Escape to Paradise: Your Private Eco Bamboo Villa in Lombok!
Escape to Paradise: Lombok - A Review That's Honestly, Kind Of Overdue
Okay, so here’s the thing. I finally got around to experiencing Escape to Paradise: Your Private Eco Bamboo Villa in Lombok. And honestly? It's a spot I've been drooling over on Instagram for ages. Now, before you start picturing me as some perfectly put-together travel blogger, let me just say: I’m a hot mess. I overpack, I get lost, and I probably spill coffee on myself daily. So, this review? It's gonna be about as polished as that time I tried to assemble IKEA furniture.
First Impressions (and the Journey There):
Getting to Lombok is, well, an adventure in itself. But the included airport transfer offered by Escape to Paradise was a godsend. It wasn't some rickety old van either; it was comfy, air-conditioned, and the driver actually knew where he was going (unlike me). Accessibility isn't something I personally need to consider, but I did notice a few subtle but thoughtful touches – ramps, elevators (though I’m guessing most villas are standalone, which is awesome in itself), and the staff seemed genuinely helpful and accommodating.
The Villa Itself: Oh. My. God.
You’ve seen the pictures, right? Those gorgeous bamboo structures practically begging for a photoshoot? Well, they're even more stunning in real life. My villa was a little slice of heaven. My own private oasis. The air conditioning was a life-saver, trust me. The blackout curtains meant I could sleep until noon if I wanted (which, obviously, I did on multiple occasions). And the free Wi-Fi? Seriously, the Wi-Fi in all the rooms was a miracle. I never had to worry about losing connection, which is crucial for, you know, making my friends jealous with all the pictures I was taking. I did appreciate Free bottled water too.
The little things? They matter. The bathrobes, slippers, toiletries… all top-notch. And the extra long bed? I could practically sprawl out like a starfish and still have room. Okay, maybe that’s a slight exaggeration, but it was a comfortable as hell. I loved having a refrigerator for my drinks and snacks (because, let's be real, you need those). The private bathroom was spacious and clean. And the view? The view was everything.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (My Favourite Categories!)
Okay, so food. This is where I truly shine, and Escape to Paradise didn’t disappoint.
- Breakfast: The Asian breakfast included a wonderful selection of traditional dishes, which I loved trying. The Western breakfast was equally impressive. It was a tough choice every morning! You can also get breakfast in your room. Seriously, who wouldn't want to wake up with breakfast delivered to your private paradise? I did appreciate the Breakfast takeaway service for those lazy mornings.
- Restaurants: There's a restaurant onsite where I could have Asian cuisine and International cuisine in a variety of options. Their was at least one vegetarian restaurant on site.
- Snacks and Bars: The Poolside bar was my happy place. Sipping cocktails while gazing at the pool? Pure bliss. They had a Happy hour! The Coffee shop was a great place to start the day, and I ordered a few snacks there. The bottle of water was complimentary.
- Other options: I loved the Room service [24-hour]! The A la carte in restaurant menu had plenty to choose from. I'd definitely grab a soup in restaurant and perhaps even a salad in restaurant!
- Special mentions: I will say that I maybe overindulged in the desserts a little bit, but can you blame me? The staff were happy to arrange meals for dietary needs, for example Alternative meal arrangement.
Relaxation and Rejuvenation (Or, How to Make Me Happy):
Okay, this is where things got REALLY good. I'm a sucker for pampering, and this place delivered. The Spa, oh my god, the Spa.
- Spa: I indulged in a massage (obviously), and it was one of the best I've ever had. The Body scrub and Body wrap sessions were equally amazing. It was absolute heaven.
- Pools: There's a Swimming pool [outdoor] for those who enjoy swimming, there even the Pool with a view for those who want a bit of drama.
- Sauna and More: I also loved jumping into the Sauna and the Steamroom.
- Other options: if you are a bit more active, there is a Gym/fitness and a Fitness center. You can also have a Foot bath!
Cleanliness and Safety (Because, You Know, We Need to Talk About This):
I'm always, always, always concerned about cleanliness, especially now. Escape to Paradise absolutely nailed it.
- High Standards: Everything was spotless. The rooms were cleaned and sanitized between stays, and the staff take care to maintain the cleanliness of common areas.
- Hygiene Focused: They use Anti-viral cleaning products and have some kind of Hygiene certification. They have Hand sanitizer everywhere and the staff wears masks.
- Food safety: The food options are very well prepared and they have a Safe dining setup! I liked having Individually-wrapped food options.
- Other safety precautions: There are Fire extinguisher, CCTV in common areas, Front desk [24-hour], Smoke alarms, and a Security [24-hour]. I noticed they have a Doctor/nurse on call and even a First aid kit, which is nice!
Services and Conveniences (The Little Things That Make Life Easier):
Escape to Paradise offers a bunch of practical things, too.
- Essentials: They offer Air conditioning in public area! There is also Concierge to help you with any questions you may have.
- Conveniences: They offered a Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, and Safety deposit boxes.
- Business services: I didn't need this for work, but they had Business facilities, Meetings, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meeting stationery, and Xerox/fax in business center, which is helpful for those who need it.
- Other: They have a cute Convenience store!
For the Kids (If You're Traveling With Little Humans):
I'm not a parent, but I noticed that they offer Babysitting service and have Family/child friendly options, which is great. They even have Kids meal available!
Things to Do (Beyond Lounging by the Pool):
Okay, so I spent a lot of time lounging by the pool. But I did manage to drag myself away for a few activities.
- Nature: Lombok is stunning. Seriously, the natural beauty is unreal. The staff was happy to organize tours to nearby beaches, waterfalls, and hikes.
- Other: They have some events, with Audio-visual equipment for special events, Indoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Outdoor venue for special events!
Getting Around (Just a Quick Note):
They have a Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, and Valet parking!
Accessibility (Revisiting):
As I said earlier, I didn't need to utilize these features, but I really appreciated seeing them. The staff were always very helpful, too.
Areas for Improvement (Because No Place is Perfect):
I’m really grasping at straws here, but if I had to nitpick… maybe a few more vegan options on the menu? And perhaps a slightly stronger Wi-Fi signal in that random corner of the villa? But honestly, these are TINY things.
The Verdict: Should You Book It?
YES. ABSOLUTELY YES.
Escape to Paradise is more than just a hotel. It’s an experience. It's a place where you can truly disconnect from the world, recharge, and reconnect with yourself. It's a place where you can indulge in some serious relaxation, eat delicious food, and take a million photos for the 'gram. (I'm talking like, a lot.)
Here's the Deal:
Escape to Paradise: Your Private Eco Bamboo Villa in Lombok is offering a special deal for my readers:
Book your stay for four nights or more and receive:
- A complimentary couples massage at the spa (because you deserve it!)
- A private sunset dinner on the beach.
- A free airport transfer (to make your journey even more seamless).
**
Albufeira Paradise: Stunning Apartment 14, Casa da Horta Awaits!
Okay, buckle up Buttercups, 'cause this ain't your grandma's itinerary. This is Gili Meno, Eco Bamboo Resort, Private Kitchen, Lombok, Indonesia – and it's about to get REAL. Let's be honest, I'm not a spreadsheet kind of traveler. This is more… a "wing it and hope for the best" approach. But hey, that's where the real adventures happen, right?
The Gili Meno Gauntlet: My (Semi-Organized) Attempt at Bliss
(Day 1: Arrival & the Great Bamboo Overwhelm)
- 10:00 AM (ish): Arrive at Lombok International Airport. Okay, here's where it gets dicey. Finding a legit taxi in Lombok is like winning the lottery after stubbing your toe. After a bit of haggling (and the distinct feeling I was getting totally ripped off – but hey, survival!), we squish into a tiny car for the trek to Bangsal Harbor (the gateway to Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, and the coveted - drumroll - Gili Meno).
- 12:00 PM: Ferry to Gili Meno. The ferry… let's just say it wasn't exactly the luxury cruise I’d been dreaming of. Packed like sardines, sweating buckets, and smelling a potent mix of diesel and questionable fish. But hey, the turquoise water was calling, and the island was getting closer! That’s when I noticed something, bamboo! Everywhere! Then a sinking feeling hit me - I couldn't remember my itinerary, what hotel? Where?
- 1:30 PM (ish): Arrival at Gili Meno and The Eco Bamboo Resort. I stumbled off the boat and onto the sand as a friendly local helped me with my heavy suitcase and it was the worst experience but so good at the same time! What an amazing place. I think I'm in love already. It’s even more beautiful in person. The eco-vibe is strong. The whole place feels like a giant, incredibly stylish bamboo birdcage. I mean, the roof is bamboo! My room is a little cottage - and it's just perfect. Complete with a private kitchen (YES!). I immediately dumped my bag, grabbed the bottle of Bintang beer I'd bought at the mini-mart, and collapsed in a hammock. Pure. Bliss. I mean, except for the minor issue of the mosquito buzzing around my head like a caffeinated insect-of-doom.
- 3:00 PM: Kitchen Inventory and Disaster (Almost). Okay, the private kitchen is the real selling point. I decided, with the grand confidence of someone who occasionally cooks at home, to take on a dinner challenge. First, a trip to the local mini mart to stock up on ingredients - fresh tuna, some veggies, and rice. The tiny shop was an adventure in itself. I ended up walking back with a bag full of things that might be ingredients. Back at the cottage: time to work. I looked absolutely clueless while I searched for my cooking books, but I can't cook and I don't know how to use the equipment the kitchen has. Well, good thing I have YouTube! Disaster averted (barely).
- 6:00 PM: Dinner Fail and Sunset Rescue. I finally, finally got something resembling food on the plate. It was a hot mess, and let's be honest, it tasted mostly of effort. But, with a healthy dose of chili sauce and a lot of laughter, it was edible.
- 7:30 PM: Sunset at the beach. Gili Meno sunsets are… wow. Seriously. I could feel my entire being melting into the orange and pink hues. And the best part? It's super quiet and so relaxing. I felt like a small child, full of awe, when watching nature's show.
(Day 2: Snorkelling, Turtles, and Beach Bums)
- 8:00 AM (ish): Breakfast. More of my kitchen experiment… I had to get the hang of it.
- 9:00 AM: Snorkeling! Gili Meno is famous for its turtles. I rented snorkeling gear and, with a pounding heart (and a healthy dose of sunscreen on), I dove in. The water was crystal clear, the coral reefs teeming. And then… I saw one. A GIANT sea turtle, gracefully gliding through the water. I nearly choked on my snorkel in pure, unadulterated joy. It was breathtaking!
- 11:00 AM: Beach Bum Time. Found a shady spot on the beach, buried my feet in the sand, and just… existed. Read a book (that I probably wouldn’t finish – I’m terrible), sipped on a coconut, and listened to the waves. This is what paradise feels like, I’m sure of it.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch. Okay, back to the kitchen! Trying to be brave.
- 2:00 PM: Afternoon Nap. Needed. The sun, the snorkeling, the food-related stress… it all took a toll.
- 4:00 PM: Exploring the Island. Walked the entire coastline of Gili Meno. It took about an hour and a half, and it let me see the whole island and take tons of pictures!
- 6:00 PM: Another dinner and sunset. Tonight's cooking involved a lot of crying and a lot of red pepper. I'm a cook, definitely.
(Day 3: Goodbye, Meno! (With a Side of Tears))
- 8:00 AM: Last Breakfast. Made and ate my food with zero expectations.
- 9:00 AM: Last Snorkeling Trip. Just one more time, to try and soak it all in. I took a deep breath, and took a look around, I feel at peace.
- 11:00 AM: Packing and Saying Goodbye. The hardest part of any trip. I didn't want to leave.
- 12:00 PM: Ferry to Bangsal; journey back to the real world.
- 1:00 PM: Leaving the island. But Gili Meno… you have a piece of my heart.
Quirky Observations & Rambles:
- The Chickens: They are EVERYWHERE. They just wander around like they own the place.
- The Sea Turtles: They are majestic, ancient, and the absolute highlight of the island for me. If you don't see one, I feel very doubtful.
- The Bamboo: Did I mention the bamboo? It’s like living in a giant, stylish bamboo fort. It’s beautiful, but also makes me feel perpetually underdressed.
- The Food: The local warungs (small family-run restaurants) are amazing, cheap, and way less stressful than my kitchen experiments. Seriously, learn from my mistakes.
- The Pace: Life on Gili Meno moves at a different speed. It's slow, peaceful, and forces you to relax. It's a good thing, but it can be a challenge if you're used to a faster lifestyle.
Emotional Reactions:
- Pure Joy: Snorkeling with the turtles, watching the sunsets, and the sheer beauty of the island.
- ** Mild Panic:** Cooking in the kitchen. The unknown ingredients.
- Minor Frustration: Trying to communicate with some of the locals (my Indonesian is… limited, to say the least).
- Sadness: The thought of leaving. This place is magical!
Opinionated Language:
- Gili Meno is the place to go if you want to escape the crowds and just be. It's not a party island; it's a place of quiet beauty.
- The Eco Bamboo Resort is a fantastic choice – it is, with its private kitchen and the amazing location.
- If you don't snorkel, you're missing out! It's a MUST.
- Don't overpack. You'll spend most of your time in a swimsuit and a sarong anyway.
Missing Categories (Because I'm Terrible at Planning):
- Budget: Let's just say, it could be much more.
- Souvenirs: Probably way too many sarongs.
- Emergency Contacts: Mostly family members, who I'll probably need to call when I end up lost, hungry, or (more realistically) facing some kind of kitchen-related disaster.
Final Thoughts:
Gili Meno, you were a dream. A messy, imperfect, bamboo-filled dream. And I wouldn't have it any other way. Until next time!
Unbelievable West Bali Water Paradise: Alurnatura 8 Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Your Private Eco Bamboo Villa in Lombok - FAQs (and My Ramblings!)
Okay, Spill the Tea: Is This Place *Really* as Good as the Photos? (Because Let's Be Honest, They're Always Photoshopped...)
Eco-Friendly? Like, Really Eco-Friendly? Or Just… A Plant on the Balcony Eco-Friendly?
Tell Me About the Food! I Live to Eat. Are We Talking Bland Tourist Fare Or? (And Is There Coffee? Please Tell Me There's Coffee.)
The Staff: Sweet or Sketchy? (I've Met Both, Unfortunately.)
What's the Vibe? Chilled-Out Zen Retreat, or Party Central? I Can't Do Both. (I'm Old.)
Can I *Actually* Swim? Is the Beach Good? (Be Honest, I Hate Rubbish.)
Is it Really That Private? Like, Can I Wander Around In My Underwear and Not Be Judged?
Okay, Fine. What's the Catch? There's Always a Catch!
