Innit: A Vernacular of Light and Sand in the East

Words & Photos by Kerol Izwan. 

If there is one thing Innit must lead with, it is the architecture. Yet, fortunately, the resort offers much more than what first meets the eye. The one-hour drive from the airport toward Lombok Timur is unmistakably a journey to the East. While you can technically choose to check in by boat from a nearby port, the rainy season made the road the more favourable option for my trip. Between you and me, I actually prefer the road. It allows for an uninterrupted landscape view and the chance to capture photos of the local villages. Winding through these areas, the scenery shifts from the flat emerald of paddy fields to golden corn crops and rolling hills. Lombok is green, vibrantly so, offering a lush welcome long before you arrive at the gates.

Photo above: The beautiful landscape of the hills of Lombok Timur, where golden corn is planted for a few months before the land is replanted with tobacco.

Photo above: The entrance boulevard leading to Innit, stretching about 100 meters.

Upon arrival, a cemented path framed by a bamboo boulevard creates a zen-like welcome. It feels like a transition point, as if you are ready to board into a new world—straight into "Innit heaven," if you will. The "white box" I had seen so many times in pictures was finally in front of my eyes. Up close, the illusion of a solid box gives way to a slender wooden design, meticulously crafted to ensure optimal natural light floods the home. Interestingly, these two-storey structures have no stairs; instead, an accessible ascended-descended pathway in two straight, uneven lines connects the floors. It is a thoughtful design that ensures perfect mobility for the disabled while allowing natural light to shower gently over the entire walkway. This lack of traditional stairs changes how you move through the space; it feels less like climbing and more like drifting between levels.

Photo above: From the parking compound, you’re welcomed by this pathway leading to the poolside restaurant, where you will check in.

Photo above: Innit from the back — serene and quaint.

The story of Innit began with a moment of discovery twenty years ago. The founder Michal Tyles, a Slovakian hotelier with deep roots in Bali, fell in love with Ekas Bay instantly. Captivated by the secluded topography and the feeling of a private island hidden within a larger one, Michal’s vision took two decades to fully materialize. Designed by the prolific Andra Matin, alongside Gregorius Supie Yolodi and Maria Rosantina, Innit was born in 2022 from this core vision of slowness. The seven properties are inspired by the Lumbung, the vernacular village house of the Sasak people. The ground floor has no flooring in the traditional sense; it is composed entirely of natural beach sand, just meters from the tide.

When I arrived, the staff greeted me with the warmest smiles. After a quick check-in, I found myself lounging on that sand floor for a good half hour before even heading upstairs. With a view of the beach, a welcoming drink, and some fresh fruit, it was a simple but deeply meaningful start to the stay. Throughout my time there, the rain was relentless, yet the downpour only deepened the sense of sanctuary. With floor-to-ceiling glass framing the ocean, the room becomes a cocoon. There is a specific comfort in watching the rain chase across the water while remaining perfectly sheltered. Whether you choose to work from the comfort of the bed or spend the hours doomscrolling (no judgment here) the space invites you to simply be. The architecture is designed so that even when you are inside, you are never truly disconnected from the rhythm of the island. You hear the rain hitting the wooden slats, a rhythmic and percussive sound that lulls you into a state of total relaxation.

Photo above: The view from the room facing the beach at Innit Lombok — an intentional design that creates a seamless indoor–outdoor experience.

Photo above: Minimalism at its core, incorporating symmetrical lines inspired by the traditional Sasak house, the Lumbung.

Photo above: The ground sand floor with a raised pathway leading to the first floor, where two rooms await — one facing the beach, the other overlooking the natural landscape at the back.

During one of the days, I had the chance to meet Matthew Angga, the resort manager and experienced chef. We talked about the humble beginnings and the fondest stories of how Innit started. Not a native to Lombok himself, Matthew shared how moving to the island was a bit of a leap out of his comfort zone after working in many other countries. For him, and for the project itself, Lombok has become a welcoming home away from home. We discussed how the kitchen operates with a "local first" mentality—sourcing the catch of the day from the very boats you see on the horizon. This spirit is felt most clearly at Anakampung, the heart of the resort. Perched at the edge of a hill, the restaurant is an open space dedicated to communal dining. The name translates to "village child," and the food is sourced directly from the local fishing villages. Every meal feels like a bridge between the guest and the land.

Photo above: A majestic view of Lombok Timur’s hills, with a green canvas stretching across, Anakampung Restaurant quaintly perched below, and the pool in the foreground.

Photo above: Anakampung Restaurant, highlighting its communal seating arrangement.

As of 2026, Innit is now slowly looking to host more events at the property. With only seven villas, limitation is a challenge, but one can never find the true meaning of hosting if size is the main agenda. To Innit, offering the best experience is what matters. This philosophy is one of the many reasons why the upcoming expansion of the Bridge Hotel is so crucial. It will ensure that more people—from single travelers and couples to families and large groups—can experience Innit all at once. For now, however, these seven properties are more than enough to sustain the momentous dream visit for any guest.

The atmosphere here is shaped by the soundtrack of the island: chirping birds, the rustle of leaves in the sea breeze, and the rhythmic pulse of the waves. I found myself sitting for hours at Anakampung, taking it all in before retreating to the sandy lounge of my ground floor. It is in those moments, with sandy feet and the golden hues of a sunset, where you truly learn to soak in the stillness. The staff, many recruited locally with no prior background in hospitality, deliver a warmth that cannot be taught. You can feel the pride they take in their work, and their genuine smiles make the experience feel far more like staying at a friend’s home than a resort.

Photo above: Anakampung’s menu, ranging from local to Western dishes, available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

By night, Innit transforms into a gigantic, glowing lightbox. Clad in wooden slats that envelope the structure, the buildings blend into the coastline without overpowering it. From the shore, the resort looks like a collection of lanterns resting on the sand, a stark but beautiful contrast to the deep black of the Ekas Bay night. Looking ahead, the journey continues with the visionary Bridge Hotel complex designed by the same architecture team. The concept involves a structure that spans across the landscape like a bridge, further connecting modern design with the raw, quiet beauty of the coast. As the sun sets and the lights flicker on, you realize that Innit isn't just about a place to sleep. It is about an idea that architecture, when done with enough heart and enough time, can actually make us feel more human.

Photo: The view of Innit in Lombok — design at its finest.

Editor’s Note: If you are planning to visit Innit Lombok, you may book your reservation via their official website. Since the rooms are limited, we suggest you plan your stay early to ensure availability.

Glossary:

Sasak – The indigenous people of Lombok, known for their unique culture and traditional architecture / Lumbung – Traditional Sasak rice barns, elevated with curved roofs, inspiring the design of Innit’s structures.