By ANRTV Jakarta Newsdesk
20 October, 2026
Overwater bungalows inspired by the Maldives and Tahiti could become a future feature of Nesara Bay City in Lombok, as LUX Property Group explores a tourism concept linking waterfront accommodation with better access to Indonesia’s islands.
Speaking in a video filmed in the Maldives, LUX Property Group founder Jamie McIntyre outlined his interest in bringing a similar accommodation experience to the Lombok development.
The vision centres on the potential for overwater stays around Nesara Bay City’s coastal setting, giving travellers another reason to venture beyond Bali.
The concept remains exploratory. Any development would depend on site suitability, environmental assessments, engineering and the necessary approvals. No confirmed opening date has been announced.
For McIntyre, however, the opportunity extends beyond the bungalows themselves. He argues that Indonesia needs a stronger seaplane industry to help visitors reach more of its island destinations.
Connecting Indonesia’s Islands
The Maldives offers a useful example of how distinctive accommodation and transport can work together. Overwater villas provide the attraction, while seaplane transfers help connect visitors with island resorts.
McIntyre believes Indonesia could expand that approach, making destinations such as Lombok, Sumbawa, Sumba and Flores easier to include in a holiday.
Rather than concentrating an entire trip in Bali, visitors could combine several islands, spreading accommodation spending, restaurant trade and tourism employment across more communities.
That argument aligns with Indonesia’s wider push to distribute tourism investment beyond established centres. In September, the Ministry of Tourism reiterated its efforts to encourage investment outside Jakarta and Bali, linking that expansion to jobs, business development and local prosperity. (kemenpar.go.id)
Seaplane Development Is Already Gaining Attention
The idea comes as seaplane operators and regional authorities explore new connections across the archipelago.
In April 2026, the West Nusa Tenggara provincial government described proposed seaplane links connecting destinations in Bali, Lombok, Sumbawa and Labuan Bajo, with a hub envisaged at Batujai in Central Lombok. (ntbprov.go.id)
More recently, Santai Seaplane announced discussions with Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism about widening access to island and coastal destinations. Its September announcement identified proposed water-landing locations including Benoa in Bali, Sira Beach and Mandalika in Lombok, and Labuan Bajo in Flores. These announcements are separate from the Nesara Bay City concept. (santaiseaplane.com)
McIntyre has suggested exploring whether Nesara Bay City’s lagoon could accommodate seaplane access. That remains a possibility to investigate, rather than a confirmed route or approved landing site.
A New Reason to Travel Beyond Bali
The appeal of the combined concept is straightforward: distinctive places to stay, connected by journeys that become part of the holiday experience.
For Lombok, overwater bungalows could add another accommodation option to its tourism offering. For Indonesia, a broader seaplane network could help turn interest in its islands into practical, multi-destination itineraries.
Whether the Nesara Bay City vision proceeds will depend on feasibility and approvals. But the proposal raises a timely question for Indonesian tourism: how can more of the country’s islands become easier to reach—and compelling enough for visitors to stay?
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