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Indonesia’s Gili Islands don’t have any ultra-luxury resorts or even name-brand hotel chains. And that’s what makes them so charming. This is a place that’s full of genuine warmth, homespun hospitality and a blissful simplicity.
And these 8 resorts fit the bill.
The freestanding one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom villas at this resort on Gili Trawangan each has its own private pool. And not just a plunge pool—a full-size pool. Inside, they have pretty teak furnishings and modern conveniences. They come with a daily breakfast delivery and, on request, room service for other meals, a private barbecue set-up or in-villa spa treatments from the in-house therapist.
This secluded haven is just a few minutes from the busy main strip in Gili Trawangan, but so peaceful. A private beach is just steps from the bungalows, which are spacious and tricked out with many luxuries, such as big beds, air-conditioning and open-air bathrooms, under their alang-alang thatched roofs. The Santi Restaurant and Lounge Bar serve a mix of local and international dishes.
Gili Meno is the least developed, most charming of the three main Gili Islands. The tranquil barefoot luxury of Karma Reef is well suited to that laid-back vibe. Guests have access to a secret beach, where they can have spa treatments, fresh seafood or cocktails. The bungalows are beachfront, and the safari-style tents all have sea views.
The word kuno means “ancient” in English. I’d say the boutique resort feels more out-of-time than old, but it was built by traditional craftsmen with Indonesian, French and English influences. One of the primary building materials was reclaimed teak wood from the antique Javanese houses, called joglos of noble families. Along with rooms in a hotel-style building, which share a swimming pool, there are a number of villas with private pools. They embody indoor-outdoor living at its best.
Gili Asahan is even less populated than Gili Meno. This eco lodge aims to put guests in close touch with the island’s pristine nature. Thus, a number of the rooms are largely open-air, in the traditional Indonesian bale style. They have bamboo blinds and dividers for privacy and shade, and fans to move the cool sea breezes rather than air conditioners. Some have private bathrooms—others, private bathrooms within shared facilities. Should you like to play Robinson Crusoe with more comfort, the bungalows, beach houses and cottages have more amenities.
In English, desa dunia beda means “a different world village,” and that’s exactly what this luxury hotel on a beachfront stretch of Gili Trawangan offers. It consists of renovated old teak houses with traditional construction from Java. It has only 12 villas, the better for guests’ privacy. There is also a saltwater swimming pool and a restaurant and bar—overseen by an Indonesian chef—with a tremendous view of the beach and the sunset.
On another of the most untouched Gilis, Ko-Ko-Mo combines the unspoiled with the kind of beauty and pampering that spoils you. Its beachfront location gives it superb views over the turquoise Indian Ocean. The luxury villas are white, bright and very spacious. The kitchen is overseen by a well-regarded ex-Sydney chef and heavily influenced by local seafood that is caught daily nearby. Bread, croissants and desserts are made in-house, and the wine list includes Italian and French wines, Prosecco and Champagne in additional to the usual New World wines found in the islands.
