The all-new AYANA Komodo Resort on the Indonesian island of Flores is the perfect family holiday destination, with a dash of adventure added for good measure, discovers Aindrila Mitra.
NO, IT ISN’T MYTHICAL. THE ‘LAND CROCODILE’ EXISTS. The Komodo dragon, also known as the Komodo monitor, is the largest living species of lizard. Worthy of the title ‘dragon,’ the lizard is found in the Indonesian island belt. With only 5,000 individuals left in the wild, it’s a species that desperately needs conservation measures to avoid extinction. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991, the Komodo National Park here comprises the islands of Rinca, Komodo, and Padar.
I was counting down the days to this sojourn. If you’re a beach baby, then an island destination is inevitably your favourite kind of holiday. And Bali was a no-brainer. The expanse of greenery and the immaculate luxury that RIMBA Jimbaran BALI by AYANA offered was hard to get past. But it had to be put to rest. For the one ingredient that always stokes me is curiosity. And this time, it was the search for Komodo dragons. I took an hour-long flight from Denpasar, Bali to Labuan Bajo in east Indonesia. This trip was all about experiencing nature at its intimate and pristine best in a luxurious setting, thanks to the launch of a brandnew five-star property (the only one on the island), AYANA Komodo Resort, Waecicu Beach.
This story is from the November 2018 edition of Travel+Leisure India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the November 2018 edition of Travel+Leisure India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Travel, Leisure, And Everything In Between
Shibani and Farhan Akhtar share their travel dynamics, love for luxury, and why Raffles Udaipur, with its serene ambiance, is the ultimate getaway.
10 Elevated Experiences in The Lap Of Luxury
Travel in a luxury caravan, cook a meal with Michelin-starred chefs, chill in your private in-villa wine cellar and snorkel with seahorses-here is our handpicked list of 10 unique indulgences at some of the finest hotels across the world
The Sound Luxury
In 2024, the sound of Kenny G has been replaced by lo-fi beats in resorts and elevators, transforming the traditional musical landscape. Ambient music has become essential for crafting the perfect atmosphere.
APPETITE for LIFE
Dandelion roots and pea greens, truffles and wild mountain thyme: a meal in Slovenia is like a walk in a fairy-tale forest. Sierra Crane Murdoch falls under the country's spell.
Silk Route Revival
With its luxe offerings and ease of visa-free access to several countries, including India, Kazakhstan is slowly opening doors to travellers with a whole new set of handouts beyond the exotic, explores Shikha Tripathi
A TRANQUIL JOURNEY THROUGH TIME
At Raffles Udaipur, discover the art of slowing down and connecting with history, nature, and yourself.
Basking in Opulence
Lights, camera, glam. What is it about Rajasthan, especially Udaipur, that spells luxury travel like no other?
Tradition in Modern Tapestry
Waris Ahluwalia's insights on sustainable practices and the power of human connection in his creative journey reflect through his words, and his work.
Design, Diversity, and Sustainability
Roopal Patel discusses the evolving landscape of global fashion, the power of personal style, her vision for a more inclusive industry, and the future of design in an insightful exchange with Samreen Tungekar
MUMBAI TO MILAN: LUXURY, CULTURE AND CULINARY DELIGHTS
Tanya Khanijow enjoys the best of Milan with Lufthansa, from stylish shopping to tasting the city's culinary delights.
