Ayana Komodo Waecicu Beach – Luxury at One with Nature

Ayana Komodo Waecicu Beach – Luxury at One with Nature

1/30/2024

Explore Ayana Komodo Waecicu Beach, Labuan Bajo's premier luxury hotel in Flores, offering five-star hospitality amid stunning natural landscapes. This retreat invites you to experience the perfect blend of luxury and nature. Ayana Komodo: Where luxury meets the untamed wonders of Flores.

Labuan Bajo is situated on the western end of the tropical paradise of Flores, just a one-hour flight away from Bali. Amid the ongoing development of tourism in Indonesia, and even before Labuan Bajo transformed into an enchanting international tourism destination, Ayana Komodo Waecicu Beach took the lead as the first world-class luxury hotel in Komodo, making its mark since 2018.

Ayana Komodo optimised on its potential as an international attraction and introduced five-star hospitality to this world-class destination, which is blessed with a dramatic landscape characterized by smouldering volcanoes, crystal-clear lakes, breathtaking islands, pristine beaches, coral reefs, and, of course, Komodo National Park—a UNESCO World Heritage site and the habitat of the Komodo dragon.

Kukusan Lawn

Conveniently located just a short drive from Komodo International Airport, Ayana Komodo serves as the perfect starting point for exploring the unique blend of cultures and landscapes in the area. Upon arrival at the resort via a winding road, guests find themselves at the summit of the resort, where they are rewarded with stunning views at the end of their journey. No less attractive, as you descend through the terraced layers, you will enjoy breathtaking views throughout the entire resort.

Komodo Dragon Inspiration

Upon entering this 1.4-hectare resort, a vast and open lobby area welcomes you on the 11th floor. The 180-degree cascading panoramic views of the small islands scattered in the middle of the sea will enchant you. Drawing closer to this magnificent scene through the giant folded French doors leads you to the edge of the balcony, offering a mesmerising view of the tranquil Flores Sea.

Padar Lawn

WATG architectural firm strategically utilised the area's rich cultural and ecological landscape, as well as the site's steepness, turning it into a design uniqueness. “Our goal was to avoid projecting the hotel outward and perpendicular to the coastline. We opted for a curved form that embraces the hillside, taking advantage of the site's scenic views. Layered with terraced functions stepping down towards the sea, we created captivating spaces for amenities with unobstructed outward views. This approach allowed us to minimise the visible impact from land whilst maximising sea views. The result is a form that seems to emerge seamlessly from the mountain backdrop, blending with the natural skyline,” explained I-Jin Chew, the managing principal of architecture of WATG in an interview.

The angular articulation of the guestroom facade and the sweeping curve of the building abstract the scaly form of the Komodo Dragon's skin. This visually exciting facade treatment has now become a signature of the property. Inspired by the power and gripping body of the Komodo Dragon, the architecture of the guest wing reflects the largest land reptile in the world. The dynamic angular rhythm is replicated in the pitched roofs and subtly referenced in details such as panelling, resembling geometric batik patterns. These intricate details come to life as the changing sunlight hits the surfaces, filling the spaces with warmth.

Jetty Pool

Maximising Sea-facing Rooms

Guests will be feasted on spectacular ocean views through the large windows in each of the 13 Full Ocean View Suites, 154 Deluxe Full Ocean View Rooms, and 38 Full Ocean View Rooms. There are 205 rooms in total. These rooms provide guests with the perfect backdrop of the crimson sky at sunset behind the majestic Kukusan Island.

Each 99-sqm Full Ocean View Suite is uniquely nestled on a different floor, offering a 180-degree ocean view overlooking the resort’s private jetty. Here, you will find light and white colours dominate the room's interior. The balcony, extending on one side, promises a memorable view of Waecicu Beach. The Deluxe Full Ocean View and Full Ocean View room types, both spanning 48 sqm, are distinguished by their floor location.

Full Ocean View Suite

The Deluxe Full Ocean View caters to guests who prefer staying closer to the resort’s rooftop level, whilst the Full Ocean View is ideal for those who prefer staying closer to the resort’s garden level, overlooking colourful tropical landscaping and recreational amenities. Both room types are designed with a private balcony, allowing guests to enjoy the fresh air of Flores Island. The contemporary marble bathroom features a sleek soaking tub and a modern glass shower, ensuring an elegant and luxurious atmosphere.

The use of patterned woven rattan, coloured white, as a backdrop for the bed adds warmth to the room. Overall, the choice of using local materials and craftsmen appears to strike a fine balance between aesthetics and functionality, ensuring a timeless appeal.

En-suite bathroom in the Full Ocean View Suite

Dining Experience

The resort boasts international 5-star facilities, ensuring your luxurious and comfortable stay in style. In addition to a white sand beach, guests can enjoy a refreshing dip in one of the two main swimming pools and a dedicated children's pool. The clever design of the pools includes water channels connecting them, resembling a flowing river. The Spa at Ayana, adorned with wooden white pillars and stone ornaments on the walls, provides a tranquil ambiance, allowing guests to unwind whilst children cherish moments at the Kid’s Club. You should also pay a visit to the Gym. Conveniently located near the white sands beach, the gym provides direct access to the beach or the yoga deck, as well as an invigorating workout with fresh air and inspiring ocean views, whether it's Sunrise or Sunset Yoga.

AYANA Spa
Naga Bar

For a comprehensive dining experience, guests are treated to seven dining options. Start your day with morning coffee and breakfast at 'Rinca,' or indulge in a casual and chic dinner at 'Kisik,' featuring fresh grilled lobster. The resort caters to different occasions, making it the perfect place or guests to enjoy a sunset whilst sipping signature cocktails at the 'Unique Rooftop Bar.' 'Honzen' showcases the finest ingredients of Japanese cuisine, and the 'Pool Bar' offers an all-day dining menu to suit every palate. The 'Naga Bar,' stretching across pristine ocean waters, serves as a laid-back social hub and picturesque spot to chill whilst sunbathing or swimming.

Mesa Bar & Lounge

Nestled in the lobby area, the 'Mesa Bar & Lounge' extends across almost the entire lobby, providing a magnificent ocean view that makes it hard to leave once you've settled in with your coffee or a good book. On top of that, a private deck offers a unique dining venue or a romantic picnic, allowing guests to float peacefully whilst enjoying a romantic moment, ready to take their breath away.

Floating Ayana

Komodo's natural beauty is best explored by the sea. Cruising aboard one of Ayana's five exclusive water vessels is indeed an experience not to be missed. Ayana Lako di’a, a magnificent phinisi designed with nine sumptuous cabins, offers the perfect voyage across Komodo. Ayana Lako Sae, a stylish three-deck boat with ten VIP Cabanas, is ideal for a sunset cruise. Ayana Lako Taka, a custom-made glass-bottom boat, allows you to enjoy the beautiful underwater life. Ayana Lako Cama offers a compact guest cabin with a sunroof, whilst Ayana Lako Lelo is perfect for a professional fishing trip or snorkelling experience.

AYANA Lako di'a phinisi boat

Located just a few minutes offshore, Ayana's private island is a natural playground with luxury facilities. Outdoor activities such as snorkelling and kayaking are just a glimpse of the adventurous activities Ayana has to offer.

Ayana Komodo Waecicu Beach not only cares about the comfort of its guests but also plays a role in protecting the environment. With the guidance of in-house marine biologists, the guests can participate in preserving the ocean around the hotel through coral planting programs and learn how to maintain the health of reefs, ensuring a thriving future for precious marine life.

Even though WATG has designed Ayana resorts in Bali, including the new Ayana Segara, their design concepts for each of the hotels have evolved over time. They are decidedly bespoke, tailored to specific sites and different market segments, yet all connected through the honest use of materials and attention to detail in creating an exceptional guest experience. WATG consistently adheres to luxury hospitality's core tenets – welcoming, warm, memorable, and restorative. The AYANA resorts are invariably and authentically inspired by the places and cultures they celebrate in all their works.

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Rosiany T. Chandra
Author
Graduated as an architect from the Technische Universitaet Berlin in 1987, the Bandung based contributor is passionate about art, history and culture; and loves writing about the subjects. She had previously worked as the Corporate Marketing Communication for a hotel and restaurant group in Jakarta, before moving back to Bandung in 2016. As she is a people person, she enjoys meeting people. In her spare time, she practices ballroom dancing as both hobby and sport.