COCOTINOS BRINGS LUXURY TO SEKOTONG

The area of Sekotong, on the southwest coast of Lombok, has long been one of our favourite areas on this island of stunning and varied beauty.

Just south of Lembar Harbour, Sekotong is a large region of pure white sand beaches, unpolluted turquoise waters and sublime views of rolling hills inland and coral islands just offshore. Incredibly, the beautiful bays and beaches remain largely undeveloped, although astute investors and villa owners have been quietly snapping up land in the area over the past few years. It is the type of place that you want to keep to yourself… a place to build your ultimate villa and retire in peace, surrounded by natural beauty.

Tourists to the area are always amazed that Sekotong has so far managed to escape the developers' attention and for that we should be grateful. However, this lack of development also means that travelling in the area is often difficult and mainly limited to day trips, as the lack of good accommodation doesn't encourage overnight stays. There are a few small places to stay scattered along the main road, with a number of places further south around Pelangan, catering mainly to the surfing crowd attracted to the giant waves at Bangko Bangko on the southwest tip of the island.

Now Cocotinos is set to change the face of Sekotong accommodation standards, with the opening of their resort on the secluded beach at Tanjung Empat. The resort fronts onto over 300 metres of white sand beach and faces the three coconut-fringed islands of Gili Nanggu, Gili Tangkung and Gili Sudat floating out in the calm bay. To the south is a small private cove overlooked by a green hill, which will later feature more luxury villas.

Cocotinos Sekotong is designed along the lines of the Odyssea Asia group's popular resort in Manado, Sulawesi, but is more luxurious, while still maintaining the cosy and personalised atmosphere which is the signature of the Cocotinos brand.

While the Manado resort is primarily focused on scuba diving (Manado being known as a diving haven); Cocotinos Sekotong will provide diving and much more. The white-sand beaches and calm bay facing the resort make the location ideal for relaxing getaways and various kinds of water sports, as well as being the perfect base for exploring the idyllic Sekotong countryside and island hopping to the nearby islands, which are mainly deserted.
When complete, Cocotinos will offer a total of 28 Rooms, comprising 1 double storey "Rinjani" Villa, 1 single storey "Tangkung" Villa, 3 "Water's-Edge" Villas, 16 Garden Villa Rooms and 7 Terrace Rooms.

If you are on a romantic getaway, you can opt for the exclusive double-storey Rinjani Villa with private rooftop facilities for sunbathing, the uniquely designed Tangkung Villa or one of the Water's Edge Villas. Each one of these five villas is on the beachfront and has its own private plunge pool overlooking the sea.

The Garden Villa rooms are built as duplex units, with two rooms under one roof and interconnecting doors for families or groups wanting to share, while the individual terrace rooms are perfect for couples or friends on holiday.

Clever landscaping creates a natural garden of banana trees and local plants, screening the rooms for privacy, while still providing lovely views of the beach and island panorama in front.

Cocotinos owner TM Wong was involved in interior design for many years, before moving into development and construction. His resort at Sekotong is the result of many years spent designing and travelling, always looking for the best features in hotel design, while still maintaining the integrity of the culture and environment.

Attention to detail is what sets the designs apart. Simple and elegant rooms provide a chic, yet relaxed ambience; fitted out with modern conveniences that will satisfy discerning and gadget-savvy travellers. In each room there are ample power points for laptops, cameras and mobile phones. Edges of beds have rounded corners; lights can be adjusted for reading or creating ambience; even the light fittings are designed by TM, using natural materials. Day beds recline in window spaces, so that one can laze and read while looking out at the peaceful beach, and connecting doors open up on adjoining terraces so that families and friends can mingle. Natural materials are used throughout and eco-friendly features are incorporated, such as use of natural lighting through skylights, cross-ventilation for cooling, and traditional window designs fitted with mosquito screens that can be opened to let the sea breezes in. (lombok guide)