I’ll start by saying that if you’re planning to visit Lombok any time soon, just book this place now! Once people get to know about this amazing new hilltop hideaway, demand is likely to be huge, and with only 5 rooms, many will be disappointed.
And what rooms! Each is excellently appointed and very spacious, with a huge bed facing out through the full wall-to-ceiling sliding glass panels. The architect has certainly taken full advantage of this prime location, high in the hills looking out across the vast bay below, with swaying palm trees in the foreground, the perfect sunset shot was just waiting to happen! It’s only a short taxi ride up the hill from the town but it is well worth it for the quiet tranquility, away from the hustle and bustle of traffic noise.
After being received on our arrival by the very friendly and convivial Belgian owner, Jean-Paul, he took it upon himself to personally show us to our room and guide us through the state-of-the-art facilities provided. Then it was straight into one of the two infinity pools in front of the rooms (yes, that’s 2 pools for 5 rooms!) for a relaxing swim and to wait for the sunset on our terrace.
The attention to our needs was exceptional in every detail and not just from Jean-Paul. The highly trained young staff were extremely attentive without being at all intrusive, and genuinely friendly and wanting to chat with us, clearly brushing up on their English! Indeed the whole place had a very relaxed, laid back atmosphere, far more preferable in my opinion to some of the more ‘stuffy’ and formal five star places we have stayed in.
And unlike the buffet-style hotel breakfasts, these breakfasts were truly excellent, with a stunning selection of chopped fresh fruits, pastries, fruit juices and eggs, all freshly prepared and presented on our terrace each morning. Wonderful.
Dinner was also memorable, (we ate there twice in 4 nights) freshly prepared by Jean-Paul’s wife Nuri, from a small but varied menu offering both Indonesian and Western dishes, which we enjoyed immensely. We chose to have it served on our terrace, but there was always the option to dine in the well- appointed outdoor restaurant area which also overlooked the bay. And when we dined out the following evening, Jean Paul had several recommendations for us and even summoned the taxi, a ridiculously cheap ten-minute ride down into the hustle and bustle of the town. And his recommendations didn’t disappoint!
We were intially only there for 4 nights, but as we were returning to the island a few days later for a pre-departure overnight stay, we had no hesitation in booking the Puncak over the larger hotels down in the town.
To sum up, we saw a lot of Indonesia in a 3 week period and stayed in some pretty up-market places, but nothing like the Puncak. This place is luxurious, classy, cool and very laid back, a great place to unwind and be pampered. Thanks, Jean-Paul and Nuri, for making us so welcome!
Woodies2 ““Stunning views, amazing place, excellent service, book it now!””