Just a one-hour flight from the beautiful island of Bali, in West Flores, lies the scenic oasis of Labuan Bajo. Set in one of the most rugged and beautiful islands of the Indonesian Archipelago, there is an extraordinary diversity of religions, languages, and landscapes – alongside crystal blue waters and pristine white sand beaches. The name Flores is derived from the Portuguese for “flowers” and this tropical paradise is overflowing with mesmerizing flora that extends from waterfalls to jagged dramatic mountain tops and vibrant sunsets overlooking Komodo National Park.

Komodo National Park, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991, comprises many small islands, with the largest being Komodo, Rinca and Padar. Labuan Bajo is also considered the ‘launching point’ for impressive trips to the home of the famous Komodo Dragon; the world’s largest species of lizard with a population of around 5,700. These spectacular creatures, known for their deadly bite and speed of around 30 kilometers per hour, cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

Beyond the land and dragons, the Indian Ocean is an aqua playground for intrepid divers. There is a year round scuba season and in 2017, Indonesia was voted among the world’s most popular dive destinations by Dive Magazine. Like Bali, the island’s local culture is hospitable and filled with natural warmth. Religions remain mixed, but unlike many of the neighboring archipelago, Labuan Bajo is considered to be mainly Catholic since 16th century. Already famed in Bali and Jakarta for world-class hospitality, exceptional hotel design, superior cuisine and unparalleled service standards, AYANA will be launching the first and only five-star resort on the exquisite Labuan Bajo, Waecicu Beach. AYANA Komodo Resort, Waecicu Beach opens summer 2018 with 13 suites and 192 premium guest rooms. Inspired by light, comfort and open living, each contemporary room features a flawless ocean view with large windows to capture the golden glows of tropical sunset’s setting behind the distinctive Kukusan Island.

The unconventional design will allow guests to check-in from the 11th floor lobby, and access their room by descending towards the sandy shores. The resort will also feature a rooftop wedding and function suite accommodating circa 200 guests, with a splendid ocean view terrace. Restaurants and bars will include:

 Rinca – All-day dining venue serving relaxed Asian cuisine and International food

 Pempe – Rooftop Bar serving sunset light bites

 Kisik bar & grill – Serving the islands finest seafood

 HonZEN – Japanese restaurant

 Naga – Pier Bar

 Mesa – Lobby Bar

Alongside a private white sand beach, there will be 2 main swimming pools and 1 children’s pool. The Resort Spa will offer a selection of signature treatments across 4 single treatment rooms and 1 double. There will also be a gym and kid’s club. In keeping with AYANA tradition, the service will be superlative. Local and Balinese hospitality will be intertwined to offer standards like no other on the Island.

“Our team is the secret to our success,” explains Clive Edwards, General Manager of AYANA Resort and Spa, BALI, The Villas at AYANA Resort, BALI and RIMBA Jimbaran BALI by AYANA. “It is with enthusiasm and pride that I can confidently say we are one of the most successful and sought after hotels on the island of Bali. Of course, our range of products and services is inspired by the purpose of fulfilling guest need, but I also believe that it is the care and service from our team members that takes AYANA hospitality the extra mile.

Our passion for people, and our philosophy for understanding our guests, will be injected into our latest property AYANA Komodo Resort, Waecicu Beach. We are excited about introducing the newest member of our resort family to the AYANA community, and look forward to launching the first premium 5-star resort in Flores.”

In addition to the new resort, and in making full use of the extensive private pier, AYANA Komodo Resort, Waecicu Beach will also be launching a 54 meter long and 11 meter wide, 9-bedroom phinisi ship. The luxurious ship will take guests, either by full charter or bookable by bedroom, around the island for short explorations of approximately 2 or 3-nights per trip. The ship will also make a distinguished wedding venue. Named AYANA Lako di’a, meaning “Safe Journey” in local language, will be of the finest design with lounge and dive decks to suit the mood. Guests can island hop or participate in world-famous aqua activities including diving, snorkeling and trawling via AYANA Lako di’a, or join a daytrip on the Hotel’s catamaran or power boat.

In keeping with AYANA’s philosophy of being a supportive and contributing member of society, the resort will be actively raising funds to support Komodo National Park. Support will go towards developing facilities and enhancing the safety and training of Komodo Rangers.

While the project is still under development, the team are preparing for the new member of the AYANA Family, launching on September 2018.

For more information, please visit AYANAKOMODO.COM.