15 Best Villas In Gili Air: Top Picks for a Dreamy Stay!
Ready for an island escape? Check out our curated list of top villas in Gili Air and book your dream stay now.
The Gili Islands are a trio of gorgeous little escapes that offer some of the best beaches in all of Bali. While Gili Trawangan is the most bustling and Gili Meno is the most tranquil, Gili Air has the balance of infrastructure and isolation just right.
One of our favourite things about the Gilis is that no petrol-powered vehicles are allowed on the islands, which creates a serene environment free of the unpleasant chug of motorised transport. Spurge for a villa in Gili Air, and you’ll be hopping about using bikes, horse-drawn carts, or your own two feet.
Due to its desirability as a holiday destination, beloved by honeymooners, villa accommodation on Gili Air is more expensive than on other Gili Islands, but the cost is worth it for the stunning location. We’re going to take you through 15 of the best villas Gili Air has to offer, from eco-elegance to upscale rustic.
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Top Pick Of Villas In Gili Air
THE COVE GILI AIR
We love the upscale beach hut vibes at the Cove, which has just two boutique bungalows on site. Right in the heart of the island, this resort is a 10-to-15-minute walk from pretty much anywhere on Gili Air.
Best Gili Air Villas With Private Pool
Though you’ll want to spend a good chunk of your time on the white-sand beaches, the best accommodation Gili Air has available features lovely private pools where you can enjoy a little alone time with your partner. For such a small island, there’s actually rather a lot of choice, from upmarket takes on the beach hut to sustainability-minded modern hideaways.
#1 The Cove Gili Air – Boho Bungalows.
We love the upscale beach hut vibes at the Cove, which has just two boutique bungalows on site.
LOCATION | Right in the heart of the island, this resort is a 10-to-15-minute walk from pretty much anywhere on Gili Air.
FACILITIES | The sensuously curving outdoor pools, built harmoniously into the garden, are exquisite. While there aren’t any dining facilities on site, there are lots of eating options within walking distance.
Additionally, staff can arrange a paid airport shuttle service from the Lombok International Airport.
ROOMS | Thatched roofs, local handicrafts, natural tones – few villas in Gili Air can beat the sustained casual chic vibe of the Cove’s two villas, the Grotto and the Garden. Admittedly, the rooms are on the small side, but you’ll probably be spending most of your villa time out by the pool anyway.
Book your stay in Gili Air at the best rate here:
#2 Slow Gili Air – A Health-Focussed accommodation on gili air.
Designed as a complete wellness experience, Slow Gili Air boasts an excellent spa complemented by rejuvenating exercise classes.
LOCATION | This property is towards the western side of the island, about 15 minutes from the port.
FACILITIES | Compared to other villas in Gili Air, Slow Gili Air has a broad range of on-site services, including a heavenly spa, private yoga and Pilates classes, and a floating breakfast, which is served in your private pool.
If you want to upgrade your stay further, the resort can arrange all sorts of services, from horse riding and hiking to barbecues in your villa and sunset dinners by the sea.
ROOMS | Among the larger accommodation in Gili Air, this property has 10 villas, offering between one and two bedrooms. Despite appearing rustic, the thatched huts are spacious modern affairs that comprise a kitchenette, a garden, and (of course) your own plunge pool.
Book your stay in Gili Air at the best rate here:
#3 Villas Samalama – Spacious Couples Villas.
The pool and garden area is the highlight at the Villas Samalama, offering a leafy space in which to lounge with a beer or homemade cocktail.
LOCATION | On the northwestern side of Gili Air, this property is within easy reach of diving centres, bars, and one of our favourite vegetarian restaurants on the island, Ra Healing Food.
FACILITIES | Breakfast is served in your villa but only for an additional cost. On the plus side, you can use the resort’s bicycles for free. Staff will also arrange airport transfers to Lombok International Airport.
ROOMS | Though not quite as impeccably designed as some villas in Gili Air, the Villas Samalama are still comfortable affairs that sprawl over 1,399 square feet. That area encompasses a good-sized private pool, a wood-floored bedroom and a stone-floored kitchen-living area, both of which open out onto the sizable outdoor terrace and garden.
Bear in mind that the kitchenette has basic things like a fridge, water cooler, and kettle, but nothing you could use to make your own hot meals – aside from, we guess, pot noodles!
Book your stay in Gili Air at the best rate here:
#4 Ama-Lurra Resort – Eco-Consciousness accommodation in Gili Air.
The Ama-Lurra Resort differentiates itself from many other villas in Gili Air by supplying a supremely modern eco experience. Each of the houses has solar panels on the roof so that the entire complex is 100% powered by renewable energy.
LOCATION | Right on the northwesternmost point of the island and backing onto the sea, this property is a great place to watch the sunset.
FACILITIES | In keeping with its sustainable ethos, the food served at Amu-Lurra is created from the resort’s own organic produce or from locally sourced fruit and veg. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner with excellent ocean views at the beachside terrace restaurant.
Guests can book private yoga classes, surfboards and paddle boards, diving and snorkelling, and several other activities through the concierge.
ROOMS | Natural materials soften the very contemporary construction of the villas, which are glass-sided pavilions set amidst manicured lawns. Each one comes with a plunge pool as well as an outdoor banquette where you can soak up the sun.
Book your stay in Gili Air at the best rate here:
#5 Anahata – Tropical Private Villas – A Cute Community Of Cottages.
Staying an Anahata feels a bit like living in a small Indonesian village. The collection of thatched-roofed houses with their bamboo-dominated décor creates a homogenous rustic aesthetic.
LOCATION | Several top-notch restaurants and a little supermarket are a short stroll from the villas, as are the north and eastern coasts of the island.
FACILITIES | Breakfast is included in the room rate – you can enjoy it on the terrace or floating in your pool. A private chef can be organised to cook you lunch and dinner meals in the comfort of your villa, or you can request a massage to loosen up your muscles.
ROOMS | There are two types of lodgings at Anahata: the 1,076-square foot, one-bedroom Lumbungs, which keep things simple with a bedroom, a bathroom, and a terrace, and the 1,399-square-foot, two-bedroom villas, which feature a to-die-for kitchen-dining area that opens out onto the pool.
If you’re travelling as a family, it’s possible to get two Lumbungs with a connecting door in the garden so that Mum and Dad can have a little privacy while still being near the kids.
Book your stay in Gili Air at the best rate here:
#6 Atoll Haven Villas – Wrapped in Bougainvillea Private Bungalows.
We don’t normally go mad for bathrooms, but the semi-outdoor affairs at Atoll Haven are simply stunning, featuring rain showers that harmoniously blend natural materials and the natural environment.
LOCATION | Make sure you check out the nearby Musa Cookery, another vegetarian restaurant that makes our highlight reel, while El Pirata is a good spot for sunsets and happy hour cocktails.
FACILITIES | Bikes are free at Atoll Haven, as is the excellent breakfast. Airport transfers, however, cost an additional fee. Snorkelling and diving trips can be arranged with the resort staff.
ROOMS | These villas in Gili Air feature sinuous pools edged with wooden decking. An extra-large double bed dominates the bedroom, which is attached to an open, semi-outdoor living-dining area. Don’t worry about the mozzies at night: like many villa rentals in Gili Air, the bed is equipped with netting.
Book your stay in Gili Air at the best rate here:
#7 Villa Marina – Delightfully Designed Private Villa Gili Air.
The Villa Marina is a smartly designed property that seamlessly connects the bedroom to the outdoor pool area, making savvy use of the 538-square-foot space.
LOCATION | Turtle Beach is about 10 minutes walk from this centrally located thatched hut. A convenience store is on the corner, and several restaurants are on the doorstep.
FACILITIES | Breakfast is included, as are daily housekeeping visits to keep the place spick and span. Bicycles are available for an additional charge.
ROOMS | Lie back on the shaded banquette, catch some rays on the loungers, dine al fresco at the two-person table, or float in the pool – there are lots of places to relax outdoors at the Villa Marina. Indoors, there’s a high-ceilinged bedroom space and a bathroom with a shower.
Book your stay in Gili Air at the best rate here:
#8 La Villa Loca – Duplex With A View.
We’re crazy about La Villa’s Loca’s upper floor, which means you can look out on your surroundings while still having a completely private ground-floor pool area.
LOCATION | On the southwestern portion of Gili Air, a short distance from the port, this villa is just a few steps from the beach.
FACILITIES | Like most standalone villas, La Villa Loca is short on amenities, though housekeeping is available, and you can rent a bicycle from staff.
ROOMS | One of the few villas in Gili Air with two floors, the ground floor comprises the bathroom and a combined dining area and kitchenette with stovetop and fridge, opening out onto the patio and plunge pool. Upstairs is the bedroom, which is attached to an outdoor balcony where you can gaze upon your private domain.
Book your stay in Gili Air at the best rate here:
#9 Villa Saia – Spread Out In Comfort accommodation Gili Air.
For a Gili Air villa that offers plenty of space, the three bungalows at Villa Saia are an ideal choice, incorporating multiple rooms across 1,615 square feet.
LOCATION | A neighbour of the Villa Marina, the Villa Saia is in a busier part of the island. You can organise turtle snorkelling trips from the nearby beach.
FACILITIES | Breakfast is available in the morning, while food deliveries can be arranged for other meals. The staff will also help you organise boat trips, bicycle rental, laundry services, and airport transfers from Lombok International Airport.
ROOMS | Each villa comes with a sizable bathroom, a seating and dining area, and a bedroom where you can add an extra bed for a child. The outdoor deck provides ample area for you to sit and enjoy the fine weather in between dips in the private plunge pool.
Book your stay in Gili Air at the best rate here:
Best Villas On Gili Air For Families & Groups
If you’re travelling with family, what you prioritise when looking at villas in Gili Air is probably less design-forward boutique spots and more places where you can all comfortably enjoy a bit of personal space. To that end, the villas in this section have been created with groups of four or more in mind.
#10 My Island Home Gili Air – The Simple Life.
Clean and comfortable with little in the way of extraneous furniture, My Island Home’s best feature is that families have plenty of space to spread out their stuff.
LOCATION | Beach bar El Pirata is just a block over, and there’s a bike rental place right on the corner where you can get your two-wheeled transportation.
FACILITIES | There’s a simple breakfast included in the room rate, plus a lovely communal outdoor pool. The staff can also arrange for a paid airport transfer on request.
ROOMS | While for our tastes, the rooms have a slightly too uniformly brown colour palette, these are still some very nicely appointed villas in Gili Air.
For families, the highlight is a family room with two en suite bedrooms and a kitchen-dining area. These three rooms don’t have internal access – they can only be entered via the external balcony, giving the occupants of the two bedrooms a greater degree of privacy.
Book your stay in Gili Air at the best rate here:
#11 GiliZen Resort – Private Pools Galore.
Achieve Inner Peace at the GiliZen resort, which features a private pool in every villa.
LOCATION | The beach bars of the north shore are stumbling distance away for when you’ve had a few too many cocktails. For something a little more unusual, head across the road to the spiritualist sanctuary of The Elf for guidance and (maybe) enlightenment.
FACILITIES | Breakfast is available on site that caters for halal and vegetarian diets, though for other meals, you’ll have to explore the bounty of nearby restaurants. Airport transfers can be provided for a fee.
ROOMS | There are a couple of different options for families at the GiliZen Resort. First, there’s the slightly more modest, 1,292-square-foot, two-bedroom villa, which comes with two bathrooms, an outdoor dining area, and a plunge pool.
For larger groups, there’s also a three-bedroom, 2,153-square-foot villa, which also has an outdoor dining area and a plunge pool, as well as three bathrooms.
Book your stay in Gili Air at the best rate here:
#12 Sakura Villa – Modern Comfort Villa Gili Air.
Sakura Villa’s vibe is very much cosy and homey. Sure, the kitchen-dining-living area opens out onto the pool, but the bedrooms and bathrooms stand out because they feel like proper indoor spaces.
LOCATION | We found a lovely café just a few steps from the villa called Gili Bliss, which is a great place to pick up smoothie bowls in the morning. The beach is a little further away than from some other properties on this list, but given the size of Gili Air, it’s still only about 10 to 15 minutes walk.
FACILITIES | If you don’t fancy walking, the villa comes with a couple of bicycles. An airport transfer can be arranged through the host.
ROOMS | Someone must have forgotten to tell Sakura Villa’s owners the memo about keeping things beach chic because this property mixes pretty pastel colours with plush sofas and a kitchen diner that wouldn’t look out of place in a cosmopolitan flat – if one side didn’t open out onto a private pool, that is.
Book your stay in Gili Air at the best rate here:
#13 Gilipad Villa – Home Away From Home.
Gilipad Villa is what we would describe as a very Air BnB-type place. What we mean by that is that compared to many villas in Gili Air, it feels more like someone’s home than a hotel, which may or may not add to its appeal, depending on your viewpoint.
LOCATION | Gilipad Villa is in one of the most hopping (get it?) parts of town, near the achingly trendy Pachama health food café and a short walk to the eastern shore.
FACILITIES | Staff can arrange for bike rentals (although there is also a bike rental place across the way), and there’s daily housekeeping – mercy if you have messy children.
ROOMS | Two bedrooms with double beds are complemented by a kitchen, a living room, and an outdoor dining area that overlooks the narrow plunge pool. There’s also a washing machine on-site if you need to do laundry.
Book your stay in Gili Air at the best rate here:
#14 Villa Gilimakyah – Spacious Family Villa On Gili Air.
If you’re travelling with a group of six, the Villa Gilimakyah is one of your best options. This two-floor wooden house offers 3,014 square feet of space, which is plenty for your family to spread out in – though you may just all end up cooling off in the pool!
LOCATION | The beaches of the north shore are a short stroll away, as is Ra Healing Food vegetarian restaurant.
FACILITIES | There isn’t much in the way of amenities, though bicycles are available to rent.
ROOMS | This villa has three big bedrooms, each one with its own bathroom. There’s an indoor living area, but we obviously prefer the outdoor terrace, which features a dining space and wicker chairs overlooking the oval pool. There’s also a kitchen equipped with an oven, stovetop, and fridge.
Book your stay in Gili Air at the best rate here:
#15 Villa Kayu – Smartly Decorated Bungalows.
Last but not least, of our curated selection of villas in Gili Air, the Villa Kayu offers a pair of smart, modern bungalows with cooling stone floors and tastefully minimalist décor.
LOCATION | For somewhere nearby to eat, we recommend the Indonesian eats at Shendy’s Café, though you can also pop in for a pancake with fruit. Turtle Beach is a five-minute walk.
FACILITIES | There’s a choice of three breakfasts available every morning: French, English, or vegan. The property can arrange for airport transfers from Bali of Lombox to Gili Air Harbour.
ROOMS | Both bungalows at Villa Kayu have two bedrooms, a kitchen with a fridge and a stovetop, a gorgeous bathroom, a living room, a kitchen dining area, and a decent plunge pool. However, we lean more towards the Tropical Villa because its kitchen-dining space opens out directly onto the garden and pool for a more cohesive social space.
Book your stay in Gili Air at the best rate here:
Villas In Gili Air: FAQs
Is Gili Air a party island?
Gili Air is not primarily known as a party island compared to its neighbour, Gili Trawangan. While you can find some bars and occasional events, the overall atmosphere on Gili Air is more relaxed and peaceful. It’s a perfect destination for those seeking more serene beach vibes with only a touch of social interaction.
How many days do you need in Gili Air?
You can have a fulfilling experience in Gili Air in as little as 2-3 days, exploring its serene beaches and underwater wonders. However, for a more relaxed visit with ample time for activities, a stay of 4-5 days is ideal. Those seeking to fully immerse themselves in the island’s tranquillity and explore its charms in depth may opt for a week or more.
Which month is best for Gili Air?
The best time to visit Gili Air is during the dry season, which typically spans from May to September. During these months, you’ll enjoy sunny days, calm seas, and excellent underwater visibility for snorkelling and diving. The peak season falls in July and August, so consider visiting in May, June, or September for a more peaceful experience with pleasant weather, making it ideal for a relaxing island getaway.
Is Gili cheaper than Bali?
Yes, Gili Islands, including Gili Air, are generally more budget-friendly compared to Bali. While both offer various accommodation and dining options, Gili Islands often have lower-priced guesthouses and eateries. Transportation limits to bicycles and horsecarts, so you will save on that aspect too.
However, Bali offers a wider range of choices, from budget to luxury, so costs can vary widely depending on your preferences.
Can you swim in Gili Air?
Absolutely, you can swim in Gili Air’s crystal-clear waters. The island’s calm and gentle seas make it an excellent spot for swimming, snorkelling, and even diving. Its pristine beaches and inviting sea temperatures create an idyllic environment for water enthusiasts to enjoy to their heart’s content.
Are there mosquitos in Gili Islands?
Yes, mosquitos can be present in the Gili Islands, including Gili Air, especially during the wet season (December to March). It’s advisable to use mosquito repellent, wear long-sleeved clothing during dawn and dusk, and consider accommodations with mosquito nets for a comfortable and mosquito-free stay.
Villas In Gili Air: Final Word
Even if you’ve been to Bali and/or Lombok, there is something unique about the Gili Islands that you won’t find in any other part of Indonesia. If you only have time to visit one, follow our advice and rent one of the many splendid villas in Gili Air!
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