Gili Eco Lodge , Gili Trawangan

Get back to nature with an exciting stay at the simplistic and eco-friendly Gili Villas. The resort is located on Gili Trawangan, the largest of the three islands that make up the Gili archipelago off the northwest coast of Lombok. The island is intimate and unspoiled, with a no car, no motorbike and, apparently, no dog policy on the island. The beaches are breath-taking, with clean white sand and brilliant blue waters, with excellent snorkelling opportunities. An ideal location for those looking to get away from it all.

The villas themselves are very spacious and built from locally sourced, sustainable materials. All are individually decorated and nicely spaced out amidst open lawns and palm trees. The indoor bedroom and lounge areas are standard but very comfortable, with charming beach-hut décor. The kitchenette, dining and bathrooms are all open-style so you can prepare lunch facing out to the ocean; amazing! There are also sofas and hammocks available in the outdoor areas that are perfect for relaxing with a book by the sea. The villas are all air-conditioned and have plenty of hot fresh water for the shower.

There are plenty of activities on offer, including diving, snorkelling, massage, biking, horse-cart tour and boat trips, and you can explore the resort’s greenhouse and organic vegetable garden where they grow most of their food fresh. The swimming pool is small but functional and has a lovely surrounding decking area. Overall, this resort provides a beautiful desert island to escape with an exciting eco-twist.