Pesona Beach Resort & Spa

This casual little resort has a laid-back, friendly vibe with a touch of bohemian flair. That impression starts almost right away, and that unwound vibe is almost inevitable on Gili T. Colorful cushions are lined up against a wooden wall next to the open-air reception area, where guests can hang out and take in the scene. Elsewhere, the Skylounge is a popular hangout spot, as is the bar next to the pool. Posters and signs around the pool encourage guests to learn to dive, and the hotel offers lessons in their on-site dive shop. This hotel is popular with all sorts of travelers looking for an island vacation, especially divers, but also families, couples, and groups of friends.

This hotel is situated in the central hub of Gili Trawangan (or, Gili T), a short walk from the ferry dock. In addition to the port and the beach, the hotel is surrounded by restaurants and bars. Gili T is known for its beaches and hip hangout spots (all of which are casual in the most effortless way). Most guests arrive on the island by boat from Bali or Lombok, and the hotel provides transfers for a fee. The boat ride takes 90 minutes to two hours from Bali and about 35 minutes from Lombok. Motorized vehicles are not allowed on the island, so the only means of getting around are on foot, by horse and cart, or by bicycle.

The resort offers pleasant, bright rooms and bungalows that can accommodate from one to six people. Rooms feature tile floors, chunky wooden furniture, colorful modern artwork on the walls, and mostly white walls. Flat-screen TVs are mounted on the walls, and all rooms are air-conditioned. Other amenities include safes and DVD players, but there is no in-room Wi-Fi. Simple bathrooms are tiled and have sinks above wooden countertops, toiletries, and showers with hot water. Some rooms have furnished balconies with views of the sea and pool. The stand-alone bungalows have gardens and terraces with hammocks, chairs, and tables. Bungalow bathrooms are larger and more upmarket.

For a mid-range property, there are a number of little extras here that put this resort a step above the competition. The hotel's restaurant serves an extensive menu of Indian and Western selections for all meals and is well-liked by previous guests. It's a charming open-air space overlooking the pool and beach, with wooden tables and chairs in the Skylounge area, located on the second floor. A limited breakfast menu is offered for free, or guests can order off the more extensive menu for a fee. Room service is available.

The outdoor pool is in a cozy space in the center of the resort's buildings. The dive shop and an all-day bar are adjacent. Lounge chairs are lined up on two sides of the pool. Sometimes the pool is used for dive classes. Due to laws prohibiting permanent structures on the beach, the lounge space we shot during our visit has since been moved to a space adjacent to the pool. The resort now offers sunbed and umbrella seating on the beach during the day, with a lounge set-up at night that includes sheesha and dining at mats and wooden tables. The beach is lovely, but not very wide.

Relocated after our visit, the Azure Spa Trawangan offers typical spa treatments in a lovely open-air space with curtains that can be drawn for privacy. Guests getting manicures and pedicures can look out to the surrounding gardens during their treatments.

The on-site Dive Central Gili offers dive packages, gear, and instruction from beginning to advanced. Wi-Fi is free in the reception area.