If seeing Komodo dragons is on your 2025 travel bucket list, here’s something else you should add to the list – the AYANA Komodo Resort, Waecicu Beach.
Opened in 2018, the first five-star luxury resort in Labuan Bajo continues to be a stunner from all angles with its geometric design and strategic location on the edge of Komodo National Park. Throw in bird’s eye views of the hotel’s private cove and jetty, plus sunrise-to-sunset panoramas and you’ll feel as though you’ve gone to heaven.
Location
From Labuan Bajo airport (about an hour’s flight from Bali), it takes around 15-20 minutes by car to reach AYANA Komodo Resort, Waecicu Beach. Its slightly more remote location away from the main strip might seem a bit far at first, but this distance gives you the extra peace and quiet you need to really disconnect from city life.
And when it comes to first impressions, the AYANA Komodo Resort, Waecicu Beach does not disappoint. From the moment we got off the car, check-in took place at the hotel’s lofty open-air lobby on the rooftop floor, which was a smooth and quick process complete with welcome drinks.
Rooms
Out of the 205 guest rooms and suites, there are three room types at AYANA Komodo Resort, Waecicu Beach. Ocean View Suites start at 99 square metres and offer unparallelled ocean views overlooking Waecicu Beach and the resort’s snake-like private jetty. With double sinks, a separate shower, bath tub and private balcony to soak up the views, this spacious, bright and white-themed suite is perfect for rest and relaxation.
Tip: Request the corner Ocean View Suite for even more of a wraparound view – perfect for sunrise and sunset lovers.
Deluxe Ocean View Rooms are sized at 48 square metres and offer the same panoramic 180-degree views of the Ocean View Suites, but are located closer to the hotel’s rooftop level. Then, there are the Ocean View Rooms, which are located closer to the resort’s garden levels and recreational amenities (gym, pool, and restaurant).
Dining
You’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to dining at AYANA Komodo Resort, Waecicu Beach. With seven venues to choose from, breakfast is served at RINCA poolside, while sunset drinks are best taken on the water at Naga Bar at the end of the jetty or up at UNIQUE rooftop bar.
Mesa Lobby Lounge is a great spot for snacks and drinks, and for dinner, choose from fresh seafood on the grill at KISIK or Japanese cuisine at HonZEN. There’s even a swim-up Pool Bar next to Rinca – did someone say holiday mode activated?
Tip: In the mood for love? Ask the AYANA Komodo team to help you set up a so-cheesy-it’s-good romantic moment, whether it’s dining by the pier, a candlelit dinner or private deck floataway romance for two with the chef’s five-course dinner.
Amenities & Experiences
Of course, you’re not just going to stay at the AYANA Komodo Resort, Waecicu Beach, as tempting as that might be. There’s plenty to do at the resort – from working out at the gym and enjoying spa treatments to planting corals, snorkeling, kayaking and stand-up paddling – but we highly recommend going out with the resort’s private charter.
We did a full day trip with the AYANA Lako Lelo – a speedboat that can fit up to 14 guests but luckily, only had four the day we went – to see Komodo National Park, which included a hike up to Padar Island, a visit to the dragons themselves and plenty of time to chill at the gorgeous pink beach.
Verdict
AYANA Komodo Resort, Waecicu Beach ticks all the right boxes when it comes to dreamy resort in paradise: a stunning, private location, comfy and spacious suites, plenty of dining options and more activities than you can fit into your stay (including Komodo dragons!) – which, of course, just means that you’ll have to come back.
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