ISLE BE THERE
Unusual exotic island resort that looks just like Santorini – despite being thousands of miles away
And a lido in the UK that has even been compared to Greece
A TINY island resort is said to look just like Santorini - despite being nowhere near it.
When you think of Bali, you think of beautiful tropical jungles and green rice fields, not Greek islands.
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Yet one of the islands is home to a hotel that is just like Santorini, despite being more than 6,000 miles away.
Loccal Collection Hotel is built into the cliffs of Labuan Bajo cliffs, on Flores Island.
The island, set to be the "new Bali" is a short flight from the mainland, the hotel is painted in the iconic hues of bright white and blue, just like Santorini.
The four-star hotel has cave like rooms similar to the Greek island, as well as bright blue sunloungers and whitewashed walls.
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The main restaurant Sangkar Lobster Restaurant, has amazing sea views but brings you back to Indonesia with it's cuisine.
This includes fresh lobster and Nasi Goreng, a famous rice dish.
There is even a cave spa to take advantage of, or day trips such as Komodo cruises and boat excursions.
Some of the rooms have their own pool, or there is a main pool with in-water loungers.
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The fanciest room is the Hempa Rae Suite, with a private plunge pool and balcony.
Or you can upgrade to a villa room which has a cave pool.
The Greek island quieter than Crete and Santorini – and much cheaper as well
It can be booked for as little as £55 a night - much cheaper than hotels on the Greek island.
Previous guests raved about the hotel too.
One person said: "A unique combination of Santorini architecture and Labuan Bajo view."
Another agreed: "Great place to stay if you want to feel like you are staying in Santorini in Indonesia."
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Another way it is similar to Santorini is it being the "best place on the island for sunsets" according to guests too.
showing images of the resort, saying "Europe inspired hotel located only an hour from Bali".
People were just as stunned in the comments, with one person writing: "When are we going?"
Another simply said: "So pretty."
To get to the island, the fastest way is for Brits to fly with Emirates, changing at Dubai before travelling to Bali, taking around 17 hours.
It's then an hour flight from Bali International Airport to Komodo International Airport.
Elsewhere in Bali, we've revealed the "theme park for influencers" which costs jus £2.50 to enter - but has flower swings and outfits for photo-taking.
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Another unusual island in Bali
Travel writer Scott Campbell went to the island of Sumba, loved by celebs.
Sumba is said to be the "one of the most beautiful islands" despite there being more than 18,000.
One local told me: "The 23-year-old added: “Sumba offers so many things on one island. You’ll see beautiful waterfalls, beautiful hills, beautiful people and beautiful animals at the same time.
“It’s still undiscovered and not that many people go there. It’s slowly growing, but it’s untouched and still so pretty.
“We Sumbanese love tourists, and we celebrate them in our lives. If a foreign visitor talks to a local kid, they will be in awe all day.
Although you’ll find everything from deer to monkeys and near-extinct birds on Sumba, the island’s most important animals are the horses.
One place to glimpse the island’s equine population in a more peaceful setting is on Nihiwatu beach next to the exclusive NIHI Sumba eco-resort – which has twice been named the best hotel in the world and even has its own resident “horse whisperer”.
It’s an A-list haven that has drawn stars including Heidi Klum, Christian Bale and the Beckhams, while Jennifer Lawrence is said to have splashed out tens of thousands of pounds a night to stay for her honeymoon in 2019.
If you don't fancy leaving the UK, here's a beach that has been compared to Bali.
And here's an 126-year-old lido which people say is "more like Greece".
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