The only tourist development on the south coast is KUTA, 54km from Mataram and 32km from Praya, a tiny fishing village situated behind a sweeping, white beach. It's ideal for a few quiet days by the sea, especially if you like wild coastal scenery and turbulent surf. Apart from the Sunday and Wednesday markets, the area is extremely quiet.
Kuta days revolve around the beach or pool. You can hire surf boards at Mimpi Manis and Kimen Surf in the village (Rp20,000 per day) and arrange fishing trips from Mimpi Manis (3hr Rp250,000; full day Rp600,000) and they'll grill your catch for dinner. The only dive operator in the area, Dive Zone at Novotel Lombok, knows of sites for all levels of experience.
The main road runs just inland from the beach and accommodation is spread for about 500m on the far side of the road, so don't expect cottages on the beach. There are also places in the village.