Hosting a Retreat in Lombok: What Retreat Leaders Should Know
Bali has been the default choice for retreat leaders for a long time, and for good reason. But it isn't the only option in Indonesia, and more leaders are looking at the islands next door.
Lombok is the one we're expanding into. It sits just east of Bali, across the Lombok Strait, and it offers a different feel: more space, quieter surroundings and a strong sense of nature. If you're thinking about where to host your next retreat, here's what's worth knowing.
Where Lombok Is
Lombok is the island immediately east of Bali. The two are close enough that people often travel between them, by a short flight or by boat, and Lombok has its own international airport. Like Bali, it has a dry and a wet season, so the timing considerations in our guide to the best time of year to host a retreat in Bali are a useful starting point.
What Makes Lombok Different
Lombok isn't a copy of Bali, and that's exactly why some retreat leaders are drawn to it.
Landscape — Mount Rinjani, one of Indonesia's best-known volcanoes, dominates the island, and Lombok also has beaches, waterfalls and rice fields
A quieter pace — many areas feel less built-up than the busiest parts of Bali
The Gili Islands — a small group of islands off Lombok's northwest coast, popular with visitors
Sasak culture — Lombok's main community has its own traditions, language and way of life, which is different from Bali's Hindu culture
Who Lombok Might Suit
Lombok can be a good fit when your retreat is built around nature and space: a program with a lot of time outdoors, a smaller group looking for quiet, or an audience that has already been to Bali and wants somewhere new. It can also help you stand out if your audience has seen a lot of Bali retreats.
It may be a weaker fit if your guests expect the full range of restaurants, studios and activities that Ubud offers. Our guide to Bali vs Thailand vs Costa Rica for hosting a retreat covers how to weigh destinations against your audience, and the same thinking applies here.
Things to Think Through Before You Host There
A new destination means a few extra questions. They're worth asking early:
Travel — how will your guests reach the retreat, and how long will the journey be from their arrival point?
Culture and customs — Lombok's culture differs from Bali's, so it's worth learning the basics and making sure your program is respectful of local customs
Activities — which ones suit your group? Our guide to choosing the right activities for your Bali retreat is a useful framework, and the same questions apply
Facilities — what's available nearby for your guests and your program?
Timing — when does your retreat fall in relation to the season and local holidays?
Bali and Lombok Together
Some leaders consider combining the two, spending part of a retreat in Bali and part in Lombok. It can make an itinerary feel richer, but it adds travel time and logistics, so it's worth planning carefully. Our Bali retreat planning timeline shows how far ahead to start, and with two locations you'll want to start earlier.
Why a Local Planner Helps
A new destination is easier when someone is already there to handle the detail. We're expanding into Lombok, and we'll be sharing more as it develops. If you're curious about hosting there, you can find more on our Lombok retreats page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lombok? Lombok is the island directly east of Bali, across the Lombok Strait.
Is Lombok busier or quieter than Bali? Many areas of Lombok feel quieter and less built-up than the busiest parts of Bali, though it varies by location.
Can I combine Bali and Lombok in one retreat? Yes, though it adds travel time, so it needs careful planning.
Does Lombok have its own airport? Yes, Lombok has an international airport.
Is Soul Bliss Journeys planning retreats in Lombok? Yes, we're expanding into Lombok. Get in touch to talk about your plans.
Thinking about hosting your next retreat in Lombok? Book a free discovery call, or take a look at our Lombok retreats page, and let's talk it through.
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