Cover Overwater villas with uninterrupted sea views at Ta’aktana in Labuan Bajo, Indonesia (Photo: courtesy of Ta’aktana)
Overwater villas with uninterrupted sea views at Ta’aktana in Labuan Bajo, Indonesia (Photo: courtesy of Ta’aktana)
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On Flores Island in Indonesia, Ta’aktana, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Labuan Bajo, raises the bar for stays in one of Asia’s top bucket-list destinations
Indonesia is so much more than Bali and its beach clubs. This vast archipelago remains one of the most beautifully preserved corners of Asia, still largely untouched by mass tourism. From the smoking volcanoes of Java to the blue waters of Raja Ampat, Indonesia is a patchwork of natural wonders—but it’s Flores that continues to top bucket lists, with its crystal-clear waters, pink-sand beaches and the rare Komodo dragons found nowhere else on the earth.
It’s against this backdrop of wild beauty that Marriott has opened its second Luxury Collection property in Indonesia: Ta’aktana. Set in Labuan Bajo, the gateway to Komodo National Park, Ta’aktana offers a thoughtful take on luxury—one shaped by local craftsmanship, cultural heritage and the natural landscape of Flores.
Tatler recently checked in to experience the property—and found out how it’s settling into its role as a destination in its own right.
First impressions
Above Aerial view of Ta’aktana (Photo: courtesy of Ta’aktana)
Aerial view of Ta’aktana (Photo: courtesy of Ta’aktana)
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As your private car pulls away from the airport, a glance out the window gives you a first glimpse of what lies ahead. Ten minutes later, you’ll arrive at Ta’aktana—Marriott’s Luxury Collection hotel set along the striking coastline of Labuan Bajo. The welcome begins at the semi-open lobby, where high ceilings and wide windows offer a clear view of the landscape beyond. In a gesture rooted in Manggarai tradition—the local tribe native to Flores—the team greets you with a handmade bracelet, a meaningful symbol of being welcomed into the Ta’aktana family.
The lobby pulls you straight into Ta’aktana’s atmosphere—where nature takes over and every detail reflects the heritage of Flores. References to Labuan Bajo’s past as a fishing harbour are subtle but deliberate, nodding to its evolution from a modest port into a destination that draws travellers from all walks, whether here for a honeymoon or to explore Indonesia’s raw beauty.
Do not disturb
Above Inside the suites (Photo: courtesy of Ta’aktana)
Inside the suites (Photo: courtesy of Ta’aktana)
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With more than 70 rooms, including overwater villas, private pool villas and suites, Ta’aktana caters to every kind of traveller—reflecting the tastes of discerning guests who choose to stay here.
Designed by Balinese studio ANP Interiors, the resort draws inspiration from the seafaring traditions of Indonesia’s sea nomads. Expect handcrafted wood finishes, textured materials and airy, open-plan layouts that celebrate the natural surroundings.
The suites are well suited to couples or solo travellers with days packed full of excursions, offering a refined and comfortable base to retreat to at sundown. Thoughtfully laid out, each one includes a generous bedroom, a quiet sitting area, and a private balcony that opens onto the surrounding landscape.
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Above Inside the overwater villas (Photo: courtesy of Ta’aktana)
Above Inside the overwater villas (Photo: courtesy of Ta’aktana)
Inside the overwater villas (Photo: courtesy of Ta’aktana)
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For those after more privacy—or simply the pleasure of slowing down—the private pool villas feel more like a home base. They’re big enough to stretch out in, with a large bedroom, marble-accented bathroom and a wraparound balcony that links the indoor spaces to your own infinity pool. Families can go for the two-bedroom version, which includes a separate kids’ room with twin beds and cheerful details that feel made for them.
For a truly exceptional stay, opt for the overwater villa—the round, stilted kind that calls to mind the Maldives. As you step through the door, there’s an immediate sense of calm. It feels like a home, if only for a few days. Inside, 180-degree floor-to-ceiling windows open onto uninterrupted sea views from sunrise to sunset. The interiors follow the same visual rhythm as the rest of the resort, with wooden accents and warm tones of brown and burnt orange throughout. While these villas don’t come with private pools, each has its own deck suspended over the sea—perfect for a quiet morning with coffee, or a private dinner as the sun goes down.
Food and drink
Above View of Umasa, one of Ta’aktana's restaurant (Photo: Tatler Hong Kong/Alix Lefebvre)
View of Umasa, one of Ta’aktana's restaurant (Photo: Tatler Hong Kong/Alix Lefebvre)
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Like the resort itself, the dining at Ta’aktana is rooted in tradition. With three distinctive restaurants, a lounge and an overwater bar, guests can indulge at any time of day without ever leaving the property.
Leros, the all-day dining restaurant, is where you’ll likely begin your mornings—with a generous buffet breakfast served either in the cool of the indoor dining room or on the breezy covered terrace. The menu spans Indonesian specialities and international staples, though the local dishes are where the real interest lies. Try the Ikan Bakar Parape—a fresh catch grilled with parape sauce, a caramel-like blend of shallots and tamarind that combines sweetness and depth.
For dinner, make your way to Umasa. Inspired by family-style dining, this is where the essence of Indonesian cuisine really comes through. The menu is designed for sharing, with dishes placed at the centre of the table as they would be at home. This year’s menu was created by a group of chefs from Marriott properties across Indonesia, from Bali to Surabaya, each contributing recipes that reflect their regional backgrounds.
Above Sunset view at Maigai! (Photo: courtesy of Ta’aktana)
Above Sunset view at Nara (Photo; courtesy of Ta’aktana)
Sunset view at Maigai! (Photo: courtesy of Ta’aktana)
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Taba—meaning “fire” in Manggarai—is the resort’s most refined dining offering, where local ingredients are paired with Japanese techniques. The menu highlights the best of land and sea, with each dish prepared to let the produce speak. Don’t miss the nigiri made from the catch of the day, prepared live by chef Imam Dharmawan. His background is just as sharp as his knife work—trained under chef Eduardo Barbosa in Saudi Arabia, he later pursued his passion for Japanese cuisine in Turkey and Dubai.
Of course, Ta’aktana has your midday cravings and late-night moments sorted. For sunset views and small bites, Nera serves local sweets and savoury snacks with well-made cocktails. After dinner, Maiga! is the place for a drink with a view.
Bells and whistles
Above Treatment room at Di’a Spa (Photo; courtesy of Ta’aktana)
Treatment room at Di’a Spa (Photo; courtesy of Ta’aktana)
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If you think of an island resort, you expect the atmosphere to carry you from start to finish. Ta’aktana does just that. Whether you’re lounging by the pool or out exploring the island, the hotel ensures you don’t miss a moment of downtime within its grounds.
The spa, designed to soothe the senses, keeps things simple and focused on genuine relaxation. Treatments range from gentle to firm pressure, all rooted in traditional rituals. The highlight is the sauna and jacuzzi room, which boasts the best sea view on the property—a detail you’ll only notice if you visit.
For a change of pace, the resort’s Coffee Roastery offers an introduction to Flores’ rich coffee heritage. The barista guides you through the brewing process and showcases the island’s diverse coffee varieties.
Tatler tip
Above Traditional caci dance (Photo: courtesy of Ta’aktana)
Above Weaver making kain songke, traditional Manggarai textile (Photo: courtesy of Ta’aktana)
Traditional caci dance (Photo: courtesy of Ta’aktana)
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Even though Ta’aktana has everything you need to stay comfortably within its walls, Flores—and especially the landscapes around Labuan Bajo—demands that you step outside. This corner of Indonesia is home to some of Asia’s most striking scenery, so don’t get complacent: make time to explore before you leave.
The island’s culture is shaped by its many tribes and traditions. Labuan Bajo, which covers just under 14 square kilometres, sits at the heart of Manggarai territory. The Manggarai people remain deeply connected to their heritage, and if you’re in the area, a visit to Melo Village is a must. There, locals perform the caci dance—a ritual marked by strength and rhythm, accompanied by traditional music, symbolising community and unity.
For those curious about craft or local customs, kain songke—the traditional Manggarai woven textile—is not to be missed. Head to Rumah Tenun Baku Peduli to see how these fabrics are made with natural pigments and ancient techniques passed through the generations. Each piece takes months to create, carrying generations of history in every thread.
Above Padar Island (Tatler Hong Kong/Alix Lefebvre)
Above Pink beach (Photo: courtesy of Ta’aktana)
Padar Island (Tatler Hong Kong/Alix Lefebvre)
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Beyond its rich culture, Labuan Bajo serves as the gateway to Komodo Island. Ta’aktana makes it easy to explore with full- and half-day island-hopping excursions, ideal for uncovering the natural wonders scattered across these waters. The island’s unique vegetation, which resembles moss and shifts colour with the seasons—yellow in the dry months, lush green in the cooler ones—is a sight in itself.
Flores is home to natural wonders you won’t find anywhere else. The Unesco protected Komodo National Park shelters the famous Komodo dragon, giant lizards native only to this region. Ta’aktana makes sure you won’t miss a thing—from Pink Beach, with its rare rosy sands now famous on social media, to Padar Island, known for its breathtaking panorama of three bays, each edged with a different-coloured beach.
Alix Lefebvre was the Assistant Manager of VIP Relations & Styling Coordinator at Tatler Hong Kong. Hailing from France, she has a wealth of experience in fashion from across Europe and Asia. When she’s not busy mingling at events, you’ll find her soaking up the energetic atmosphere of Hong Kong or planning her next trip.
