18 Stunning Beachfront Gili Islands Hotels where You Can Wake Up to Ocean Views (Gili Trawangan, Gili Air and Gili Meno)

Written by Shannon Osztonits
Co-written by Nadia Crowe and Muhammad Hanif
Edited by Beverley Lennon and Candice Neo

If you’re tired of the overcrowded beaches in Bali and are looking for somewhere near with similar culture, yet adorned with the clearest blue sea and untrodden idyllic white sand beaches, the Gili Islands in Lombok might be your answer.

Here, we’ve collected some of the gems in the Gilis – hotels, resorts, villas and bungalows that boast beautiful views of the ocean AND are right on the beach itself: waking up to beach scenes every morning and the sound of crashing waves.

With the ocean a few steps away from your room, and some of Indonesia’s best snorkelling with turtles – easily doable in the waters in front, what more could you ask for?

Note: The prices reflected below are seasonal rates, and they exclude tax and service charges. Accommodation rates often change with room availability, and low or high seasons. We recommend double checking for the final prices before confirming your booking.

Read More:
The first-timer’s guide to Lombok: Best of things to do, attractions, beaches, islands and hotels!
Ultimate guide to Lombok: 38 Extraordinary things to do you never knew existed!
The complete guide to Gili islands (Trawangan, Meno and Air)
5D4N Best of Lombok and Gili Meno itinerary for beaches, fun adventure and spectacular views!

Where you can party it up: Gili Trawangan

Vibey and always buzzing, Gili T is the largest of the three sister islands, where most travellers make their Gili Islands’ base. There’s always a party on; boutiques and plenty of restaurants line the beachfront, and you can go snorkelling too.

1. Surround yourself with the colour of candyfloss!: PinkCoco Gili Trawangan (Adults-only)

There’s just something about the colour pink that makes you feel all young and carefree inside.

At PinkCoco, this feeling is emulated throughout the resort, and what makes it even better is its location – right on the beach so you can hop straight from your room and head down to the sea without even skipping a beat!

Don’t miss out on their famous sunset sessions where you’ll have the best vantage point for one of Gili T’s magical moments along with some good beats playing in the background to set the vibe perfectly!

Now, don’t skip on the classic – hop on the overwater swing and do just like real Instagrammers do!

P.S. PinkCoco is officially an adults-only stay, with no guests under 16 years old.

2. The white sand beach is just one look away: Pearl of Trawangan

Have you ever dreamed of waking up to a cloak of fine white sand beach and surrounded by pristine azure waters? Couple that with vistas of both Mount Agung and Mount Rinjani and you couldn’t ask for a better wake-up call!

Pearl of Trawangan is better than your dream. With this affordable budget, you will be able to get direct access to a quiet, beautiful beach on Gili Trawangan.

If you want to enjoy a bit more luxury and an expansive view of the ocean from your room, you can spend a night in their ocean-view room.

Laze the afternoon away as you sunbathe by the beach with the mild summer breeze and a beer (or two) in hand.

You’ll love to splash around in their two exclusive pools, too: one on the beachfront, the other in the midst of the garden.

What’s more, you can even enjoy all your meals right on the beach itself! Can life get any better than this?

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3. For all the feels of a private island: The Gili Beach Resort

Before your jaw drops when you scope the price of this dreamy locale, straight off the bat you should know that these four-bedroom villas sleep up to eight pax – so technically, if you wanna divide this between your travelling troupe, it works out to be a really affordable option!

Now, just wait until you do get a load of this beauty – a thatched double-story abode done up in natural materials and raw accents, and every room feels like an interior designer’s touch!

Its open plan setting is amazing, the front patio opening up to your private pool built in the beach sands, and just in front is the ocean shoreline. This leaves ample space for the little ones to play around the property. Private sun loungers line the beachfront for your leisure.

Although it’s equipped with a kitchenette, if you don’t feel like cooking, just ask for a beach dinner setup!

Thanks to its setting, it really feels as if you’re world’s away from anything, and anyone!

Rooms are split between the two levels, but no matter your option, each opens to its own terrace with sea views to boot. The master suite is naturally, a.m.a.z.i.n.g, but you’ll be real chuffed with all of the room’s design.

4. Pretend to be a mermaid all day long: Kardia Resort Gili Trawangan A Pramana Experience

Floating breakfasts to start your day, festive Afternoon High Tea, organised horseback rides at sunset and fire dancing under the stars … If you’re the type that prefers a resort-type stay with tons of activities, amenities and swimming pools, this one’s for you!

Situated on the quieter side of the island, Kardia is a mix of fancy-schmancy-meets-laid back-Gili T vibes.

Its multiple pool areas are for sure a standout feature, and between the suite options, one has pool access, or there’s a one-bedroom villa with your own private splash pool backyard.

If you appreciate aesthetics (guilty), prepare to have your breath taken away by the outdoor covered bathrooms!!

Dine with your toes in the sand at any hour at its Sendja restaurant, and make sure you’re back in time for happy hour – pose in front of its bamboo heart structure photo op with the sun changing all shades of red, pink and orange in the background!

5. Come to fall in love with white and blue: Gili Eco Villas

Going to Gili Eco Villas is like entering a new dimension where everything is just white and blue. This beach-themed villa with unique architecture backed by the latest eco-friendly technology offers you a refreshing experience.

Indulge in a truly relaxing remote island experience inside one of their classic teak wood residences individually designed and tastefully decorated with a view that overlooks the sea.

Even the lobby is so Instagramable!

The bedroom is white and blue too.

Take long, slow and deep breaths to enjoy the freshest sea breeze. You can stroll along the pristine shoreline and listen to waves lapping on the white sandy beach.

6. Where the cool kids feel at one with the ocean: Hotel Lumi

If there’s one word to aptly describe this coconut-tree fringed hotel, it’s stylish, but in a very quintessential Balinese way.

Cue the classic Lombok bungalows, macrame hammocks swinging from each patio, Aztec-printed carpets and four-posters with billowing white sheets.

Hotel Lumi gives you the option between cottages or a beach cabin if you’re more into the hotel-type vibes. Oh, and we lest we forget about the ultra-lush pillows (and strong AC)!

Laze away your afternoon in the crescent-moon shaped beachfront pool, slithering around the front of the hotel, directly facing the ocean just a few steps away. There are also lovely cabanas plonked around the pool’s wooden boardwalk just calling your name!

The secluded bay corners off the property from other beach straddlers, and Sunset Point is just 200 metres from Hotel Lumi – so, go figure! Grab one of their free bikes and arrive in time for Golden Hour! Or, appreciate views of Mount Agung from the comfort of this stay.

P.S. Couples, you can request special private romantic dinner setups right on the beach, too!

7. Nautical comforts and a whole lotta beach vibes: The Beach House Resort

Whether you’re travelling the Gilis with a bunch of mates, here on honeymoon or visiting with your family brood, this boutique resort has plenty of room options, appealing to all types of travellers.

The villas have it all, including your very own private pool; there are suites with their own plunge pools as well, and room options with direct pool access to one of the two guest swimming pools.

Every moment feels like a 5-star experience, and guests especially love the top-notch service and the convenient location of The Beach House Resort (just a few minutes away from the harbour and with Mount Rinjani in the background).

A second swimming pool highlights its beachfront, and the swim-up beach bar is the ideal spot for a tropical cocktail. Break in between for a seafood BBQ, and every evening live music takes you into the night.

Or swap sandy toes for relaxing at its Thala Spa. It’s the type of stay that wins hearts over for its all-round service, location and amenities, and many hotel guests are returners!

8. Wake up to a summer paradise garden pool: Jambuluwuk Oceano Resort

Nestled in a picturesque coconut grove on Gili Trawangan, Jambuluwuk Oceano Resort is a tranquil, luxurious retreat.

In addition to its stunning pool and lush tropical gardens, the villa stands out with its stylish interior, which combines elegant Asian design with inspiring artwork and modern comforts while flowing seamlessly onto the outdoors.

There’s even a shady traditional hut from which you can enjoy the best view of the ocean.

You can also enjoy fine cuisine while taking in the mild sea breeze.

9. Where pool bean bags reign as kings: Gili Teak Resort

Does lazing about on comfortable bean bags (while the sun lightly glazes your skin and your body is surrounded by cooling freshwater) sound good to you? At Gili Teak Resort you’ll be able to do that every second of every day you’re there! If you look out into the horizon, you’ll find an endless ocean, and on a good day, you may even be wowed by the majestic Mt Agung.

The teak cottages here know nothing but comfort and are surrounded by lush gardens on one side, and soft white sand on the other. At night, head down to their buzzing beach club, where you’ll find good vibes, great music, and even better drinks!

Tune into your inner hippie and chill out at Gili Air

Live life in the peaceful sandy lanes of Gili Air – smaller than Gili T but still with loads of accommodation options, places to eat and things to do, including scuba diving tours! Bohemian bars line the oceanfront, and the sunsets from this sister island are unbeatable!

10. Pink, lively, and incredibly chic: Hotel PinkCoco Gili Air (Adults-only)

Little sister to the one on Gili Trawangan, but no less wonderful, Hotel PinkCoco on Gili Air is slightly more relaxed, slightly more peaceful, but thankfully no less pink! With its flamingo-coloured staircases and bright sun loungers, you’ll feel nothing but cheery here!

Bask under the sun while enjoying the occasional complimentary snack or drink, and if you’re feeling a little more peckish, indulge in some of their more filling meals, which are both delicious and colourful!

Sunsets are lively and busy on the beach with Mount Agung peering out to say hello, and definitely worth squeezing in some extra hours to spend there. Or hang ten around the 30-metre lap pool.

Good to know: Hotel PinkCoco is an adults-only stay.

11. You’ll have a hard time leaving the comforts of: Ama-Lurra Resort

Welcome drinks, spacious private pool villas and all of the little extras you’d expect from a 4-star resort (which Ama-Lurra is), check in here for a few days of unending bliss. And if you’re an avid diver, there’s a diving shop/school right next door!

Their spanking new one-bedroom villas are tastefully decorated, and we’re really into the floor-to-ceiling windows/sliding doors, leading the path to your private garden area and pool. (There are 12 villas in total.)

And calling all creatures of comfort – the extra-long two-metre beds are plush, so you will fall into dreamland with ease every night.

Moving from rooms to the ocean, you can wine and dine at the beachfront club, restaurant and bar (Olatu). There are also plenty of bars and restaurants around the corner for dining out.

As an eco-resort, the property is also powered by solar panels (in case any eco-warriors are reading this).

Read more: Ultimate Guide to Scuba Diving in Bali

12. An eco-friendly paradise on a sleepy island: Vyaana Resort

The sleepy town of Gili Air truly knows no bounds when it comes to relaxation, and what better place to do so than in cute wooden huts just a few metres from a sparkling white beach, and a mere few steps away from a tranquil pool!

The best part about Vyaana Resort is its continuous efforts to be more eco-friendly, allowing the beach to be in its natural state as much as possible. Natural wooden materials are also used as the resort’s building blocks!

Where you can embrace the slow life: Gili Meno

Calling all couples and those who prefer the road less travelled! There’s not much happening on Gili Meno, the smallest of the Gillis, but that’s half of its charm and allure. Defining desolate tropical island paradise, spend your days snorkelling with turtles right from your stay, journaling and catching up on your TLSea.

13. The operative word here is “fun”: Le Pirate Gili Meno (Adults-only)

Arguably one of the most Instagrammable stays on Gili Meno, if you’re after a slice of tranquil island paradise for you and friends, the vibey Le Pirate is a no-brainer.

If this looks familiar, you’ve either seen it a) splashed across the Gram, or b) perhaps you visited its former sister stay on Gili T (unfortunately now closed).

Uh, have you seen the bamboo treehouse cabanas on the beach out front?! 😍Or if this is occupied, chill out on the beach beanbags or around the bonfire when the stars come out to play.

Notice how it resembles the funky beach clubs along the Med? The adults-only part ensures long days of drinking, fun in the sun and a little party night every now and then!

There are four bungalow options, each differing slightly – some patios have boho floor loungers, while others have hanging hammocks. Rest assured that all come with AC and a private bathroom.

14. A prime location for swimming with turtles: Meno House (Adults-only)

Wake up and smell the sea salt at this boutique-style, adults-only Meno House – smack bang on the beach!

Panoramic vistas treat you tenfold, and no matter where you are, the ocean is never far from sight! It has won plenty of awards as one of the best hotels on the Gili Islands for good reason!

Decked out in blues, whites and other colours of the sea, every suite (including private pool ones) and villa (choose between beachfront, garden and sea view villas) exudes class.

Sound-proof walls, walk-in showers and powerful ACs (you’ll thank us later), it’s got everything you could want!

Are you just itching to snorkel with Gili Meno’s most famous inhabitants? Situated on the north side of the island, this is where some of the best turtle spotting areas are found, AND Meno House provides complimentary snorkelling gear (and bicycles) for its guests.

15. Honeymooners, look no further and treat yourselves: BASK Gili Meno

For anyone in search of an exceptional stay with world-class service, BASK is a little different from the typical laid-back Meno hotels and beach bungalows.

The overall design of the suites could very well make its way onto the pages of an Architectural Digest, boasting beautiful geometry and high-end, quality furnishings that speak of Bali’s craftsmanship. Everything feels expensive.

Meno is favoured for its intimate and quiet setting compared to the other two Gilis. BASK is destined for lovers – and made for honeymooners!

Whether you choose a suite, studio, loft or villa, each comes with a private pool. There’s also a large main infinity pool forming part of its Beach Club.

Make your way to the underground Rosalee jazz bar lounge for an inventive cocktail, and from there, you can bask in the view of the infinity pool too.

P.S. Honeymooning is all about out-of-this-world experiences, so to add the extra luxe cherry on top, you can even arrive … by helicopter!

16. Step into the land of the turtles: MAHAMAYA Gili Meno

True pioneers of the slow life, MAHAMAYA Gili Meno is where you need to stay for ultimate relaxation.

Settle into one of their beachside huts where you can spend your days lazing with your toes in the sand.

Or better yet, visit their beachside restaurant and enjoy your meal to the calming sounds of the ocean along the shores.

If you’re feeling like being a little bit more active, rent some snorkelling gear and hop straight into the sea, not far from the beach you’ll find yourself surrounded by turtles and other amazing creatures of the underwater kingdom. You are in Turtle Point, after all!

P.S. The resort is a 20-minute walk from Gili Meno Harbour, so take note if you are bringing heavy luggages.

17. Paradise retreat on a quiet beach: Seri Resort (Adults-only)

At Seri Resorts, you can stay in stylish and spacious beach bungalows with stunning ocean views, and you can step out onto the white powdery sand and the palm-fringed gardens directly.

Compared to Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno is a quieter island, great for retreats for couples or close family and friends seeking to reconnect and bond with one another.

At their luxury beachfront pool, you can chill with a splendid sea view and Mount Rinjani in the background, and watch the world go by.

You can enjoy yoga classes in an eco-friendly bamboo hut for an additional fee, or choose from other activities like sea kayaking, SUPing and snorkelling. The adults-only resort even offers 4D3N yoga packages.

And here, you’ll also be able to get direct access to a perfect diving spot in the beautiful turquoise bay with coral gardens.

This place is next to staying in paradise itself!

18. Do nothing except laze on some beachfront bean bags: Gili Meno Mojo Resort

Sister to the Kura Kura Resort Gili Meno, Meno Mojo Resort is another super chill place to unwind for a few days.

The stark white wooden beachfront huts are the ultimate place to park yourself when travelling to Gili Meno. A sleepy resort vibe for a sleepy town!

Clean, spacious rooms are decorated with a mix of modern and traditional aspects, truly giving you the best of both worlds! And on lazy afternoons, just go chill on one of the colourful bean bags just a few steps away from your door.

Guests especially love swimming with turtles in the reef in front of the resort.

How to get to Gili Islands

From Bali:
To reach the Gili Islands from Bali, you will need to travel via boat. There are both speed boats and ferries departing from Bali to the Gilis, such as from South Bali (Serangan and Sanur), Central Bali (Padang Bai) and North Bali (Amed). Fast boats are the quickest – the journey is 1.5 hours.

Organise your boat ride at any of these departure points, or pre-book tickets in advance with a tour operator, such as Klook, for added convenience.

From Lombok:
If you’re travelling to the Gili Islands from Lombok, there are daily ferries and fast boats (a 30-minute cruise), leaving from one of Lombok’s three harbours (Teluk Nare, Bangsal and Senggigi).

You can pre-book a speedboat ticket between Lombok and the Gili Islands with one of the tour operators.

Getting around Gili Islands

The Gili Islands are car-free zones, so to get around Gili T, Meno and Air, you need to either rent a bike or hop onto a horse-drawn carriage (but we don’t recommend this option because the horses are often overworked and overloaded, and it’s heartbreaking to witness #animallovers). However, each island is small enough to get around just by walking from A to B.

If you’re planning a day trip between the islands, there are local boats travelling between the three islands, and they are mostly short rides. It takes 15 minutes to travel from Gili Trawangan to Gili Meno or Gili Air, and only 5 to 10 minutes to travel between Gili Meno and Gili Air.

Book tickets with one of the daily public boats, organise a trip with your stay or join a day tour, like a snorkelling expedition or an adventure via a glass-bottom boat!

Forming part of the Lombok province, the Gili Islands are world-famous for a reason. You can explore the islands on a day trip, but staying overnight would immerse you in a completely different vibe compared to the typical Bali beachfront stays.

Send this to a friend whom you want to bring to these super chic, super affordable beachfront hotels in the Gili Islands – a perfect escape from the crowd in Bali!

PLEASE NOTE: All the above information is correct at the date of publication. If you come across any changes or updates, please let us know and we will update the information accordingly. Thank you! Tell us

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