Our recent holiday at AYANA Komodo Resort in Flores was nothing short of magical. Nestled on the island of Flores in Labuan Bajo, this luxurious destination offers breathtaking ocean views, world-class hospitality, and unforgettable adventures that made our family trip truly special.
Welcome to AYANA Komodo Resort
AYANA Komodo Resort is the perfect blend of elegance and natural beauty. Located right on the pristine shores of Labuan Bajo, this five-star resort boasts stunning ocean views from every room, with luxurious amenities and top-tier service. The resort’s contemporary design is inspired by the natural surroundings, creating a serene and sophisticated atmosphere.
From the moment we arrived, we were captivated by the resort’s tranquillity and charm. The staff welcomed us with warm smiles and ensured our stay was seamless and relaxing from start to finish.
The Island of Flores
Flores is an island in Indonesia that offers some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. Known for its accessibility to rich marine life, pink sand beaches, and the iconic Komodo dragons, Flores is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. The island’s untouched beauty and vibrant culture make it a unique and memorable place to explore.
Getting to AYANA Komodo Resort
Our journey began in Brisbane, Australia, where we flew to Bali for a week-long stay. From Bali, we took a short one-hour and ten-minute flight on Lion Air to Labuan Bajo, the gateway to Flores. The resort is conveniently located just a ten-minute drive from the airport, making the transfer quick and easy.
Upon arrival, the hotel provided a seamless transfer service, and we were welcomed with refreshing drinks as we checked in effortlessly. Our rooms were ready and waiting — a King Room and a Twin Room, both interconnecting with spectacular ocean views. The setup was perfect for our family, offering both space and privacy.
Our AYANA Komodo Itinerary
Day One
We arrived at the resort around 11 am and headed straight to the pool. The infinity pool overlooking the ocean was the perfect spot to unwind after our travels. The kids splashed around while we soaked up the sunshine and took in the stunning views.
That evening, we experienced a private dining event on the resort’s Yoga Deck. Dining under the stars with the sound of the waves in the background was a truly unforgettable experience.
Day Two
We started our day with a delicious buffet breakfast at Rinca, the resort’s main restaurant. The spread included everything from fresh tropical fruits to traditional Indonesian dishes and international favourites.
After breakfast, we joined the complimentary guided snorkelling tour of the hotel’s reef. The underwater world was teeming with colourful fish and coral, and it was a highlight for both the kids and adults.
While the children enjoyed some time at the complimentary kids’ club, we relaxed by the pool before heading out for an adventure to a private island. The resort arranged a beach drop-off with a private picnic for us. We spent the afternoon snorkelling, playing on the island, spotting monkeys, and enjoying delicious food and drinks.
Dinner that night was at Kisik, a stunning waterfront restaurant known for its fresh seafood. We loved the grilled fish, prawns, and chicken, all perfectly cooked and paired with beautiful ocean views.
Day Three
After another fantastic buffet breakfast at Rinca, we set off on a full-day island-hopping excursion — and what a day it was! We hiked the iconic Padar Island, where we were rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding islands. Next, we visited Pink Beach, where the sand really does have a pink hue, and snorkelled in the crystal-clear waters.
The highlight of the day was visiting Komodo Island to see the famous Komodo dragons in their natural habitat. Seeing these incredible creatures up close was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
On our way back, we swam with manta rays, one of the most awe-inspiring experiences of my life. These gentle giants gracefully glided through the water around us, leaving us in complete awe.
For dinner, we enjoyed a Japanese feast at HonZEN. The sushi was fresh and beautifully presented, making it a memorable dining experience.
Day Four
We started the day with another buffet breakfast at Rinca before spending the morning at the kids’ club and pool. The resort offers a coral planting program, and we took part in this meaningful activity, contributing to the preservation of the local reef.
Lunch was enjoyed by the pool, followed by more snorkelling at the hotel reef. The underwater world was just as mesmerizing as our first snorkel trip, with vibrant marine life everywhere we looked.
The children enjoyed a cooking class at Rinca where they learnt how to make pasta and then enjoyed their creation with a juice.
In the afternoon, we tried kayaking and paddleboarding, making the most of the resort’s water activities. We loved the balance of relaxation and adventure that AYANA Komodo provided.
For our final dinner, we returned to Kisik. The fresh seafood, combined with the stunning waterfront location, made it a favourite spot for our family.
Day Five
Our last day started with a leisurely buffet breakfast before it was time to pack up and check out. We savoured our final moments at the resort, reflecting on the incredible memories we had made.
The hotel staff ensured our checkout process was smooth, and so sweet with lots of little gifts. We left feeling relaxed and rejuvenated, already dreaming of our next visit.
Final Thoughts
AYANA Komodo Resort exceeded all our expectations. From the stunning location and luxurious accommodations to the unforgettable experiences and warm hospitality, it was a holiday we will cherish forever.
If you’re looking for a family-friendly luxury resort with adventure and relaxation in equal measure, AYANA Komodo is the perfect choice.
You can find AYANA Komodo on Instagram here and their website here.
Enjoy!
Disclaimer: Our stay at AYANA Komodo Resort was part of a collaboration. All opinions and experiences shared are our own.