We’ve Rounded up some Very Cool Island Villas you Have to Stay in

Somewhere Lombok is a vague, if accurate, name for a hotel that opened on an Indonesian island that’s long been a favoured haunt by Aussies.

Located somewhere on Lombok, Somewhere Lombok is somewhere between luxurious villa, art aesthetic and surf hut. It is located near a famous break for a start, but to call it a surf stay would be to downgrade the place of its lovely, earthy aesthetic, simple and airy, and making you want to go there right now, whether you surf or not.
Somewhere is the brainchild of two sisters with Indonesian roots.

For any wave loving traveller with a bit of extra coin, we can’t imagine you’ll find too many places better than this in 2023.

From AU$250 per night.

In a move that has brought together adrenaline seekers, foodies and pun-enthusiasts, Soneva Fushi has added ‘Flying Sauces’ to their Maldives luxury experience, a zip-lining-dining experience.

Fly along the treetops to an elevated dining location, where you’ll be treated to gastronomically stunning dishes cooked by a former Michelin Star restaurant chef, once your heart rate slows down.

Soneva Fushi is the absolute zenith of barefoot luxury in the Maldives – who are pretty good at that sort of thing.

From AU$2,100 per night.

Motu Nao Nao? More like Motu Yes Yes.

Motu Nao Nao is a deserted island surrounded by crystal clear waters, on which three thatch-roofed villas sit, each only accommodating a few people. There’s a private chef, there’s diving, there’s the entire ocean. This is paradise.

From AU$9,250 per night.

Veluvana’s set of bamboo villas appear to have been sent by the gods.

Thankfully, their delivery point was perfect, smack dab amongst rice fields and adjacent to Bali’s Mount Agung in Bali. Phew.

The Manta House is the newest stay, a snail-shell shaped, two-level building featuring a shifting roof (and bed!). Which means you can lay under the stars, should you ever wish. A large glass window faces the double bed, making the morning sunrise an AM bed partner as it lights up the surrounding Sidemen Valley.

Then there’s the glass pool that hangs from the side of the stay like a tongue hanging from a mouth. Bad description, but rad concept.

From AU$516 per night.

There are no roads or flights into Ono Island; only boats. In the best possible way, life feels disconnected here from mainland Fiji – let alone the rest of the world.

There are only five traditional bures (sleeping two) and two villas (groups) at Oneta, so it’s incredibly quiet and secluded, although there’s an old-school communal feel which gives the place an indelible quality you won’t find at mega-resorts.

The snorkelling and diving here are epic, manta rays swim elegantly right out the front in the bay from April to October, plus the 114km long Great Astrolabe Reef is one of the world’s most pristine diving environments.

Plenty come just to fish giant trevally. And then there are the smiles and laughs of the local staff, most from villages nearby, who make you feel as if you’re home even when you’re possibly further from it than you’ve ever been.

From AU$568 per night.

Imagine enjoying the privacy of a private bungalows with an isolated sea-front setting, listening to the waves crashing close by.

Leleana Resort will leave you feeling at peace the moment you check into either one of their bungalows located on Kolombangara Island. From the south side you’ll be able to bask in the view of Double Island and take in the mountain and lake views from the north. Hiking enthusiasts will lap up (or should we say hike up) the trail opportunities surrounding the bungalows leading to near-by waterfalls and even a volcano.

The bungalows are not only aesthetically pleasing thanks to the craftsmanship of locally trained builders, they’re also fully solar-powered. If you’re ready to unplug and unwind, Leleana Resort is a great place to start.

From AU$189 per night.