I found paradise on Gili T at Pondok Santi Estate – complete with eco-luxury villas, island experiences, and sustainable dining.
If Bali’s traffic is getting a bit much, there’s nothing like skipping across the sea to Gili Trawangan. This barefoot paradise is one of the car-free, coconut-lined little sister islands to Lombok, and it’s my go-to for a proper pause. Think turquoise waters, powder-white sand, and not a traffic jam in sight. And if you’re heading there, you’ll want to stay at Pondok Santi Estate.
This eco-luxe resort is set on a former coconut plantation, and it’s nailed the art of barefoot luxury. It’s just footsteps from Gili T’s postcard-worthy coastline, but it’s tucked away enough to feel like your own private island.
I checked in for a few soul-soothing nights, and let’s just say… I didn’t want to check out. From the dreamy villas to the personalised touches, here’s why Pondok Santi tops my list as one of the best places to stay in Gili Trawangan.
 A private pool villa, barefoot luxury & eco-conscious comforts
First things first, my home base: the Deluxe Private Pool Villa. Just a short stroll from the beach, it’s the kind of place that makes you feel at home the second you walk in. Inside, it’s designed like a traditional Indonesian pondok – think high thatched ceilings, wooden floors, and local handcrafted furniture. And yet, it’s also got those modern comforts we all know and love: ice-cold air-conditioning, a flat-screen TV, WiFi and more. Eco-conscious touches are weaved in too, like rainwater recycling and a firm no to single-use plastics.
I loved waking up to the sound of the ocean, padding barefoot across the white-stone terrace, and sipping my morning coffee beside my own crystal-clear pool. It’s that rare kind of laidback luxury that Gili T isn’t really known for – but Pondok Santi absolutely nails it.
Toes-in-the-sand bites to fine island dining
Food plays a big role at Pondok Santi Estate – and it shows. There are two restaurants here, each with a very different vibe. There’s Santi Beach, which, as its name suggests, is an all-day restaurant right on the beach. I snagged a bean bag chair, ordered the coconut-grilled tuna fillet with a frozen chilli-berry margarita, and settled in for the afternoon with my toes in the sand. With front-row seats to the ocean, it was only natural to linger through to sunset. Come evening, the beach BBQ setup is casual, fun, and full of flavour.
For something more refined, IJO Restaurant turns things up a notch. It’s intimate, romantic, and big on both sustainability and locally-sourced flavours. I kicked things off with the barley risotto topped with an onsen egg and a sprinkle of catfish crumble (unexpected, but delicious). Then came the kalio-glazed lobster, which was as rich and indulgent as it sounds. For dessert, I couldn’t resist the snake fruit pavlova with banana ice cream, rosella gel and kombucha.
What really makes dining at Pondok Santi so special is the resort’s thoughtful sourcing. Much of the produce comes straight from their own organic garden or nearby fishermen and farmers. They’ve also implemented practices to minimise waste and use compostable packaging.
Island experiences and a luxury cruise
Just because Gili T is small, doesn’t mean it’s short on things to do – especially when you’re staying at Pondok Santi. If you’re into wellness, there’s daily yoga and in-villa massages. Or if you prefer a little action, you can go horseback riding on the beach, book a private cooking class, or enjoy a sunset picnic on the lawn. And don’t miss the Santi CoCo experience, where the resort’s gardener climbs a towering palm tree and harvests fresh coconuts just for you!
But the real standout for me was a day aboard the Princess Margaux – the resort’s very own hand-built wooden outrigger turned luxe day yacht. I spent a dreamy day sailing around the island, stopping for snorkelling sessions along the way. You can book a full-service bar or a private charter if you’re travelling with friends. It’s a luxurious day trip spent exploring Gili’s turquoise waters, with cold drinks, great tunes, and an expert crew.
It’s the thoughtful, luxury offerings like these that really make Pondok Santi one of the best resorts in Gili Trawangan.
Where: Gili Trawangan, Lombok
WhatsApp: +62 819 0705 7504
Email: reservations@pondoksanti.com