where: Selong Belanak, Lombok
WhatsApp: +62 821 4430 3337