Les Villas Ottalia

Les Villas Ottalia is an eco-inspired property with a generally quiet atmosphere and an open-air concept in most public spaces. It’s a collection of hard packed dirt paths, green tropical trees and plants, and a mix of stone, bamboo, and wooden buildings or fences. The lobby -- like most buildings -- has a thatched roof, a small front desk, and some cozy lounge-like chairs. The pool and the restaurant are the central aspects of the property and most villas and bungalows surround the two features. There’s an easygoing vibe even with slow Wi-Fi, power outages, and varying maintenance or cleanliness issues. The occasional downside doesn't seem to put off too many guests, especially couples who are the main clientele, as this is expected of most properties among the Gili Islands. 

Les Villas Ottalia offers a quiet escape from the busy city center of Gili Trawangan, as it sits on the outskirts. Cars and motorbikes aren’t allowed on the Gili Islands, so visitors can only get around by bikes, horse car taxis (cidomos), or on foot. The nearest beach is a 13-minute walk away. It takes 10 minutes on foot to reach a diverse set of dining options and stores for shopping. To get to and from the island, it’s a 16-minute walk to the dock at Pelubahan Gili Trawangan. A boat ride from Bali to this island is three to four hours long. For those flying into Lombok International Airport -- it’s about an hour- and 30-minute drive to the Lombok dock and a 15-minute boat ride to the Gili Islands from there.

Rooms here are separated between bungalows with direct access to the public swimming pool, and private villas with their own small private pools set just steps away from charming patios in lovely green gardens partitioned off from other units by way of bamboo fences. Both units feature a similar eco-friendly decor that consists of thatched roofs, wood floors, and distressed furniture. Like most hotels in the Gili Islands, mosquito netting is hung over the beds to protect guests  from pesky bugs of the region. 

Amenities include air-conditioning and fans (perfect to combat the humid and hot nature in the area), flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, kettles, free Wi-Fi, and small safes. Two-bedroom villas have small outdoor kitchens or romantic outdoor showers made of stone. Bathrooms are typical of the region with open showers with waterfall showerheads and stone and wood elements in the sinks, countertops, and walls. Toiletries are provided, and guests can request hairdryers from the front desk. Note that there are varying reports of cleanliness issues in the rooms.

Despite its small size and somewhat remote location, Les Villas Ottalia offers enough activities and services to entertain and occupy guests. There’s an outdoor swimming pool with cabanas and loungers. Overlooking the pool is the open-air restaurant which offers free American and Indonesian breakfast fare in the mornings. It also serves Indonesian food for lunch and dinner. Spa treatments, like massages and beauty treatments, can be provided in guests’ rooms. Free perks include bikes and Wi-Fi, however, the Wi-Fi may be slow and bikes might not be top quality. Some travelers have complained about pool maintenance and food quality, but these opinions vary.