Villa Karang Hotel and Spa

Situated right on the beach, this hotel has a quiet, secluded atmosphere, although it's only a five-minute walk from the ferry terminal. Guests are welcomed with a cold drink at check-in. With rows of cushioned wicker sofas and chairs, the open-air lobby is a good place to hang out and relax. Sandy pathways lead to the beach and various buildings, and the style throughout is relatively modern -- a step up from some of the beach-hut style hotels in this area. It's a laid-back island setting, and with its varied room offerings, Villa Karang is suitable for all sorts of travelers, from backpackers to mature guests. Many guests come from Europe and Russia. 

This hotel is located on the sea side of Gili Air, about a five-minute walk from the ferry and away from the crowds. The area is peaceful and secluded, surrounded only by warungs and empty lots, making it ideal for travelers seeking an island getaway. Gili Air is especially quiet because no motorized vehicles are allowed and the only means of transportation are on foot, by horse and cart, or bicycle. Guests can walk to Gili Kite Surf in about 10 minutes and can traverse the entire island in about an hour. Guests arrive on the island by speed boat from Bali or Lombok, and the hotel provides transfers for a fee. 

Rooms here are simple, though the perks do vary a bit between categories. This is especially true of Standard Rooms, which are designed to be budget-friendly. They feature tile floors, two-drawer wooden nightstands, open wooden shelving, and bare walls. En-suite bathrooms in these units are basic and small, with open tiled showers with hot water, basic toiletries, towels, and tiny sinks. Some of these also lack air-conditioning. Upgraded rooms feature a little more in the decor department, including Indonesian bed toppers, wooden desks, and wardrobes. These units also have air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and kettles for tea and coffee. Bathrooms in these rooms may feature open-air showers. Balconies and terraces are furnished with wooden benches and tables. Deluxe Rooms are more spacious, with high pitched ceilings and wooden floors. These also have mini-fridges and larger outdoor spaces. Views are of the beach, pool, or garden. Wi-Fi is free in all rooms. It's worth noting that bathrooms aren't spotless, though this is a common problem in Indonesia's tropical climate. 

This hotel offers the basic services needed for a relaxing island vacation. The Rinjani Restaurant is a beautiful open-air space overlooking the water. Guests can dine outside or under the thatched roof. Tables and chairs are wooden, as is the floor. A free breakfast buffet is served here daily, with hot and cold Western and local fare. At night, the hotel serve a seafood barbecue, which gets good reviews from previous guests. Room service is available. The long rectangular outdoor pool is surrounded by a wooden deck on three sides, with cushioned wooden lounge chairs. Umbrellas and trees provide shade, and a mermaid fountain sprays water. It's a lovely setting, and there are lush trees and flowers all around. Fishing boats dock on the adjacent sandy beach, so it's not such a good spot for swimming, but there are plenty of other beaches on the island. Diving, snorkeling, and surfing are available, as are spa services. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.