A Journey into the Wild with AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach
Shereen Shabnam
A one-hour flight from Bali delivers you into a different world. It is a land where dragons roam, beaches blush pink, and the ocean holds stories of ancient beauty. Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the planet’s last true frontiers, and my recent stay at AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach offered the perfect balance of wilderness adventure and refined five-star indulgence.
AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach, the first five-star resort at the edge of the park, became my base for discovery. The property’s 205 ocean-facing rooms frame sweeping views of the Flores Sea, while its elegant restaurants offered some of the best meals of my journey. Sunset cocktails and fresh seafood dinners under the stars at Kisik set the rhythm of my evenings, preparing me for days filled with exploration.
The heart of my adventure unfolded on an island-hopping tour, where we trekked across the rugged terrain of Komodo Island itself. There, I came face-to-face with three majestic Komodo dragons and even spotted a baby dragon darting playfully through the undergrowth — a rare and thrilling sight. These encounters felt like stepping back in time, to a prehistoric era when these giants ruled unchallenged.
The day also included a stop at the world-famous Pink Beach, where soft coral fragments tint the sand a delicate rose hue. We sailed and enjoyed crystalline waters, surrounded by vibrant marine life, before enjoying a freshly prepared lunch onboard, making the experience both exhilarating and restorative.
As a Fijian and an islander passionate about the sea, one of the most meaningful moments of my stay came during a coral planting session at the resort’s jetty. Guided by a marine biologist, I learned about reef health and biodiversity while placing fragments that will grow into living habitats for future generations of sea life. It was a hands-on reminder that luxury can coexist with conservation, leaving a legacy of care as well as enjoyment.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, I boarded AYANA Lako Sae for a sunset dinner cruise. The evening unfolded with a buffet of flavors, soft music, and the gentle sway of the vessel as it glided across the calm waters. Another highlight was a beachfront seafood dinner, reminiscent of Jimbaran’s famed barbecue nights, where freshly grilled fish and lobster were enjoyed barefoot on the sand.
AYANA Komodo offers more than just a luxurious stay; it curates a narrative where every day is a chapter of discovery. From sunrise yoga and kayaking in tranquil reefs to island treks and cultural encounters, the resort orchestrates a rhythm of adventure and repose. For me, Komodo was not just about ticking off sights. It was about immersion, connection, and renewal.
In Komodo, the dragons may be the headline, but the story is larger: pink sands, starry skies, living reefs, and a luxury retreat that makes it all seamlessly possible. With AYANA as the anchor, every experience in Komodo was elevated, intimate, and unforgettable.
