KARMA REEF, GILI MENO | reviewed by @theasia.collective

“A modern Robinson Crusoe on island safari – it was hard to leave this island paradise and our sea tent behind to put our shoes back on.”

GILI MENO

The three Gili Islands are roughly a 1 hour boat ride from the East Coast of Bali and also easily accessible by Lombok via numerous speed boat companies. You can go Gili Island hopping with cheaper local boats (leaving twice a day), one of the countless speed boat options, or charter your own private vessel.

Gili Trawangan is well known for its party crowd whereas Gili Meno and Gili Air are more attractive to travellers seeking peaceful island life.

Karma Reef is located on the middle island – Gili Meno. Having travelled only to Gili Trawangan so far, we were eager to explore its quieter sister island and we were not disappointed.

White-sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, colourful corals with Lombok’s volcanos as backdrop – it’s safe to say it we arrived at a true island paradise!

LUXURIOUS SEA TENT

When we first researched our stay, we couldn’t quite imagine what it would be like staying in a tent on a tropical island.

Looking back, we wish there could be more resorts like Karma Reef! Not only do you fall asleep to the sound of waves crashing 15 metres next to your bed but you also feel like a modern Robinson-Crusoe-on-safari, with prime night sky views and turtle spotting from your front porch!

Our sea tent provided all the five-star amenities we could possibly ask for – air conditioning, Wifi, hot shower and the most comfortable king size bed – you don’t have to miss out on luxury while living the being-one-with-nature experience.

Greet the new day on your spacious front porch facing your very own private beach while enjoying your morning coffee on your very own day bed swing (photo opp!) or watch the day go by from your own comfortable outdoor lounge setting – glamping at its best!

BUNGALOWS

If you are feeling less adventurous or want to fly a higher game, book yourself into one of the traditional two-story island villas. The boast spacious king-size four-poster beds, outdoor showers, private balconies overlooking the glistening ocean to neighbouring islands Gili Air and Lombok, and your very own TV and DVD home theatre system. Relax in your front-porch hammock and treat yourself to a lazy day by the sea. Trust us – you’ll never want to leave!

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KARMA SEA SPA

A relaxing island retreat would not be complete without a spa experience. Karma Spa is located in one of the beach-fronting sea tents and offers a wide selection of treatments to choose from. Loosen your tired muscles after a day of snorkelling and kayaking with a traditional Balinese massage while listening to the soothing sound of the waves and feeling the seductive sea breeze.

KITCHEN

Even though you are staying on a secluded island, you don’t have to miss out on world-class cuisine. Usually we love to explore the surrounding area and get lost in local restaurants but we had to try almost everything off Karma Reef’s menu – and were pleasantly surprised by the freshness and refinement of each dish.

BREAKFAST

Choose your breakfast favourites from their inviting menu – including a vitamin-boosting freshly squeezed orange juice – after you’ve picked your seat the bar overlooking the glistening ocean or one of their tables in the garden, digging your toes in the soft sand.

LUNCH AND DINNER

After a first glance at the lunch and dining menu you will have a hard time choosing your favourites. Go on a global culinary journey by starting with hummus and warm baked pita bread along with guacamole with nachos. Travel on with the Chicken “Tagine” Casablanca and come back to island life with their signature Karma Chili Crabs off the BBQ. Finish up your journey with a glass of red wine and a European cheese platter – do we need to say more? And who says you cannot spoil yourself twice a day with these impeccable dishes.

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ISLAND LIFE

We woke up to the sounds of the waves every morning and walked barefoot through Karma Reef’s well manicured beach front “garden” to the restaurant where breakfast is served.

While indulging in the tasty selection, we spotted the local ocean inhabitants paying us a visit. Popping their heads up close to the beach to breath in fresh air and say hello, we couldn’t help but run off to the shore to greet the local turtles.

After breakfast we embarked on one of the resort’s own glass-bottom sea kayaks to explore the crystal blue waters surrounding the island. With snorkelling masks on board you can either watch the underwater world directly from your kayak or cool down in the clear waters while exploring the colourful coral reefs and its inhabitants all by yourself.

If you want to stay active besides snorkelling, kayaking and diving you can also go for a 30-minute run around the island which leads you past local restaurants, a turtle sanctuary and empty, white-sandy beaches all with breathtaking views of Lombok, as well as the two neighbouring islands Gili Air and Gili Trawangan.

Leave your shoes behind and pack only sunscreen and your favourite resort wear pieces – this luxurious gem on one of Indonesia’s most beautiful islands is waiting to be explored!

This review has been written by @dom.overseas of @theasia.collective.

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