is this the most stunning dome hotel in the world?
You might have been told that Lombok is the new Bali. Prepare for it to be even better. Just a few hours on a fast ferry, you will reach the closest port to Makalele Domes, on this undisturbed corner of Lombok which looks over to the Gili islands. From the ferry you see white futuristic domes emerge on the high jungle hillside and you will be thrilled that this is where you’re staying.
Makalele Domes look like something from Salvador Dali’s wildest imagination, and the cave like structures suit the scenery of azure waters and jungle-clad hills like it was meant to be.
The comparisons to Santorini are warranted - the volcanic terrain as well as the white washed curves and technicolour sunsets do make you think you’re in the Greek Islands, But this is better, for you are ensconced in nature. The location feels truly wild and there are hardly any tourists.
ambience
A short ten minute drive from the ferry, and you have arrived in paradise. The first thing you notice is the purple bougainvillea and jungle vines that seem to emerge out of the man-made structures. The design and architecture has been sensitive to the landscape. There’s a clover shaped infinity pool with table and seats in the water, so you can immediately jump in the pool and have your welcome drink in the pool.
ROOM
There are three types of room - the dome suite, the family room, as well as the new Cave Pool Dome Villa suite with it’s own pool access from your bedroom. Each suite has an upper level with balcony and it makes for an inspiring vista. There are nooks for sitting and reading in the rooms and in the property itself. It is the ultimate destination for reflection and restoration.
We check in to the new Cave Pool Dome suite, and the space is inspiring. Inside, the curves continue, with a round bed, curled staircase, crescent day bed and labyrinthine bathroom. The pool comes right to the bedroom door. You can slide out of your bed, take one step, and dive into the infinity edged private pool. There is a white shelter for shade over one section of the pool, as well as built in table and benches so you don’t have to leave the water in order to eat and drink. The staff will hppily bring down room service items from the menu so you can spend all day in this cocooned sanctuary.
TRANSFORMATIVE FACTOR: 5/5
It is clear you are staying at a property that is an homage to creativity, nature and passion. This trickles through to the guests. I dare you to stay here and feel uninspired. It just wouldn’t happen. Environment can dictate our outlook and these dome villas are testament to space triggering blue sky thinking. You will want to wake up at sunrise each day and meditate, do yoga or journal. You will want to dream big and spend the day absorbing nature and life’s infinite possibilities. You will leave here feeling transformed and rejuvenated.
