The quiet shores of Tanjung Aan Beach in Central Lombok are no longer just a secret getaway for surfers and sunseekers. In 2025, this idyllic coastline is taking center stage in Indonesia’s tourism transformation—with the announcement of a IDR 2.1 trillion (approx. USD 130 million) luxury resort project backed by global investors and developed under Marriott’s Luxury Collection brand.
But this is more than just another luxury hotel. It’s part of the government-backed Mandalika Special Economic Zone (SEZ)—a 1,175-hectare masterplan led by the Indonesia Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), the same entity that shaped Bali’s famed Nusa Dua.
For investors, the question is no longer if Lombok will emerge as a serious tourism contender. The real question is: Can Tanjung Aan become the next Nusa Dua in Lombok—and is now the time to invest?
The Big Picture: Why Lombok, Why Now?
Indonesia has made it clear: it wants to reduce overdependence on Bali and spread tourism more evenly across the archipelago. To achieve this, the government has identified five “super-priority destinations” as the future face of Indonesian travel. Among them, Mandalika in Lombok stands out for its rapid development, clear infrastructure roadmap, and alignment with sustainable investment principles.
Tanjung Aan is a key piece of this vision. Located on the eastern flank of the Mandalika SEZ, it’s a beach known for its sweeping white sands, swimmable waters, and raw natural beauty. Unlike many saturated Southeast Asian beachfronts, Tanjung Aan still feels untouched—a rarity that adds value for long-term real estate, hospitality, and wellness investments.
The IDR 2.1 trillion resort, expected to begin construction in late 2025, aims to activate this region as a luxury enclave. And with major backing from both government and international investors, the plan is moving from vision to reality.
Understanding the Project: The Full Picture
The upcoming development at Tanjung Aan is the result of a powerful joint venture between Indonesia Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), international hotel operators, and strategic investment partners from Japan and the UAE. ITDC, the state-owned enterprise responsible for developing Bali’s Nusa Dua, continues to act as the master planner and landholder for the Mandalika Special Economic Zone (SEZ), ensuring the project benefits from institutional backing and long-term stability.
What’s being developed is a 5-star luxury resort under Marriott International’s Luxury Collection brand—one of the most prestigious in their global portfolio. Spanning approximately 10 hectares (100,000 m²), the resort will showcase high-end architecture, wellness-integrated facilities, and a focus on eco-conscious design, making it a cornerstone of Lombok’s premium tourism ambitions.
The project officially moved forward with the signing of a Land Utilization and Development Agreement (LUDA) in April 2025. Construction is scheduled to begin in Q4 2025, with a projected soft opening in 2028. That timeline gives early investors the advantage of entering before full market maturity.
Geographically, the resort will be located on Tanjung Aan Beach, a stunning natural cove along the southeastern corridor of the Mandalika SEZ. It lies approximately 17 kilometers—a 30-minute drive—from Lombok International Airport, offering excellent accessibility for both domestic and international visitors.
This development isn’t just a hospitality upgrade—it’s a strategic move in alignment with Indonesia’s vision of decentralizing tourism and channeling foreign capital into carefully planned, sustainable economic zones. By activating the eastern stretch of Mandalika, this project will serve as a magnet for supporting developments in real estate, wellness, retail, and entertainment.
Structurally, the resort operates under the LUDA model, wherein ITDC grants long-term development and operational rights to the consortium while retaining land ownership. This model not only offers security and regulatory clarity for investors but also ensures that the development aligns with the broader master plan for Mandalika.
What Makes Tanjung Aan an Investment Magnet?
1. Unmatched Natural Beauty
The beach is postcard-perfect—curved bays, crystal-clear waters, and soft powdery sand. More importantly, it remains undeveloped, creating ideal conditions for curated luxury and privacy. For discerning travelers—and by extension, investors—this makes it a prime location for high-end retreats.
2. Accessibility and Connectivity
Lombok’s tourism infrastructure has seen a quiet revolution. With international airport upgrades, new ferry terminals, and expanded roadways, Mandalika is easier to access than ever. Fast boat services from Bali and direct flights from Jakarta, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur make the destination increasingly viable for both regional and international travelers.
3. Government-Backed Stability
Mandalika is not an independent resort zone—it is a state-endorsed SEZ with full infrastructure, tax incentives, and legal support. This government framework offers investors enhanced security and reduced entry barriers. Think legally structured land ownership, investment licensing facilitation, and corporate tax benefits.
4. Brand Momentum and Developer Credibility
Having ITDC and Marriott’s Luxury Collection attached to the project enhances credibility. This is not a speculative land grab—it’s a fully backed, contractually secured luxury development in one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing tourism markets.
Strategic Implications for Investors
So, what does this mean for those looking to invest in Lombok today?
A. Real Estate Opportunities
Land around Tanjung Aan is still undervalued compared to Bali, but that won’t last long. As this development breaks ground, surrounding areas are likely to see rapid appreciation. Smart investors are already scouting adjacent lots for boutique villas, eco-lodges, wellness centers, or supporting F&B outlets.
B. Business Partnerships
Hospitality brands, architects, construction firms, and sustainable product suppliers have significant B2B entry points. From modular building suppliers to spa product vendors, this new enclave creates a full-service ecosystem for growth.
C. Yield + Lifestyle
Lombok offers the rare dual appeal of lifestyle and ROI. Investors can enjoy personal use of their properties while benefiting from long-term rental demand. With low holding costs and no annual property tax in many cases, margins are favorable even in the early years.
FAQ
What is the “next Nusa Dua in Lombok”?
It refers to the planned five-star resort at Tanjung Aan Beach, part of the Mandalika SEZ, envisioned as a premier luxury tourism hub in Indonesia—backed by ITDC and global partners.
Why should you invest in Lombok now?
Because the market is still early-stage, land prices remain accessible, and government-backed developments like Tanjung Aan provide institutional confidence and long-term upside potential.
A Moment That Won’t Repeat
There’s a reason insiders are calling this “the Seminyak moment of Lombok.” But unlike Seminyak or Uluwatu—where land prices have already hit ceilings—Tanjung Aan remains in its infancy.
The next Nusa Dua in Lombok may not look exactly like its Balinese predecessor—and that’s the point. Lombok offers a clean slate for modern luxury development, with sustainable design, wellness integration, and cultural authenticity built into its DNA.
The coming years will define Lombok’s identity on the global stage. With a strong foundation, international interest, and clear vision, Tanjung Aan is more than a destination—it’s an opportunity.
