Some places don’t just feel like a getaway — they feel like a little dream you accidentally walked into. That’s kind of what happens when you arrive at Gili Tree Houses on Gili Trawangan. It’s not just the beach or the palm trees (though yes, they’re ridiculously beautiful). It’s the whole vibe — soft, salty, and sort of surreal.
First things first: getting there. It’s a bit of a trek. A three-hour-ish boat ride from Bali, and depending on the seas, it can be... choppy. But once you catch sight of that turquoise water and white sand, you’ll probably forget you ever even owned a suitcase. Gili T just has that effect. No cars, no motorbikes — just the sound of waves, the occasional rooster, and the soft clink of someone stirring ice in a glass somewhere nearby.
Then you find your way to the Gili Tree Houses, and okay — they're adorable. Elevated little villas nestled up in the palm trees, with an actual coconut tree growing through the middle of your living space. Like, no joke. You might bump into it getting to the bathroom, and somehow that’s part of the charm.
Inside, it’s a blend of rustic and cozy and just luxe enough. You’ve got your own plunge pool (which you will use — probably more than once a day), a super breezy terrace where time seems to slow down, and a proper bed with air-con for when the heat turns up a bit too high. It’s not five-star fancy — but it feels special. And somehow that’s better?
Each villa fits two, though technically more could squeeze in. But really, this is a couples' thing. Or a solo escape. Or a best-friend-we-both-needed-this trip. Something small, something quiet. Something you’ll still be thinking about in six months when your inbox is overflowing.
And then there’s the island. You’re five minutes (or less) from the beach — which is, let’s be honest, stunning — and the water’s so clear you can see your toes even when you're floating. Snorkeling? Amazing. Sunset? Unreal. Hop on the complimentary bike they give you and coast down to the western edge of the island for the nightly light show. People gather. Drinks happen. Someone plays a guitar. It’s not forced. It just is.
Breakfast is included, which is one of those small joys you don’t appreciate enough until it’s delivered to your treehouse table with fresh fruit and coffee. Oh, and they often offer last-minute booking deals if you’re feeling spontaneous — which you absolutely should be. Prices usually start around €220 a night, give or take.
Bottom line? Gili Tree Houses isn’t about over-the-top luxury. It’s about peace, and palm shadows, and cooling off in your own private pool while the world sort of fades out around you. It’s the kind of place you don't just recommend — you gush about it, maybe a little too much.
