3 Best Hotels in Komodo, Indonesia

Indulge your Robinson Crusoe fantasy at this remote and rustic resort—the only one on the island—in the heart of the Komodo National Park, where great care has been taken to maintain harmony with the environment. Guests are assured total privacy in one of 14 spacious thatched beachfront bungalows, shaped like the upside-down hull of a boat, each with its own terrace and front yard equipped with deck chairs and sun umbrellas. The island's spectacular, unspoiled marine life puts the focus squarely on diving—with boats, expert instructors, and equipment for experienced or first-time divers. It's also perfect for snorkeling, joining a komodo-dragon-spotting tour, or just hanging out on the paradisal beaches.

More a villa than conventional hotel, the spectacular hilltop location overlooking the ocean offers premium sunset views from your own flowery terrace (especially from room 8 at the top) or the hotel's picturesque pool. Only 1.5 km (1 mile) from Labuan Bajo, you're close to the amenities of a sizeable town and the airport, but still remote enough for that away-from-it-all feeling. While the interior design is nothing special, rooms are spotlessly clean and functional, with large bathrooms, ceiling fans, comfortable beds, and mosquito netting. Convenient to all Komodo's other islands and attractions, the hotel willingly assists with boating, diving, or wildlife excursions.

Designed as a quirky grouping of adjoined "villas," along with standard rooms in the main building, this new beachfront hotel is set on the edge of the small but rapidly growing resort town of Labuan Bajo, with easy access to the airport and restaurants in town. Rooms are large and sparklingly clean, with high ceilings, attractive furnishings, modern bathrooms, flat-screen TV, and air conditioning. Villas have balconies and a private entrance leading to the pool and beach—a big plus that gives them the feel of a resort rather than a hotel.