Dragons and dolphins: this luxury resort in Labuan Bajo is the ideal gateway to the wonders of Komodo National Park

The small town of Labuan Bajo in Indonesia’s Flores island is finally having its moment under the tourism spotlight. The attention is well deserved: apart from the prehistoric monitor lizards known as Komodo dragons found only within the confines of the Komodo National Park, the islands in this region boast Instagram-worthy pink beaches, spectacular viewpoints and crystal-clear waters with flourishing corals and other marine life. 

Add to this mix a new(ish) international airport with direct connections to Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, and you will understand why so many new resorts are popping up all over the island. But in the midst of all the mediocrity, the Ta’aktana, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa from Marriott, shines with its warm hospitality and dazzling design.

First impressions: smiling service and personal butlers 

Exiting the airport, we drive for barely five minutes before pulling up at Ta’aktana, where Azzam, my personal butler for this stay is waiting with my welcome gift of a handwoven bracelet. As I step into the lobby, the first thing that strikes me is the sense of open space, with the outdoors and indoors meeting and merging seamlessly everywhere. 

Speaking of Labuan Bajo, Azzam says, “This is the place where the land meets the sea.” And indeed, the décor accents throughout the resort reflect its seaside location – from the striking installation of two people on a boat in the lobby to the gorgeous glass chandelier (I can’t take my eyes off it) in the bar, made entirely of fish figures that seem to float in the air. 

The rooms: overwater villas and endless sea views

Ta’aktana offers a selection of 70 suites and villas in varying sizes and with different views. My stay is in one of the sprawling one-bedroom villas that come with a separate living area and a plunge pool, and a partial sea view. All rooms are furnished with an eye on comfort, with mini bars stocked with coffee, tea, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages.

But the real highlight is the seven circular overwater villas that hint at the classic ‘sun, sea and sand’ Maldives vibe.  With floor-to-ceiling glass windows, these villas come with uninterrupted views of the sea, best enjoyed from the hammock hanging over the water on the outside deck. The only problem with booking one of these – you may be tempted to never leave the suite for the entire duration of your stay. 

The rest: the aroma of Flores coffee and indulgent spa therapies

But you have to step outside, for sure. Even if you are not inclined to take a day trip to Komodo National Park in search of the dragons or don a snorkelling mask to view the exquisite corals, there is enough within the resort to keep you occupied. 

At the Di’a Spa, I choose a traditional Indonesian massage with heated stones and find my sore muscles sighing in relief under the hands of the skilled therapist. Languid with the warmth, I later crawl up to Nera Lounge to experience the daily sunset ritual with cocktails and canapes. And for night owls, there is the Maiga! bar that stays open until midnight. 

There are three in-house restaurants: Leros for all-day dining, Taba grill, and my personal favourite, Umasa, serving speciality Indonesian cuisine, with an emphasis on fresh and local ingredients. Local is also the theme at the resort’s Coffee Roastery, showcasing the finest Arabica and Robusta produced within Flores. After checking my preferences – strong and sweetish – the barista proceeds to blend and grind the perfect mix for me, before pouring the comforting, life-affirming liquid into my cup. One sip, and I know all is well with the world.

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