Review of Komodo’s best luxury hotel: Ayana Komodo

The Komodo national park is one of the most amazing places in the world with Komodo dragons, world-class diving, and stunning landscapes. With the opening of the AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach resort, Komodo’s best luxury hotel, it is now possible to stay in style. This was my tenth trip to Komodo!!! I have been going back almost every year and have seen the place grow — I have since returned many more times, and Komodo remains one of my favorite places on earth. I’ve now visited Komodo 20 times. I stayed at Ayana at the end of a 5-day diving trip and it is a great place to relax. Read on for my best tips on Komodo and Labuan Bajo.

How to Get to Labuan Bajo

Labuan Bajo, on the western tip of Flores, is the gateway to the Komodo National Park. It is served by Komodo International Airport (LBJ), just a short drive from town. Most hotels and resorts will arrange your airport pickup; otherwise, a taxi into town costs around 100,000 Rupiah (about 6 USD). The easiest way in is a domestic flight from Bali or Jakarta. From Bali, it is a short one-hour hop with 7–9 nonstop flights a day. From Jakarta, the nonstop takes about two and a half hours, with several departures every morning. My preferred airline for these routes is Garuda Indonesia: it is the most reliable carrier in the country and offers a free 23 kg sports equipment allowance on top of your standard checked baggage, which covers a full set of diving gear (one item per passenger — worth confirming with reservations a couple of days before departure). Note that Garuda’s Bali–Labuan Bajo service comes and goes with the seasons — at the time of writing the Bali nonstops are operated by AirAsia and Batik Air, while Garuda flies from Jakarta. After Garuda, my order of preference is AirAsia, then Batik Air, and Lion Air or Wings Air only as a last resort, as they are frequently delayed and charge for every kilo of dive gear. Batik Air deserves a special mention: their business class used to be poor value, but the service has clearly improved. They now serve drinks and a snack during the flight — on my last flight it was a cheese pizza, and it was actually tasty — and the seat is more comfortable too, a bit like a business class seat from the 80s. You can now also fly into Labuan Bajo directly from abroad, which saves the connection in Bali or Jakarta. AirAsia flies from Kuala Lumpur a couple of times a week, and Scoot launched a direct flight from Singapore in December 2025, currently two to three times a week. These are the only international routes for now, and frequencies change often, so check the current schedules when you plan your trip. One practical warning: Indonesian airline websites often reject international credit cards. If your payment fails on the airline’s own site, book through a platform like Trip.com, which sells all the Indonesian domestic carriers and processes foreign cards without drama. Getting to the AYANA Komodo resort from the airport is a short 15-minute scenic drive. You can book the airport transfer or there are plenty of taxis waiting outside of the airport that will take you to the hotel for about 100,000 rupiahs.

Check-in

My review of Komodo’s best luxury hotel has to start with the check-in. I arrived at the AYANA Komodo reception just before noon and there were a lot of people checking out. Fortunately, a few staff members were available and I didn’t wait too long to check in. I was offered a cold drink and towel and was quickly escorted to my room.

The rooms at AYANA Komodo Resort

The room is really comfortable. There are still no comparable rooms in terms of luxury available in Labuan Bajo. Decorated with wood and grey/beige tones, it is super relaxing, modern and practical. What makes the room stunning is the view over the Komodo National Park and Waecicu island.

The bed is super comfortable and I slept like a baby. I have not seen a mosquito or any other insects in the room.

The bathroom has a big bathtub from which you can see the sea if you open the bathroom curtain.

The room had all the standard amenities that one would expect from Komodo’s best luxury hotel including drinking water and tea/coffee making facilities. I loved the animal towels and the personal notes left by the staff. I also loved the Japanese-style bathrobe. Very convenient to go to the pool.

Tip 1: I also had a look at the suites. They are a bit bigger than the normal rooms. They are located on the corners and have more windows but they didn’t look that different from the normal rooms so I am not sure they are worth the money. Tip 2: Ask for a room on a high floor. They have a slightly nicer view.

The food at AYANA Komodo Resort

The AYANA Komodo has multiple restaurants and I got to try three of them. Rinca restaurant is located by the pool and has a nice sea view. It is the hotel’s main restaurant and has a buffet-type style of serving. I had breakfast there. The location is very pleasant with outside tables. Breakfast was quite diverse with a mix of Asian and European food. It is by far the best breakfast I have had in Komodo over all my years of visiting but comes a bit short of the best breakfasts in Bali for western food. Asian food was a good part of the breakfast. Honzen restaurant is located on the 8th floor of the hotel and also has a nice sea view. The food here is Japanese. The menu is extensive and I was very pleasantly surprised by the quality of the sushi. I had tried the other Japanese restaurant in Labuan Bajo a few days earlier. Honzen has much higher-quality sushi. Honzen restaurant does meet the standard of Komodo’s best luxury hotel.

Unique bar is located on the top floor of the hotel. It is outdoor and a great place to relax and watch the sunset. I had finger foods with cocktails and they were quite good.

Tip: Don’t miss the sunset. Labuan Bajo’s sunset is amongst the nicest sunsets I know. The end of the jetty is a nice place to watch it but the Unique rooftop bar is even nicer as you get a panoramic view of all the islands.

If you want to venture out of the hotel, Labuan Bajo’s main street is about 10 minutes away and it has a growing restaurant scene. One of the best Italian restaurants in the whole of Indonesia is located in Labuan Bajo so make sure you don’t miss it. Made in Italy has delicious Italian food with service to match. A booking is necessary. Especially if you are traveling in July or August, make sure you book your table a week in advance.

Tip: Made in Italy offers free car transport to and from the restaurant. — this was the case on my last visit, so worth confirming when you book.

The resort and activities at AYANA Komodo Resort

When I first visited in November 2018, the resort was still in the pre-opening phase. Despite a bit of construction noise here and there, the quality of the infrastructure and service was already very impressive, easily making it Komodo’s best luxury hotel. Many of the staff were still trainees, identifiable by their badges; nonetheless, they provided outstanding service. Years on, the resort has long since left those teething issues behind: it is now the firmly established luxury address in Labuan Bajo, the service has matured with the property, and it remains the benchmark every new hotel in town is measured against. The hotel is built alongside a cliff and is about 10 stories high. The architecture of the balconies is interesting and it feels very good being in the hotel as most places have an amazing sea view and the design is very pleasant. However, the hotel is also very built up. They have put a huge concrete building on 80 or 90% of their land. If all the landowners build so much on their land, it makes me wonder what will be left of Labuan Bajo’s coastline. I think if planning regulations are not put in place, it might end up in 10 years looking like the Costa Brava or Fort Lauderdale… The infinity pool overlooking the ocean is stunning. They have created an adult-only area which is a really nice touch for people wanting quiet.

For people with kids, there is a kids’ club that looks very pretty and has plenty of activities. When I visited, it cost 400,000–600,000 rupiahs for a half or full day — worth confirming current pricing before you book. The beach is also pretty but the water near the beach was a bit murky so not inviting for swimming. If you want to swim in the sea, the end of the jetty is much nicer. The jetty has a few lounge chairs at the end. What an amazing place to chill out. The AYANA Komodo resort also has a spa that looks very high-end. Unfortunately, I didn’t get time to try it. The gym is fabulous, right by the sea. They offer daily complimentary classes.

I tried yoga at the end of the day. The location on a platform in the sea is awesome.

The resort offers kayaks for rent. A trip to Komodo will not be complete without an encounter with the Komodo dragon at Rinca or Komodo island, which is a half-day or day trip away. For those wanting to explore further, Ayana also offers multi-day cruises on their luxury Phinisi boat AYANA Lako di’a. It is very convenient for people staying at AYANA Komodo as the boat departs from the hotel pier.

Tip: Bring a hat, sunscreen, and water as the islands where the Komodo dragons hang out are very hot with little shade.

Snorkeling and diving in Komodo

Most people come to Komodo for snorkeling and diving as the reefs are world-class. Due to the marine protected areas, no fishing is allowed in the national park so it is possible to see more big fish than in most places (sharks, manta rays, tunas, barracudas, dolphins…). For more diving inspiration, browse my diving reviews here. I also provide information about diving in Maumere and Kupang, which are only a short flight away from Labuan Bajo and are a great trip extension if you have more time. There is also a small reef for snorkeling at the end of the jetty in front of the hotel. It is so close to town, I wasn’t expecting much. But I decided to explore it before breakfast. Swimming in the sea early in the morning is a great way to wake up. It was better than expected with quite a few corals and fish. Of course, it doesn’t compare to the reefs in the national park. So, make sure you book day trips to the various islands and dive sites.

Tip: From the jetty, the reef is straight and to the left. I found the section on the left side of the jetty the prettiest. The first few minutes only had tiny corals but if you keep going for about 10 minutes until the drop-off, it becomes prettier.

Note: my pictures are a bit murky because I was there around the full moon. It was very windy and the water visibility was therefore not that great.

Where to stay in Komodo: is AYANA the best choice?

For most travelers, yes — AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach is the best hotel on Komodo’s doorstep, and after visiting Labuan Bajo for well over a decade I have watched every alternative open and none has matched it for the combination of true five-star rooms, sea views from everywhere, and its own jetty into the national park. The realistic alternatives are staying on a liveaboard or Phinisi charter inside the park itself (the better choice if diving is your sole focus), or the simpler hotels in Labuan Bajo town if budget is the priority. If you want luxury on land in Komodo, this is still the only real answer — which is exactly why it books out in the dry season.

How much does AYANA Komodo cost?

Deluxe Ocean View rooms typically start around USD 350–500+ per night (checked mid-2026), with suites and the full-panorama corner rooms commanding a premium — and July–August dry-season dates pricing well above the rest of the year. By Maldives or Bali-beach-club standards that is strong value for a full five-star resort at the gate of a UNESCO World Heritage national park. Book well ahead for the dry season, and compare rates across booking sites before you commit.

Compare AYANA Komodo rates on trip.com →

When is the best time to visit Komodo?

The dry season from April to November is the best time for most visitors: calm seas, reliable boat trips, and the classic golden-brown island landscapes. July and August are peak months — book everything early. I have also dived Komodo in the wet season, and it has its own rewards: the islands turn green, the crowds vanish, and the south of the park (Manta Alley) delivers some of the best manta ray action of the year between roughly December and February. There is no bad time — just different Komodos.

Conclusion

The AYANA Komodo resort is by far Komodo’s best luxury hotel. It is a stunning property that invites relaxation. This resort caters to individuals and families but also to business people due to the large number of meeting rooms they have. The Komodo national park is a must-do destination and this is the place to be while in Komodo. Make sure you allow a few extra days in your itinerary to chill by the pool.

Check availability at AYANA Komodo →

Dry-season dates (April–November) book out early — especially sea-view rooms in July and August.

FAQ: AYANA Komodo and Labuan Bajo

How do you get to AYANA Komodo resort?

Fly to Labuan Bajo (about 1 hour from Bali, with frequent daily flights from Denpasar and Jakarta), then it’s a 15-minute drive to the resort. Book the hotel transfer or take an airport taxi. Garuda is the most reliable airline and allows 20 kg of luggage.

Where should you stay for Komodo National Park?

Stay in Labuan Bajo, the park’s gateway town — AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach is its only true five-star resort, with a private jetty for park trips. Divers focused purely on diving should consider a liveaboard inside the park instead, or combine both as I do.

Is AYANA Komodo good for non-divers?

Yes. Komodo dragon day trips to Rinca or Komodo island, snorkeling, kayaking, the infinity pool, spa, sea-platform yoga, and sunset at the rooftop bar fill several days easily. The house reef off the jetty is a pleasant surprise for casual snorkelers.

Can you swim at the AYANA Komodo beach?

The beach itself is pretty but the water close to shore can be murky. Swim from the end of the jetty instead — the water is clearer, there are lounge chairs, and the small house reef starts right there.

When is the best time to visit Komodo?

April to November (dry season) for calm seas and reliable boat trips, with July–August the busy peak. December to February is manta season in the park’s south — wetter and quieter, but spectacular underwater.

Related reading

Many guests combine a stay at the Ayana with a liveaboard — my latest is the Moana liveaboard review, a boutique 10-guest boat departing 10 minutes from the hotel. Extending your Flores trip? Read my guides to diving Maumere and Kupang, both a short flight from Labuan Bajo. If Indonesian liveaboards tempt you, my Emperor Harmoni Raja Ampat review covers the country’s other legendary dive destination, and you can browse all my first-hand diving reviews here and hotel reviews here. Have you ever experienced the AYANA Komodo resort? I would love to hear from you! You can leave a comment below.