On the Indonesian island a new four-star resort is open fully serviced houses managed with a unique italian char
August
2008 – In Gili Trawangan - island of the indonesian archipelago near
Bali – a newly opened resort, the only four-star hotel on the island: “
Luce d’Alma Resort & Spa ”. Managed by Lucio e Antonio Sodano, all
facilities and comfort you could wish for, nestled in a unique
atmosphere Distinguished by style and design: 16 large rooms (from 58
sq. mt.) opening out on to a magnificent 80 sq.mt pool, spa facilities
and a hotel operated beach. Furthermore, on an island which does not
rely on spring water sources, a hydraulic system for fresh and drinkable
water is undeniably a plus whilst hot water is guaranteed by solar
pannels. A fine restaurant and the genuine italian hospitality top it all.
The
Gili islands are one of the worlds best kept secret. A group of three
islands part of the vast indonesian archipelago, a short distance from
Bali. Whilst the well known neighbouring island is praised for its
animated life and surfing beaches, Gili offer an environment of
untouched nature, relax, peacefullness and extraordinary crystal clear
waters home to fish, turtles and corals - a cherished site for divers
and quite beach life seekers. No motor vechicles are allowed on the
island. Bicycles and local horse carts known as “cidomo”, are the only
means of transport available.
The Gili islands have been able to
preserve a simple lifestyle. The fast pace of other fashionable holiday
destinations has not taken over. There are markets which cater basic
necessities, local articraft shops and internet points. Evenings are
animated by restaurants which offer local food and bars which are lively
social meeting spots. Simply listening to music by candlelight is an
option too.
Local villagers still live by ancient traditions and
the receptive traveller can plunge into a genuine reality bonding with
nature.
Until now, the Gili islands have been a sport attraction
site favoured by young people, diving or snorkeling, looking for
unexpensive room & board. The past few years however have witnessed a
more sofisticated tourism claiming upgrade accomodations and services. Meeting
these new requests, the Sodano brothers, who have been operating in
Indonesia for many years in Balinese real estate and hotels, have
decided to offer what has been missing, an elegant and distictive resort
secluded in a palm grove, where guests are pampered and can relax. The
structure, developed around the swimming pool, has sixteen large,
contemporary furnished cottages enhanced by local ethnic pieces. Each
cottage features a king size bed, a large closed bathroom - unusual by
Indonesian standards – with bath, an elegant walled shower, hairdryer
and robe included. Each has a spacious living room with international
TV, telephone, cd-dvd, safebox, electric coffee-tea pot, mini-bar and
air conditioning. Each cottage has direct access to the pool from its
own private furnished terrace.
The main dining room which opens
laterally as tradition wants, unites the best of European essential
design and Balinese decor, enriched by precious woods.
The
cuisine again reflects this euro-asian connubial elegance. Next to the
traditional local delicacies, you are likely to find obvious and
perfectly interpreted italian fare enriched with local influence by the
hotel’s chefs.
The resort also offers the optimum of a
traveller’s needs including fitness area and spa facilities with Jacuzzi
and sauna under the supervision of well trained staff. Baby-sitting and
laundry upon request.
The hotel operated beach, located at one
of the best snorkeling areas, is easily reached in a few minutes (about
600 mt) and offers comfortable sun-loungers, umbrellas and bar service.
Bikes are available for hotel guests to freely ride around the island
and reach beach sites easily.
Excursions with private motorboats to near Lombok can be arranged to take advantage of the golf courses.
Diving
affecionados won’t be disappointed. The hotel works with one of the
most important centres of the Island, The Bali Diving Academy.
How to get to Gili Trawangan The
Gili Islands are easily reached by sea with daily fast boats (two
hours) arriving directly at Trawangan; by air from Bali to Lombok (20
minutes) with transfer by boat from Lombok to Trawangan with the hotel’s
private boat. The hotel will be pleased to organise all transport upon
request.
The best time to go The Gili Islands have a tropical
climate, protected by the close lying Lombok mountains. They benefit
sunshine and a fresh breeze for most part of the year. The best time to
visit corrisponds to Indonesia’s dry season, April through October,
although good weather prevails well beyond and is, in any case, a
pleasant holiday all year round.
