Elite Havens, Asia’s largest luxury villa company, today announced the reopening of Selong Selo Resort & Residences, an award-winning resort complex on the scenic coast of South Lombok in Indonesia. To celebrate, the all-villa property is offering two reopening specials: 30% off one-night stays to kickstart domestic travel and fuel those spontaneous island escapes, and 50% off stays of five nights or more, perfect for extended families looking to reconnect, destination wedding parties and wellness-minded remote workers.
As more people are rediscovering the pleasures of jumping on a plane to celebrate a family milestone, take the holiday of a lifetime or reconnect with their inner selves, Lombok offers the ideal combination of nature, luxe and purposeful travel. Located to the east of Bali, the island is filled with natural beauty, from white sand beaches, volcanic treks, and lush jungles to breathtaking waterfalls. For remote workers, waking up to Lombok’s stunning coastal views is all that’s needed for fresh ideas to start arriving like waves, while guests seeking wellbeing and tranquility will find it amid local rhythms of slow living.
“We are so excited to welcome travellers back to the property after a challenging period for everyone,” said Andrew Leith, General Manager of Selong Selo Resort & Residences. “Lombok’s natural landscape offers guests the perfect place to unwind, reconnect with loved ones and effortlessly fall in step with island life.”
Travel trends
According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, 2022 should be a stellar year for the tourist and business travel industry. Some trends that it foresees include longer duration of trips as people choose quality over quantity, and add in extra days to compensate for the extra paperwork and testing requirements. Niche travel, including those focusing on multigenerational travel, wellness, meaningful travel, adventures and activities will be popular while hybrid work models will allow for high growth in the numbers of remote workers and digital nomads taking trips. If there is internet access to do work online or have the expected zoom call, many such people can simply set up an office in a hotel or resort, on a beach, or at a semi off-grid location.
Luxury villa vacations at Selong Selo Resort & Residences
As travellers look forward to longer holidays and seek seclusion and the assurance of safety and hygiene, there is a global uptick in the preference of villa stays over hotel rooms. “Luxury villas allow you peace of mind while you holiday,” shares Alan Porteus, Country Manager of Indonesia for Elite Havens. “The beauty of a nostalgic island like Lombok is best enjoyed as an immersive experience from the luxurious comforts of a private villa, replete with five-star facilities and personalised service.”
The Selong Selo experience
The resort’s excursions are ideal for anyone hoping to savour the fresh outdoor air, stay active and satisfy their curiosity: from hiking to waterfalls Benang Stokel and Benang Kelambu, which boast 20-metre-high drops where the adventurous can plunge into pools below, to snorkelling and fishing expeditions to discover the abundant marine life the southern coast of Lombok is known for. Guests looking to combine work and rest can surf top-tier waves on white-sand beaches right after logging off the Zoom call and work on their balance at the on-site surf school between answering emails.
Small groups can even choose to remain in their own bubble throughout the stay thanks to luxury yacht charters, private barbecues right on their villa’s beach and private cooking classes either in-villa or at Aura Lounge & Bar, the estate’s signature restaurant featuring a menu inspired by Will Meyrick, an internationally recognized chef and acclaimed restaurateur whose restaurant empire spans from Bali to Hong Kong. Aura Lounge & Bar enjoys a prime location on the edge of a cliff with sweeping views of the sea. The semi-alfresco pavilion is perfect for gazing at the sky during sunset or enjoying evening cocktails with family and friends.
Perched atop the picturesque hills overlooking stunning Selong Belanak Beach in Southern Lombok, Selong Selo Resort and Residences offers more than 50 luxury villas, a full-service spa, clubhouse, a kids’ club, and beach club access. The stylish villas range from one to seven bedrooms with access to the renowned Aura Lounge & Bar, as well as personalised in-villa dining experiences, a quick shuttle to the beach, and a fully equipped gym.
Commitment to regenerative tourism
Selo Group uses its position in the industry to encourage fellow developers and properties to look beyond sustainability toward regenerative travel, a forward-thinking approach that seeks to leave a positive impact on local communities rather than maintain a status quo.
Selo has incorporated the process of regenerative travel into its work with the Selo Footprints Program, which has been working hard for more than 12 years to support and contribute to the communities in Lombok, Indonesia. They provide sustainable jobs for the community to stimulate growth and improve rural livelihoods in Selong Belanak, as well as offer support for disaster relief efforts.
Selo also aims to achieve zero waste in its operation in Lombok by developing several initiatives to minimise its environmental footprint. The company created a waste management centre – Selong Selo For Waste Recovery (SSCR) – within the premise to recycle and upcycle all waste collected at its development to make composted, raw materials such as glass cullet and plastic flakes, and products such as reusable bags, drinking glasses and terrazzo vases.