Tugu to be true…..not in this case

“Well esteemed reader I have to say this is an exceptional and unique hotel.

This isn’t a 5 star in the traditional sense of the more developed regions of the world. The rooms are pretty basic (but massive), the drains can smell and the wifi is unreliable (which his a blessing on holiday!!!).

The building is eclectic – bits are approaching 150 years old – and this hotchpotch approach is the real charm of the hotel. It doesn’t try to make a statement – it doesn’t have to – it just works and create a lovely relaxing environment.

The location is amazing. Set on the pretty unspoilt Sire beach with views to the Gili Islands and the volcanos of Lombok beyond it really is an idyllic setting.

The staff are lovely and cant do enough to please. The food is good – the Indonesian dishes being especially excellent. For dinner food can be served on tables set up on the beach – this is a must, but needs booking daily.

Breakfasts not the high point – but adequate.

The gym facilities are essentially non existent – a few broken weights machines, a tiny number of free weights, a few cardio machines – including a non-functioning treadmill – soon to be replaced apparently!

The lap pool is great – big thumbs up from the piscatorial Mrs Foodi8 for this. The lack of gym forces you to enjoy a run on the beach – which is magical. A 5 mile run is easy to do along the largely deserted beach. You need to wear trainers though as there are lots of sharp bits of old coral and shells lurking in the sand.

I have the feeling in 10 years time Lombok will be much more like Bali – more tourist oriented and developed. So go soon if you are going.”