Escape to Somewhere

Somewhere Lombok is a new boutique hotel with a pared-back aesthetic that celebrates the natural beauty of the Indonesian island

Sisters Claire and Valia Gontard grew up in Hong Kong before studying and working all over the world. But in recent years, Lombok has become their home and it’s here they have recently opened boutique hotel Somewhere Lombok. 

Their link to the island, a 30-minute flight from Bali and much less crowded, is through their maternal grandfather, who was born and raised there. ‘He always had fond memories of this time here, spending time in nature, close to the ocean,’ Valia recalls. says Valia. 

The same scenery, as well as the people and atmosphere, lured the sisters back to the island — and Somewhere Lombok aims to give visitors that same experience. Hong Kong firm SW Design is responsible for the architecture, while Bali Landscape Company did the landscaping, and design studio Eight partnership undertook the interior design in collaboration with the sisters and Hong Kong–based Studio Amal.

Perched on a mountaintop, Somewhere Lombok has beautiful views not just of the bay of Are Guling, but also of the valleys and ridges in the distance. Guests enter through lobby and restaurant that leads toward the lounge, bar and pool. Steps flanked by verdant planting lead to 20 villas defined by simple box forms and screened verandas.  

‘The buildings are defined by two simple elements, the shed roof and concrete floor. The roof enhances the airflow and light while the concrete floor defines the spaces by changing levels and forming some of the furniture,’ explains SW Design partner Adrian Wu. ‘A series of latticed screens filter the light and give texture and create unique patterns in the space.’  

The hotel — a member of Design Hotels™ — was birthed from a sustainable mindset. ‘We believe in leaving the world in a better place. Building a large property like ours comes with a lot of responsibility and the sustainability side of things is a huge selling point for the modern traveller,’ says Claire. Consultant Eco Mantra helped with implementing strict sustainability features and operational process that include passive design strategies, recycled water for irrigation, rainwater harvesting, waste management, land preservation, and the use of porous paving blocks and aerated bricks.

The eco agenda carries through to collaborations with local artisans — some just ten minutes away from the hotel — to make the furniture, textiles, rattan and pottery. Even the food at the restaurant sustains local trade by sourcing from local farmers and fishermen as much as possible.

Text by Luo Jingmei
Image courtesy of Somewhere Lombok