A Chill, Affordable Island Getaway for a Large Group

Ahhhh- my idea of a perfect Sunday morning: Wake up in my 5-star villa, walk out onto the patio and plunge into the infinity pool, run out to the beach that’s less than 20 steps away and then rinse off the salt water by taking a peaceful outdoor shower surrounded by nature. After my shower, I meet my closest friends for breakfast which consists of homemade Indonesian coffee, fruit plates, pancakes, and more yummy cuisines. Doesn’t that sound like a great start to the day? iI you answered yes, then keep reading because I have the perfect accommodation recommendation for an affordable island getaway for you and your friends or family. 

On the tiny island of Gili Meno lies the most perfect air BnB for you and your group to enjoy. Gili Meno is one of three islands located off the coast of Lombok, Indonesia, and is surrounded by turquoise waters, blue starfish, sea life, and a great local community. You can walk the entire island within about an hour and a half.

How to get to Gili Meno

There are three islands within the Gili Islands, Gili T (the most popular), Gili Air (mid-popular), and Gili Meno (quietest and calmest). Most people will come here from Bali. You can head to the Padang Bai Port and catch a 2-hour speed ferry to the Island. You can book this easily on 12goasia. 

The Most Beautiful Air Bnb on Gili Meno for a Group

I had the pleasure of staying at a villa called Villa Shelra during my time in Gili Meno. I am always a sucker for a good aesthetically pleasing place to stay, so I really loved this villa because of its Moroccan-style artwork, and modern architecture mixed with a boho design. This villa is equipped with four unique bedrooms as well as a full kitchen, an infinity pool, butlers on speed dial, an upstairs loft, private beach access, and more. The villa has an indoor-outdoor design, such as an exposed kitchen and two outdoor showers making it great for those who love to spend time outside.

The best thing about this villa? It costs $240 dollars PER NIGHT! Split between 6 people only comes out to about $40 per night to live in tropical luxury. This would be a perfect option for someone wanting to have a birthday, a random vacation with friends, or even a bachelorette party. 

There are many diving and snorkeling sites right off the island of Gili Meno. You can rent snorkel gear pretty much anywhere on the island and swim right off the private beach or walk about 10 minutes to dive at the iconic statues. Contact my friend Dri on WhatsApp (+6285337608545) and he will take you to some of the best snorkeling sites in all of the Gili islands for an affordable cost. 

Gili Meno has great beachside restaurants. One of my favorites was Two Brothers (make sure to order the crispy tempeh plate) and Jali Cafe (for the best Indian food). What I loved about staying at Villa Shelra is it was so tranquil and relaxing, but if I wanted a busier atmosphere, I could just island hop to the neighboring island called Gili T and then go back to my comfortable villa at the end of the day and rewind.

As mentioned, Gili Meno is the quietest island out of the three, so if you are in the mood to party, Dri can water taxi you with his boat to Gili T for a good night out and take you back to Villa Shelra at the end of the night. Gili T is also great for enjoying the many cafes and happy hours! It only takes about 10 minutes to get to Gili T from Gili Meno. 

So would you rewind and enjoy an affordable island getaway at Villa Shelra? Let me know in the comments below! It’s time to experience the island life you’ve always been wanting to live.