I travel often, and it’s rare for a resort to truly surprise me—but Ayana Resort in Labuan Bajo, Flores did exactly that. What started as a casual visit for sunset drinks turned into one of the best resort stays I’ve ever had. The sunset alone was enough to make us want to come back—it was honestly one of the most spectacular I’ve ever seen, with colours so surreal they felt almost unreal.
Even though Ayana was five times the price of where we were originally staying, it was worth every cent. After an incredible dinner at the Japanese restaurant, we knew we had to return—so we did. A few days later, we booked in, extended our stay, and even missed our flight just to enjoy it longer. No regrets.
Location | Ayana Resort sits on the island of Flores, Indonesia, overlooking crystal-clear turquoise waters. The private resort marina is easily one of the best features, offering a calm, secluded spot to swim, relax, and take in the view.
The Details | From the moment we checked in (or in my case, tried to check in while panicking that I’d lost my wallet while throwing my clothes across the foyer), everything about Ayana was seamless and luxurious.
Yes, I spent a ridiculous amount of time frantically searching through my luggage, convinced I’d lost my wallet before I could even get my room key. I was freaking out, only to later realise… I’d left it at home.. In Australia. Oops. Thankfully, the staff were lovely and patient while I spiralled.
Once I finally got into my room, it was pure bliss—spacious, beautifully designed, with a private balcony overlooking the ocean.
Ayana’s pools are absolutely stunning, and I made the most of them—lounging around in the sun, coconut in hand, fully embracing island life. In the afternoons, they even bring around refreshing sorbet, which is such a small but perfect touch.
Then there’s the marina, my absolute favourite part of the resort. I had to work while I was there, so I set myself up at the marina bar with my laptop, cocktails, and plates of fresh ceviche, taking swim breaks in between emails. The water was perfectly still—no waves, no current—just absolute relaxation. If I had to work anywhere, this was the dream spot.
Every evening, the sunsets were unreal. The sky would light up with dreamy, vibrant colours, making it one of the most magical places I’ve ever watched the sun go down.
And then there was the banana. A simple frozen banana, dipped in chocolate, dusted in coconut, and served as an ice block—so good!
The perfect post-swim snack, ridiculously good in the tropical heat, and something I now crave constantly. In fact, I’m going to make them now.
Food & Drink | The food at Ayana was consistently excellent, whether at the casual marina bar or the resort restaurants.
- The Japanese restaurant was one of the best meals of the trip, serving top-quality sushi, sashimi, and grilled dishes.
- Breakfast at the buffet was a standout, with a mix of fresh fruit, eggs, juices, and international dishes. I loved trying Indonesian porridge alongside my usual breakfast staples.
- Cocktails at the marina bar were the perfect way to end the day—paired with fresh ceviche and that frozen banana, of course.
Things to Do
- Private Resort Island & Snorkelling – A quick five-minute boat ride takes you to a private island bay where you can snorkel straight from the shore. The coral is vibrant, the reef is thriving, and the marine life is incredible. I saw a grandfather Nemo fish—faded in colour but still so beautiful—swimming alongside the bright orange clownfish. Snorkelling is my happy place. I feel so calm and curious and time just flies. I snorkelled so much on this trip that I lost my voice!
- Sunrise Yoga Over the Ocean – The complimentary yoga sessions were the perfect way to start the day, with the ocean breeze and the sound of the waves in the background.
- Marine Biologist Experience – The resort offers a guided snorkelling tour with a marine biologist, where you can explore the coral reef and learn about conservation. I didn’t get to do this, but it’s top of my list for next time.
The Service | The staff at Ayana were incredible, going above and beyond to make sure every detail was perfect. Their warmth and attention to detail made the experience feel effortless. Even when I was freaking out about my wallet, they remained calm and patient… probably while silently laughing at me.
Why I’d Return | For the sunsets, the pools, the marina, the snorkelling, and the complete sense of relaxation. And, of course, for the frozen banana.
Final Thoughts | If you’re heading to Labuan Bajo, Flores, and want luxury, stunning ocean views, and a truly magical atmosphere, Ayana is worth every bit of the hype (and the price tag). Whether you’re here for world-class snorkelling, a private island adventure, or simply the best sunset you’ll ever see, this place delivers.
