Since it first opened earlier this year, Pearl Beach Lounge on Gili Trawangan has been attracting attention for its distinctive, environmentally pleasing structure.

Constructed mostly from bamboo, the lounge sits on the beachfront just south of Hotel Vila Ombak, and makes a statement with its stylish and organic design. With its flowing roofline, supported by huge bamboo poles, it seems to have risen up out of the sand and taken root on the beach.

Under the shelter of the curved roofs, guests are invited to relax in a variety of settings… at shaded tables for dining or on brightly coloured bean bag lounges lined up metres from the waves for sun lovers.

There’s rarely a time when the bean bags are unoccupied in this idyllic spot, as guests enjoy juices and cocktails with the waves rolling gently onto the shore and fantastic views across the ocean to the other Gilis and Lombok’s mainland.

Across the road from the beach, the kitchen and another dining area carry through the elegant bamboo theme. Further back, a lagoon-shaped swimming pool with waterfall and swim-up bar serves the lovely rooms at Pearl of Trawangan.

While the resort accommodation is managed by Hotel Vila Ombak, Pearl Beach Lounge is a completely independent business, with its own separate management, as well as having a distinctively different approach to food and beverage.

The organic and natural philosophy that is the basis for Pearl Beach Lounge is carried through on all levels – from the use of bamboo, rattan and recycled railroad sleepers in construction and decoration, to the relaxed beach atmosphere, friendly staff and chilled lounge music playing in the background.

And of course, there is the menu, which reflects a fresh, natural and – where possible – organic approach to island dining.

The kitchen is western-managed with strong roots in nutrition and healthy eating, but that isn’t to say guests are limited in dining choices. Rather, the philosophy embraces popular dishes with a healthy twist.

The Tapas menu, which is perfect for grazing at any time of the day, features delicious choices such as Tiger Prawns in Coconut with Sweet Chili Dip, Cucumber Mint Raita and Mango-Chili Jam; Corn Fritters with Guacamole, Sambal and Garlic Yoghurt; Pita Bread filled with Roast Lamb and Cucumber Raita; and Roasted Beef Short Ribs with Cashew Nuts and Oranges; to name a few.

Appetisers, salads and light meals include such delightful offerings as Roasted Polenta with Balsamic Pears; Tiger Prawn and Avocado Salad; Roasted Duck Salad Vietnamese Style; Rice Paper Rolls filled with Prawns, Rocket Salad and Spinach, or the Vegetarian option, filled with Rocket Salad, Shitake Mushrooms and Bean Curd; and much more.

Burgers and sandwiches are served on home-made baguettes with toppings such as Marinated Beef slices with Salad and Sweet Chili Sauce, or Roasted Chicken on Wholegrain Bread with Basil Cream.

The list of main courses has plenty of variety, and pizzas and pastas are also well represented. It would take a while to sample all the tasty offerings, which include Tenderloin Steak with Baby Potatoes and Bok Choy, served with Spiced Mango Salsa; Stir Fried Chicken with Bamboo Shoots and Cashew Nuts; Scallops roasted with Green Chili Vegetables and served with Cous Cous; and Duck Breast Fillet with Spiced Orange and Star Anise, served with Asparagus and Potato Gratin.

Desserts are equally stylish and include Apple Crumble, Coconut Cheesecake, and Mango Tartlets, as well as a range of home-made ice creams in tempting flavours such as Ferrero Rocher, Snickers, Pistachio and more.

At the moment, home-made breads and ice creams are locally sourced but the kitchen plans to make these products in-house in the coming months.

The mouthwatering menu doesn’t stop at food with the “fresh and natural” theme playing through the large selection of juices, smoothies and cocktails on offer. Try the taste-bud tingling celery, lemon, tomato and Tabasco “Blood Cleanse” or a “Tropical Delight” with mango, passion fruit and lemongrass.

In the evening, claim a lounge as the sun sets and indulge in sensational cocktails such as “Crazy Crush” with Vodka, Melon Liqueur, Basil, Lime and Sweet & Sour or, my favourite, “Mixed Berry Mojito” with Sparkling Wine, White Rum, Cranberries, Raspberries, Strawberries, Fresh Lime & Mint.

Pearl Beach Lounge brings to Gili T the same understated elegance as popular beach lounges in Bali. With an on-trend menu, dishes not normally available in Lombok, and competitive pricing; this is a must-try for anyone visiting Gili T… it’s a place you want to return to, again and again!