Gili Islands

"Yoga retreat or Dance in the street?"

"Scuba dive or Stay out till five?"

"Meditation 'om' or Jäger bomb?"

The Gili Islands really are a mixed bag from beer pong on the beach to a candle lit dinner just for two. It completely depends who you are and what you're looking for in a getaway.

We spent 5 nights on the Gili Islands so no, I am no expert and no, I haven't experienced all it has to offer but here's what I've found ...

Gili T

This was our home for 5 beautiful nights and we loved every single minute. You arrive on the island via boat and pull up on the beach (wheeling suitcases in the sand - nightmare) You'll then jump on a horse and cart to your hotel, there is no transport on the island apart from push bikes and horses.

We stayed in the centre of the island which was perfect for us - quiet and peaceful with only a 5/10 minute walk to each side of the island. Walk though the meandering steers of the locals homes, past a goat and a chicken or two and you'll get to an idyllic villa with a private pool which is all yours. For the same price as a travel lodge in the arse end of a London.

The harbour side of the island is where the parties happen. SO much fun if that's your sort of thing - an abundance of restaurants, bars and cafes. With dancing on the beach and a tequila costing just 80p it's not hard to see why it's so popular. Scoot to the opposite side of the island and you're met with sunset resort after sunset resort, each on as beautiful and as quiet as the last. Want peace and tranquility? Head away from the harbour, you can always cycle round for a boogie if you fancy it!

After sunset we sat and listened to some live music when played our first dance song. We were surrounded by candles & fairy lights, sand between our toes and stars above our head. We danced our first dance on our honeymoon, more blissful and relaxed than we have ever and probably will ever be. Absolute perfection.

Gili Meno

We took a boat to Meno for the day, which cost us £2 each and took around 5 minutes. As we pulled up you could see why they call it Honeymoon island - it was absolutely stunning. You can walk around the island in an hour and a half, it's tiny. There was a handful of restaurants and bars but there was no 'party vibe' like Gili T, absolute bliss. We explored the entire island and discovered hidden beach after hidden beach, spot after spot completely to ourselves. Every inch the honeymoon destination - quiet, beautiful, romantic. Jack and myself are not as romantic as most couples and fancy a game of beer pong and a dance to reggae on the beach every now and again so Meno would have been too quiet for us; but PERFECT for a stunning day trip!

Gili Air is apparently a perfect mix of both islands - we didn't manage to visit it but its worth looking into if you want a mix of party time and romance.

Check out my 'Hidden Gili Islands' blog for an extra special day trip!

Jess x