Ocean views, island vibes & a trip to Ndana – we stayed at Eliana Resort & Spa on Rote Island for two nights of fishing and outdoor adventures.
If you’re looking for an island escape where you can switch off from the world, Eliana Resort & Spa might be the perfect place. Our recent stay here was all about soaking in the barefoot island vibes, indulging in some much-needed downtime, and throwing in some ocean adventures. Located in a serene corner of Rote Island close to Boa (approximately 20 minutes from the main Nemberala strip), Eliana Resort & Spa is the kind of place where you can truly unwind.
Rote Island: Getting there & finding Eliana Resort & Spa
Eliana Resort & Spa is located on Rote Island, a hidden gem in eastern Indonesia, known for its unspoiled beaches and laid-back island vibes. Getting to Rote Island from Bali is straightforward but time-consuming — you can take a flight from Bali’s Ngurah Rai Airport to Kupang (the capital of East Nusa Tenggara), followed by a connecting flight or ferry ride to Rote. It’s a bit off the beaten path, but that’s part of the charm.
Arriving in Rote, Eliana Resort & Spa will pick you up and whisk you away to their secluded cove, tucked away with views of the ocean and easy access to nearby islands. It’s the perfect base for exploring Rote’s natural beauty while still enjoying the comfort of the resort.
The resort experience
Eliana Resort & Spa is designed for those who want to switch off, kick off their sandals and relax in a place that feels faraway from the rest of the world. The resort has a boutique feel, with a small number of rooms that keep things intimate. The infinity pool is the perfect place to laze away the afternoon, with ocean views and tropical cocktails on demand (we tried the pineapple mojito).
As for the staff? They are absolutely lovely. From the warm welcome to the little touches (like cold towels on arrival and helping to arrange our return tickets home) they made us feel like part of the Eliana family.
The Ocean View Suite: All about the views
Let’s start with the room. The Ocean View Suite lives up to its name with views of the ocean above a horizon of trees. The large windows and private balcony make the most of the natural beauty surrounding the resort, and there’s nothing quite like sipping your morning coffee while the sun rises over the water.
The room itself is simple, clean, and comfortable — no over-the-top luxury, but everything you need for a relaxing stay. We particularly loved the bathroom, where a deep soaking tub is perfectly positioned to take in views of swaying palms. The resort is also home to Ocean View Cottages, a Cliff Villa and the Joglo Mansion.
Dining at Eliana
Eliana Resort & Spa is tucked away in a quiet part of the island, so you’ll definitely want to make the most of the on-site dining at Mahi Mahi Restaurant. You’ll find everything from seafood and salads to burgers and sandwiches, but we particularly recommend the Indonesian favourites, like nasi goreng and beef rendang. The bar also offers a creative cocktail menu — the sunset margarita became our go-to for evening drinks while watching the sky turn shades of pink and orange.
Things to do at Eliana Resort
One of the best parts of staying at Eliana is that you’re surrounded by Rote’s incredible nature. For those who love the ocean, snorkelling and fishing are two must-do activities that are easily accessible from the resort, and Eliana is one of the only resorts on Rote that stays open throughout the wet season (December – March) meaning it’s a great base for deep sea fishing and spearfishing (which is best during the off-season).
If snorkelling is your thing, you’ll find crystal-clear waters right in front of Eliana. The nearby coral reefs are teeming with marine life, and the water is calm, making it perfect for both beginners and more experienced snorkellers. We would actually recommend taking a boat trip to explore more hidden spots, while fishing enthusiasts can arrange private deep sea fishing excursions, or join a local fishing trip. The resort can help arrange everything, and it’s the perfect way to spend a day enjoying the island’s natural beauty.
Day trip to Ndana Island: a must-do adventure
If you’re staying at Eliana Resort & Spa, you’ll want to book a day trip to Ndana Island, as it sits directly across the bay. We jumped on a local boat for a half-day excursion to this beautiful, lesser-known island, and it was easily the highlight of our stay. The island itself is like something out of a movie — soft white sand, crystal-clear water, and plenty of space to explore.
We spent the morning surfing, swimming in the ocean and exploring the reef. After that, we tucked into a pre-packed picnic on the beach, with fresh salad. It was the kind of day where time slipped away, and before we knew it, we were back at the resort, lounging in the sun, completely content.
Eliana Resort & Spa, Boa, Rote Barat, Rote Ndao Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, p. +62 380 858 1100.
