Upscale in a Rustic Way
One, if no the most upscale
hotel to stay in Gili is at Vila Ombak.
This sister hotel of Lumbung Hotel in Bali
is composed of rustic Bungalow/Lembongans
scattered on the grounds decorated with flowers.
The property itself is at the southern end of the island
at the end of the tourist strip, in front of the sea.
The 36 bungalow huts themselves are 2 stories high,
– 12 superior lumbung huts have an open air living area complete with large day bed, hammock and table and chairs downstairs,
and the (smallish) sleeping area upstairs under a thatch roof.
Outside the bedroom is a large balcony with loungers.
The semi open air bathroom is downstairs
accessed by a ladder directly from the bedroom.
The 12 deluxe lumbung huts have larger sleeping and living area
and the semi open-air bathroom access is via a proper staircase.
Decoration is pleasant, all have air con,
TV with a good number of cable channels,
mini bar/fridge, in room safe and phone.
Showers provide salt water and
a large jug contains fresh water to rinse off.
These bungalows have great charm.
The hotel has constructed in
the far northern part of the property
a more modern style of rooms
all located on the ground floor.
These particular room are
more expensive than the bungalows,
but with a fraction of the charm.
Prices vary according to season,
and when not busy, it can be negotiated.
But usually anywhere between $80 - $150 USD.
Breakfast is composed delicious buffet
including fruits, eggs, pastries, etc.
No natural juices though.
Only the kind that come from a can.
When booking, you can pay additional
to be met by a driver at the airport and
be driven on a scenic 50 minute or so hike up the coast
via Sengiggi to a small private harbor just south of Bangsal
to join the hotel speedboat for the 15/20 minute ride to the island.
You will pull up on the beach
in front of the hotel and walked
a few steps to your welcome drink and room key.