We haven’t experienced a warmer welcome than the staff and beautiful hosts of Villa Selalu on Gili Gede. Arriving by boat we were welcomed to shore by beaming smiles and excited waves from the team of staff. They handed us refreshingly cold face towels in one hand to freshen up, and homemade coconut ice blocks (made from fresh coconut water from the estate’s private grove) in the other. What a way to be greeted on a balmy 33-degree day!
How to Get to Gili Gede
Whilst we arrived by boat, a short 10-15 minute drive from the coast of Lombok, there are also direct boat transfers from Bali. Direct transfers between Bali and Gili Gede take approximately 90 minutes and can depart from both Benoa and Padang Bai.
Whether you choose to fly to Lombok’s International Airport and take a car to the port, or travel to Gili Gede from Bali by boat – both have their pros and cons and it really comes down to personal preference. When you book a villa through Ministry of Villas, our concierge team can help make all these travel arrangements for you.
The Facts.
Boasting four spacious bedrooms, each with private ensuite bathrooms as well as a media room which can be used as an extra bedroom – Villa Selalu offers more than enough space for our entire team to stay with ease. Perched on top of an elevated mountain, the villa enjoys a sweeping vistas of glistening calm ocean waters and dotted islands in the distance.
New Beach Box Cafe!
Arriving at midday, we were ravenous for a delicious meal and the owner of Villa Selalu has recently added a cafe to the island, which is making an impact in a big way! Decorated with a boho beach decor, the new Beach Box Cafe is located in the coconut grove of the Villa Selalu estate and serves meals and treat daily from 8:00am.
The owner of the estate, Belinda – has made a dedicated effort to support the local farmers by sourcing fresh seasonal ingredients, whilst also nurturing the estates own organic herb and vegetable garden. We were delighted to taste the healthy chicken salad bowls, fresh chips and guacamole as well as ice-cold drinks. They also have a wood-fire pizza oven, a selection of fresh juices, breakfast items and coffee available.
Island Life
Villa Selalu embraces all that is the island lifestyle with a beachside boathouse packed to the brim with activities to keep you more than occupied. From snorkels, masks and fins to explore the sea life below as well as sea kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and bicycles (5 adult size + 2 child size) to explore the island with ease – you will find your days pass you by in the blink of an eye.
If you are travelling with small children, the beachfront lining Villa Selalu estate is ideal for a splash and play as the calm waters are perfect for year-round swimming. If you want to island-hop a small local fishing boat is available for hire at IDR 150,000 per hour (approximately USD $11).
Marina Del Ray
When you decide to venture out and explore the island, you will soon stumble across Marina Del Ray – the first Integrated Marina Resort and International Clearance port in the history of Indonesia. This is popular for sailors crossing the wide oceans between Australian and South-East Asia for its calm waters, cost-effective moorings and beautiful yacht club with a restaurant, bar and refuelling options. This is also the drop-off point for fast boat transfers between Bali and Gili Gede; if you choose this option, it will be where the staff from Villa Selalu will collect you via boat transfer.
I’ll Be Back
Our stay here has to be the highlight of our trip so far. It was everything we hoped it would be, yet so much more. Offering pristine service, a warm team of staff that did their utmost to make us feel at home, whilst ensuring we wanted for nothing during our stay. The villas unique positioning give favour to both sunrise and sunset thanks to its ocean-facing views and barefoot luxury feel. Whether it is strolling along the white sandy beachfront, taking bike rides on the paved paths or simply catching up on emails on the villas poolside bale – Villa Selalu truly has it all. Whilst we must make our way to the Gili Islands, for now, we can’t wait until we can return to this hidden island gem!
