We’ve found the best resort on Nusa Lembongan – a beautiful little island only 30 minutes by speedboat from Bali, known for its gorgeous beaches, great snorkelling and easy living. The Tamarind Resort offers boutique five-star accommodation, with its fabulous Indica restaurant serving the nicest food we found on the island, plus a fitness centre and three swimming pools. It also has an impressive commitment to the environment and a ban on single use plastics. Amazing huh?
The resort is footsteps from the beach and cliff-side restaurants and bars, and its elevated outlook gives wonderful views over the island and the ocean. Surrounded by its swimming pools and fountains, gardens and ferns hanging down over waterfalls and the beautiful 300-year old Tamarind tree – that inspired the resorts name – you just have no choice but to relax. It’s such a lovely place to stay while in Lembongan, not in the least because you get to experience Chef Made’s breakfasts every day.
We loved our stay here – the attention to detail and personal touch with daily weather reports left in our room and little sweets each evening was so nice! We also love how the resort minimises its use of plastics with non-plastic straws and refillable toiletries in the bathroom. We need to support the hotels and resorts that make that extra effort to care for the environment.
The resorts’ 12 suites are doubles and twin with courtyard balcony, and its three bedroom villas are perfect for a family retreat with everything at your fingertips.
Here’s what we loved the most:
Indica restaurant
Hands down Indica’s Chef Made and team serves the best food on the island, and they are so friendly and sweet as well. The restaurant boasts fabulous views, is a few metres away from one of the resort pools should you wish to have a dip or if you bring the kids along for lunch and they want to splash about. Try the breakfast burritos – or anything on the menu to be honest – and you will love every bite. The restaurant also makes fabulous coffee and even my embarrassing soy mocha was spot on. I can’t rave enough about the food here.
Indica is open to everyone so even if you’re not staying at the Tamarind please go and have a meal here – it’s the best.
The rooms
Super comfy beds, private courtyards with sea views, no single use plastics and a fancy pants bathroom with awesome shower. What more could we want from a room? They’re are also super quiet and we loved our night time weather report and daily treat left for us to discover on our return from adventuring around the island. The water temperature and pressure in the bathroom is perfect and the aircon always works a treat to cool down the room quickly especially on those super hot island days.
Swimming pools
Lembongan can get super hot and so it’s important to have a pool so close by – and at the Tamarind Resort you have three to choose from. There’s a shallow kids pool, a pool alongside Indica restaurant (daytime snacking encouraged) and a rooftop swimming pool with views all the way over the water to Mount Agung. The water is cool and complementary sun screen and fresh pool towels are provided.
Staff and more
The staff here are so super nice and sweet, we were so well looked after and felt very special staying here at the Tamarind.
If you’re into your fitness and need the gym then you’ll love the fitness centre, and you can also use the centre as an outside guest. The resort also has its own spa.
Location
Tamarind Resort is literally footsteps from the fabulous cliffside and waterfront restaurants and only moments to the beach. Wander along the waters edge and you’ll find hotels and day clubs along the beach where you can stop for a swim and a beer. In the evening wander into town for live bands, a variety of restaurants and that wonderful backpacker traveller feeling.
To book or for more information about Nusa Lembongan make sure to check out the Lembongan Traveller.