Bukit Samudra

On Sumbawa, Bukit Samudra is built around the simple pleasures that matter when you have spent the day in salt water: a garden, a terrace, sea views and direct access to the beach. The atmosphere is easy-going rather than overworked, with a pool when you fancy a change from the sea and a bar facing the sunset when the day is winding down.

You will be understood in English, and the hotel team also speaks Indonesian. Bukit Samudra suits divers who want the coast at the door but also want a proper room, a restaurant on site and enough space to settle in rather than merely sleep between outings. Couples can keep things simple with a sea-view bungalow; families have larger room options when the packing list has got out of hand again.

The resort sits in Lemonga, Indonesia, on the island of Sumbawa and directly beside the sea. The beach is white sand, with sun loungers and parasols ready for the parts of the day when you are not swimming, snorkelling or doing very much at all.

This is a coastal base rather than a town-centre address. Several restaurants and cafés are within roughly 6 to 10 miles, while natural parks and local outdoor sites lie around 7 miles away. Toko Populer Taliwang is about 7 miles from the resort, and the surrounding area gives you access to local villages, waterfalls and other Sumbawa excursions by car.

The rooms are made for proper downtime, with air-conditioning, parquet or hardwood floors, a private bathroom and either a balcony or another outdoor space depending on the accommodation. Sea views are part of the picture, and the electric kettle is useful for the first cup before the day gets moving. Daily housekeeping keeps the practical side under control; room service is available when leaving the room feels like an unnecessary expedition.

For two people, the Double Room gives you a large king-size bed, while the Bungalow with Sea View is the one to consider when opening the door to the horizon matters more than having extra sleeping capacity. If you are travelling with family or simply prefer room to spread out, the Family Room has two double beds. The Deluxe Double Room adds a sofa bed, making it the more flexible choice for a smaller group.

Bathrooms are private and include a shower, towels, toiletries and a hairdryer. WiFi is free throughout the property, and the rooms are non-smoking. There is also a clothes rack, which is handy for the everyday business of putting things away after a beach day without turning the room into a drying rack.

The Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner in an open-air setting. Its cooking is international, with fresh local ingredients at the centre of the menu, while the wider restaurant offering also covers French, Indonesian and Belgian dishes. That gives you more choice than the usual single-island menu when you want something familiar, something local or simply something substantial.

Breakfast is a buffet with continental and vegetarian options. The restaurant is on site, so you can eat without arranging another vehicle after a long day outdoors, and room service is available when the appetite arrives before the motivation to get dressed properly.

There is one bar: the Sunset Bar, a beach bar specialising in cocktails and positioned for the evening view. It is the place for a drink with sand nearby and the horizon doing the visual work. Bar service is available separately from the restaurant, which keeps the choice straightforward.

The Main Pool gives you a second option for a swim, with the beach immediately outside when you prefer sand under your feet. Sun loungers and parasols are set up on the white-sand shore, while the garden and terrace offer space to sit back with a book, a coffee or the sort of quiet conversation that does not require a schedule.

The sea is available for snorkelling, kayaking and paddleboarding, and boat excursions can be arranged. Equipment rental is available, so you can make a short outing of it rather than turning every non-diving day into a logistical exercise.

For slower recovery, Bukit Samudra Spa offers massage. Away from the water, the resort can arrange guided outings to local villages and waterfalls, along with hiking, wildlife observation and cultural excursions. Bicycle rental, car hire and access to the surrounding area make the resort workable for a couple who wants one lazy day followed by a day of exploring.

Sultan Muhammad Kaharuddin III Airport is about 68 miles away. An airport shuttle is available as a paid service and can be arranged with the hotel; car hire is also available. Free private parking is provided on site, with no reservation needed, which is useful if you are making your own way across Sumbawa.

Check-in runs from 14:00 to 22:00 and check-out from 07:00 to 11:00. You need to tell the hotel your expected arrival time in advance, and photo identification plus a credit card are required at check-in. The hotel also offers a wake-up service, daily housekeeping, laundry and room service.

WiFi is free throughout the property, and there is a safety deposit box at reception with 24-hour security. Visa and Mastercard are accepted, as well as cash. Children of all ages are welcome, extra beds depend on the accommodation selected, and pets are allowed without an additional charge. Parties and events are not permitted.