But if your holiday wish list includes a comfortable air conditioned room with all the mod cons, resort facilities such as swimming pool and quality dining, and direct access to a beautiful beach; the choices become fewer.

One of our favourites that ticks all the boxes for a perfect island holiday is Pearl of Trawangan Resort.

Located just south of the jetty – the busiest area on Gili T – Pearl of Trawangan enjoys a privileged position with 150m beachfront on one of the best beaches on the island.

All the restaurants, bars and shopping are within easy walking distance but the noise and bustle are just far enough away to ensure the resort is a peaceful retreat.

In fact, that’s one of the things we love most about Pearl of Trawangan. Where most businesses have developed every metre of their land to maximise the high price of land on Gili T, this resort has kept a generous amount of open space for gardens and trees.

The centre of the resort boasts old Cemara (a type of pine) trees, palms and many beautiful flowering plants that attract birds and butterflies into the garden, creating a shady and calming oasis for guests.

The range of room choices at Pearl of Trawangan is impressive and the resort really does have something for everyone, from the entry level Teak Cottages, constructed entirely from teak wood and featuring all modern amenities, to the luxurious Private Pool Villas with their spacious living areas and sparkling private pools.

Over the years, we’ve stayed in almost all the different room types and our three favourites are the Pool View Rooms, the Lumbung Suites and the Private Pool Villas, for different reasons.

The Pool View Rooms are located in a two-storey wing between the restaurant and the swimming pool, and are less than one minute from the beach. As the name suggests, the Pool View Rooms feature large terraces and balconies overlooking the resort pool and gardens. 

We love these spacious rooms for the close proximity to the pool, beach and restaurant, and for the large balconies with glimpses of the ocean.

The Lumbung Suites are set at the rear of the resort, almost like a separate compound with just 8 suites in two-storey blocks.

Although further from the beach, the suites share a beautiful private pool and jacuzzi set in the lovely gardens.

The spacious air conditioned interiors are designed for guest’s comfort with quality beds and linens, ample storage space, a reading corner and a long balcony with sun lounges overlooking the pool and gardens.

Lastly, the Private Pool Villas are in a class of their own. Tucked away at the back of the resort behind high walls, each villa is its own little private paradise.

The doors open onto a spacious open-air living area with a lounge and dining table, separated from the bedroom by a sparkling swimming pool and waterfall feature. Sun lounges on the deck invite sun bathing and lounging with a good book.

The separate bedrooms are luxuriously spacious with a built-in day bed tucked into the corner and windows overlooking the pool. It’s the place to retreat when the sun is too hot and you want air conditioning, or another bed if you are travelling with little ones.

Although the Pool Villas have no views, the beautiful interior design and the gardens all around create a lovely private space that you may not want to leave!

Since 2018, almost all of the rooms in all categories have been upgraded, adding more amenities and comforts for guests, as well as revamping the interiors with modern designer touches.

Facilities at the resort are equally superb. The resort’s flagship restaurant, Pearl Beach Lounge, is a well-known landmark, with its beautiful curved roof and stylish bamboo design.

As well as being environmentally friendly and in harmony with the island vibe, it really is one of the most attractive buildings on Gili T. Spacious and airy, the restaurant offers fabulous views from its upstairs area and easy access to the beach across the road.

The restaurant, bar and lounge have a reputation for being among the best on Gili T. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and all day dining, Pearl Beach Lounge specialises in fresh and modern cuisine.

There is a large selection of creative dishes available including an on-trend tapas menu, as well as organic and gluten free choices. Fresh juices, delicious mocktails and a fabulous selection of cocktails complete the choices.

Those staying at Pearl of Trawangan have the choice of swimming in the pool or in the ocean directly in front of the resort. The lagoon pool features a fabulous waterfall, spacious deck with sun lounges and a swim up bar.

The magnificent beachfront at the resort, with its views across to Gili Meno, Gili Air and the Lombok mainland, provides plenty of space for relaxing on the shaded sun lounges, reading a book and taking a dip in the ocean.

With so many great room choices, plus an outstanding beachfront location and a fabulous restaurant, Pearl of Trawangan deserves its position as one of the top resorts on Gili T.