Head to Lombok to relax and find instant zen in a tropical paradise
BALI might be the most famous of the Indonesian islands, but if you want a more chilled-out break, head to nearby Lombok.
Just a 40-minute flight from Bali, it’s the perfect, peaceful alternative to its more touristy cousin. Lombok is famed for its tropical beaches and hippy vibe, making it the ideal destination for a restorative wellness break.
Chill-out zone
Life at Mana revolves around yoga and meditation sessions, which run several times a day in the retreat’s barn. There’s a range of stretchy classes, whatever your ability, from vinyasa to hatha, as well as meditation that will leave you feeling seriously chilled.
Classes cost around £6, and are half price if you are staying at the hotel. In the evenings, Mana runs a cinema club, free for guests, with screenings of classic movies to watch under the stars.
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Life’s a beach
Feel the wind in your hair as you zip around the streets of Kuta, a town that’s a serious foodie haven, with delish street food and many traditional Indonesian restaurants.
There are also great takes on other cuisines, such as Krnk, which does pizza and burgers to a hip-hop soundtrack (). Try the Potato Party white pizza with leeks and confit garlic, £5. We also loved El Bazar, a Mediterranean that does a huge mezze sharing platter with houmous and tabbouleh, £4.50, or a falafel salad with avocado and pitta, £3.40 ().
FYI
Flights to Lombok cost from £459 return, and take around 30 hours, including a stopover.