When you book a holiday anywhere for the first time, it’s always hard to know what type of accommodation to choose. Places can look great on a website or in a glossy brochure, but you never really know what it’s like until you arrive. Some places can be nasty shocks, while others are pleasant surprises.
Bearing this in mind, it’s no surprise that The Beach House on Gili Trawangan has been doing so well over the past few years. The resort offers a range of accommodation, from two simple but funky “Tree Houses”, to a stunning four bedroom villa with private swimming pool, and a range of comfortable rooms and villas in between.
The location plays a big part in this resort’s success – being situated right on the beachfront of one of Lombok’s most beautiful and happening islands. The main development, and the part of the island with the biggest variety of restaurants and bars, is known as “Sentral” on Gili T’s southeast coast. The Beach House is situated right in the middle of Sentral, making it the ideal base for exploring the many bars, restaurants and activities concentrated in this popular area.
The Beach House started off four and a half years ago as a fairly small hotel with a range of mid-priced rooms and the main villa, and a simple open-air beachfront restaurant at the entrance. Over the years it has expanded and morphed into one of Gili T’s most comfortable and popular places, for both accommodation and dining.
Originally under the same management as The Beach House in Canggu, Bali, the Australian partners bought out their co-partner in 2007 and set about transforming the hotel into a true resort. The restaurant, under the aegis of working partner Matthew Blundell, has undergone renovations twice, each time expanding the venue to accommodate the crowds who choose to dine there. Matthew is an experienced chef with an extensive background operating restaurants in Sydney and has brought his expertise to the restaurant, now offering one of the best menus on the island with an extensive selection of imported meats, international cuisine and, of course, a fine range of quality wines for those who are serious about their dining experience.
The beachfront barbecue every night is one of the most popular events on the island. The freshest fish, seafood, meats and chicken, with assorted marinades and culinary styles, are displayed on ice ready to be grilled and barbecued on request. Fresh salads and condiments provide plenty of variety for individual appetites and the congeniality of the beachside restaurant provides a comfortable space to while away the dinner hours with a drink or two, or a bottle of premium wine from the temperature-controlled wine cellar.
Likewise the Australian team has transformed the accommodation extensively in their short time at the helm. All rooms have been totally renovated and now feature air conditioning, in room safes, satellite television and fresh water (a rare commodity on the Gilis). The two-storey four bedroom villa remains stunning, hidden behind courtyard walls, and featuring four double bedrooms each with ensuites, spread over two levels, generous living areas, a full kitchen and a large private freshwater swimming pool.
On the land alongside the original premises, a new resort pool sparkles in the year-round sunshine. Extensive decking and comfortable sun lounges provide an alternative to the beach for those whose rooms don’t have a private pool, and the poolside bar is a great place to meet fellow travellers over a few cocktails at sunset.
Behind the pool, tucked safely from view by earth coloured walls, are two brand new deluxe villas. Villa Jepun and Melati each feature two double bedrooms with ensuites, making them perfect for families or couples travelling together. There is a spacious living room, kitchen and dining spaces, and wooden decking surrounds the private freshwater swimming pools in each villa.
Prices for all levels of accommodation, especially compared to Bali’s prices, are very reasonable; but if your budget doesn’t extend to villas, the resort offers standard and studio rooms, bungalows and a two bedroom bungalow of generous proportions with wheelchair access and private plunge pool.
Transfers to the island are made easy with guests being met at the airport on Lombok and transferred to Teluk Kodek on the northwest coast by private car, where they are whisked across to Gili T on the resort’s private speedboat. Alternatively, many guests choose to catch the Gili Cat directly from Bali to Gili Trawangan, or use one of the fast boat services operating between Bali and Lombok.
However you choose to get there, you can rest comfortable in the knowledge that you’re not in for a nasty shock when you arrive at The Beach House. It’s certainly a long way from the beach shacks we used to stay in when I was a kid!
