Such has been the success of Hotel Vila Ombak on Gili Trawangan that, no matter how much the resort expands and builds on existing facilities, the demand just keeps growing.

“We had to start looking for options,” said General Manager, Imam Wahyudi. “And decided to build a sister resort on the west coast of the island. This gives our guests the option of staying at Vila Ombak on the east coast – close to Sentral, the restaurants and the nightlife; or at Ombak Sunset on the west coast, which is away from the noise and crowds, and shows a more peaceful side of Gili T.”

With a total of 132 rooms, Hotel Ombak Sunset offers six different accommodation styles to suit different needs and budgets, ranging from Deluxe Terrace rooms to Island Bungalows, and the Agung Ocean View Suites with fabulous views over the ocean.  

Each of the spacious rooms is comfortably appointed and has its own private balcony and terrace with wonderful ocean, pool or garden views.

Under the careful management of Pak Imam, who has an impeccable eye for style, the rooms feature all modern conveniences while incorporating traditional Indonesian features, such as beautifully carved wood trims, traditional decorations and teak furniture.

Furnishings are luxurious and the smallest details have been carefully considered – comfortable king sized beds with cushioned covers, bathrobes, slippers, a lovely array of toiletries, complimentary water and free turn-down service are just some of the personal touches you will experience on a holiday at Ombak Sunset.

All rooms have air conditioning, satellite television, IDD telephone, coffee and tea making facilities, mini bar, 24-hour room service, electronic safe, and internet access. Other resort facilities mirror those available at Vila Ombak and there are ATM machines directly in front of the hotel (the only ones on the west side of the island).

In addition, there are two restaurants (one semi-fine dining and one casual) and the choice of three bars, including a swim-up pool bar.

Water sports, scuba diving and snorkelling, tour services, a fitness centre with weight-training equipment and morning water aerobics classes provide plenty of activities to fill the days.

There are also purpose-built conference and meeting facilities within the resort and Ombak Sunset has already successfully hosted a number of meetings and corporate events. The facilities enable international and domestic groups to book accommodation and events in one resort, thus combining business with pleasure.

Most stunning is the Ombak Sunset swimming pool, overlooking the beach in front of the hotel. The huge 40m pool is set on two levels with two whirlpools and a separate plunge pool, all surrounded by wooden decking and plenty of comfortable sun lounges with shade umbrellas.

The Akira Spa at the resort is the largest spa on Gili T and offers unique treatments featuring traditional techniques and organic plant extracts. It is authentically natural, incorporating treatments that have been thoughtfully designed to rebalance synergy between mind and body.

More balance is provided with yoga and meditation in the Karma Sunset Garden, with daily group yoga sessions and private yoga classes on request.

The extensive gardens host a variety of tropical plants and flowers and the large, light and airy lobby features marble and carved reclaimed wood from Java, as well as Indonesian antiques and collectibles.

But it is the beach that is the crowning glory for Ombak Sunset. The west side of Gili T faces Bali across the ocean and, as the name suggests, the sunsets are truly spell-binding.

Guests gather on the sun lounges on the beach, laze on bean bags on the decking around the bar, or perch at the bar with a cocktail in hand to gaze in awe at the bright colours painted on the sky, the silhouette of Bali floating on the horizon and the fiery sun sinking into the ocean.