Accommodation on Gili T spans from backpacker hostels to luxurious private villas… and Ko-ko-mo Resort Gili Trawangan comfortably sits among the top of the luxury choices.

Since it first opened in 2010, Ko-ko-mo Resort quickly established itself as one of the best upmarket resorts on Gili T, with its signature restaurant being amongst the island’s finest dining venues.

Thus, it was a shock when the popular resort was forced to close its doors after the Lombok earthquakes in 2018. The natural disaster rocked the north of Lombok, including the three Gilis, and damaged many of the buildings on the islands.

But, with every dark cloud there is a silver lining, and Ko-ko-mo management saw this, and the resulting downturn in business, as an opportunity to revamp the normally fully-booked resort.

Eight years of successful trading had shown them just what they wanted to achieve when they re-opened Ko-ko-mo, and how to revamp their villas to be the most stylish and comfortable spaces for their future guests.

When Ko-ko-mo relaunched last month, the results were breath-taking!

Located on the beach just south of Pearl of Trawangan Resort, a discreet laneway festooned with colourful bougainvillea leads to the villas. And it is these villas that put Ko-ko-mo in a class of its own.

Available in one-, two- and three-bedroom configurations, each villa is individually designed and surrounded by privacy walls.

Within the secluded courtyards of each villa are sparkling private swimming pools with refurbished decking, and fresh and bright interiors with new décor, artwork and soft furnishings.

There is lavish use of natural materials, accented with sophisticated designer touches, creating an ambience of elegant island chic. Walls are freshly painted and old flooring has been replaced with precious marble.

In keeping with the tropical climate, living areas are open and spacious. New comfortable sofas invite guests to relax, and dining spaces with modern kitchenettes are perfect for meals when you can’t be bothered leaving the privacy of your villa.

In-room dining, WiFi, entertainment centres with DVD and satellite televisions, and efficient 5-star service go without saying.

The bedrooms are modern and minimalist, with cool air-conditioning and sumptuous bedding. Reading lights, USB charging ports and power points are built into the headboards for convenience.

Adjoining bathrooms have been upgraded with modern fixtures and feature rain showers with fresh hot water. The once open-air rooms are now finished in marble and enclosed to create clean and comfortable spaces, keeping mosquitoes and tropical bugs out.

Behind the walls of these villas, guests are secluded in a private world, with all the attractions of a tropical island holiday, and the facilities of a top-class resort, at their fingertips.

Outside, all the action of Gili T is only moments away. Guests can walk to shops and restaurants, cycle around the island, dive, snorkel, swim, get a massage, take a yoga class and anything else their heart’s desire… but it is hard to draw yourself away from the relaxed charms of Ko-ko-mo, the peaceful villa and the private pool, and the beach and restaurant waiting just out the front.

When it comes to wining and dining, Ko-ko-mo has taken the words of the Beach Boys song to heart: “Afternoon delight, cocktails and moonlit nights”.

The stylishly designed Ko-ko-mo Restaurant at the front of the resort blends into its surroundings with the use of sand-coloured stone, natural woods and beachy decor.

The chic restaurant with its crisp white tablecloths and comfortable seating overlooks the beach and sparkling blue sea. On the beachfront, tables and chairs sit on the sand, with shade sails providing respite from the sun.

On the opposite side of the beach, sun lounges and comfortable canopied sun beds provide plenty of options for beachside lounging. Have a swim in the sea and order up a snack and drinks from the water’s edge.

Late afternoon, lie on the padded sun beds looking out over the turquoise sea as the sun sets, cocktails or champagne in hand.

At night, choose your table on the beachfront or inside the restaurant and experience fine-dining as good as in Sydney or New York.

The restaurant specialises in fresh seafood, including fabulous sashimi, freshly prepared pasta dishes, imported Australian beef and lamb, and other delectable dishes prepared from finest quality local and imported produce.

Breads are baked fresh daily in the in-house bakery, as are the delicious pastries and desserts, while fresh salad vegetables and herbs are grown on the rooftop garden.

Complement it all with a glass of premium wine from the temperature controlled humidor or, after dinner, sip a cognac under a sky filled with shining stars.

Perfect for weddings, special occasions – or just when you want to spoil yourself – “Ko-ko-mo…that’s where you want to go!”