Kalyana Villas & Gili Air Island Travel Guide | Lombok
If you’re seeking an authentic and sophisticated Indonesian experience, then Kalyana is a destination you might love!
For those unfamiliar with Gili Air, it is a small and peaceful island located off the northwest coast of Lombok, Indonesia, and is part of the Gili Islands trio, which includes Gili Trawangan and Gili Meno.
I share with you my experience with Kalyana and some feedback as an Interior Designer
Kalyana Villas is a stunning complex of three private residences, each with its own pool, inspired by the natural beauty of the island surroundings. A quiet place to relax in the heart of Gili Air Island.
The design is a perfect blend of modernity and tradition, characterized by impeccable wood artistry. The structure of the villas is based on traditional Javanese "Joglo" houses, which are highly revered vernacular dwellings in Java. It originates from Java, where it was restored before being re-assembled in Gili Air.
Common Spaces
Upon entering, you'll soon notice the detailed craftsmanship on the various columns, door details, and decorations. In the reception area, a large wall narrates the history of Kalyana, highlighting the manual labor of the passionate artisans who built this special place. There's also a dedicated area for practicing yoga.
The 3 villas
The uniqueness of these three villas lies in the fact that everything is custom-built. And by everything, I mean the kitchen, tables, windows and doors, wardrobes, beds, and much more. The decorations have been crafted using a precise carving technique, making each piece unique.
Villa Cahaya
I stayed in this villa for two nights and would describe it as a “wooden jewel”. A small outdoor kitchen with a table and lounge area allows you to relax in the shade by the pool. Inside, you can look up and admire the Joglo structure while resting on a custom-made bed. The wardrobe and bathroom doors are works of art. Every detail in the bathroom is also custom-made by artisans.
Villa Tanpa Nama
Like Villa Cahaya, this villa has a private pool and garden, a bedroom with an indoor kitchen, and a private bathroom. Everything is meticulously detailed.
Villa Batu
This is the largest villa, featuring two large bedrooms and two en-suite bathrooms. The master bedroom’s bathroom extends between indoors and outdoors, giving a spa-like feel. The villa includes an indoor kitchen, lounge area, and private pool. I stayed here for one night with friends, and it was wonderful.
The kitchen is the heart of the home, a culinary enthusiast's dream. Equipped with modern appliances and ample counter space, it invites you to find your inner chef.
All the villa spaces are beautifully designed with a local aesthetic that is both stylish and functional.
Overall, I believe Kalyana is a testament to the artistry of Indonesian wood craftsmanship. This is what I love to call "modern authentic luxury".
Above are some relevant design details.
About Gili Air
With its stunning natural beauty, Gili Air is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of Bali. Known for its beautiful beaches and rich marine life, Gili Air offers a perfect mix of chill vibes with numerous yoga centers, and adventure opportunities, including snorkeling and diving. Various tours let you explore the marine life and see turtles.
The island is easily accessible from Bali, either by a fast boat or a short flight to Lombok, followed by a boat ride. I recommend Eka Jaya or Golden Queen fast boats that depart from Padangbai, Bali.
Once you're there, since there are no cars on the island, I suggest renting a bike or take the opportunity to walk around the island. I avoided using the horse-drawn carriages. Also keep in mind that nighttime lighting, especially along the coasts, is limited or nonexistent.
Food & Cafes in Gili Air
There are plenty of restaurants in Gili Air to choose from, offering a diverse range of cuisines and dining experiences. Here is my selection that is worth checking out:
Pachamama Organic Café: a healthy food café specialising in vegan and vegetarian dishes. Good for a chill breakfast or lunch. Don’t miss the Pachamama Jamu, a natural anti-inflammatory mix.
Pituq Café: open from breakfast to dinner, this vegan restaurant is located by the coast and offers an outdoor seating area on the sand. They serve globally inspired dishes with a local twist. I highly recommend the tofu ceviche, rice paper rolls, and the vegan coconut cheesecake.
Ra Healing Food: this beachside restaurant focuses on vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dishes. They avoid chemicals and sugar, and their food is minimally processed. Note that they close early in the evening, around 7:00 PM, so be sure to catch the sunset while dining on the beach.
Sharkbites: a very simple restaurant by the beach. Worth to try cauliflower rice (I usually ask without much pepper or garlic, as it is already tasty).
Mama Pizza: as the name suggests, they serve pizza and other Italian dishes. You can dine outside on the sand or indoors.
Hakuna Matata: a sushi restaurant that also serves good cocktails. The atmosphere is very pleasant, and on Wednesday evenings, women can enjoy a 50% discount on drinks.
Mowies Gili Air: perfect for an aperitif on the beach or for dinner, this spot offers a chic atmosphere where you can enjoy a beautiful sunset.
Relax & Yoga
Flowers & Fire Yoga Garden: a quiet place where you can practice yoga. After the class, you can stop by the café for breakfast. They also offer a yoga + breakfast bundle deal.
Dila Hair & Spa: as you might know, Indonesia is renowned for its reasonably priced massages. I had one of the best massages ever. Ask for Nday to treat you.
I hope you enjoyed this blog post with my thoughts on Kalyana Villas and my recommendations for Gili Air. I tag here the website and the Instagram of Kalyana.
Stay tuned for an upcoming post exploring Bali, Lombok, and the Gili Islands, highlighting their natural beauty and design destinations.
Remember to follow me on Instagram for more tips and inspiration about interior design, creativity and travel @veronicamng___
See you there! 😊
Veronica
Images by Veronica Menegolo.
