Take one popular tropical island, add a dynamic couple backed by family in Australia, mix stylish architecture with a stunning location, and you have a recipe for success. Such is the case with the newest addition to the Gili Trawangan scene: ko-ko-mo Resort.
Gili Trawangan (or Gili T, as it is better known) needs no introduction as the Robinson Crusoe island escape of choice for the tens of thousands of people that visit the Gili islands in North Lombok every year. Already firmly established on the backpacker route for nearly 30 years, Gili T has undergone dramatic changes over the past five years. The backpacker of the 80’s is now a family man, with an executive income and a wife who won’t drag the kids half way across the world to stay in a shack on the beach. Hence the current trend on Gili T toward up-market accommodation with all mod cons.
For the owners of ko-ko-mo, this trend guided the obvious next step following their success with The Beach House Resort on Gili T. Taking over ownership from their English partners in 2007, the Australians set about steadily revamping The Beach House with up-market rooms and upgraded facilities, and soon found themselves booked solid. Not only were families and tourists filling the villas within the resort, expatriate couples and people living in Indonesia were also clamouring for this type of accommodation on the island. So the concept for a luxury villa development was born…
A short eight months later and ko-ko-mo sits gleaming in white sandstone glory on the beach just south of Hotel Vila Ombak and The Beach House. Unabashedly modern and catering to a clearly defined market niche, the stylish design blends into the surrounding environment with the thoughtful use of sand-coloured stone, neutral walls, natural woods and decorative jungle vines.
Clever design has maximised use of a long narrow block facing the beachfront. The tasteful restaurant marks the entrance while modish table settings, sun lounges and comfortable double sun beds with retractable canopies provide plenty of options for beachside dining or lounging. A discreet laneway beside the restaurant leads to the villas.
And it is these villas that have everyone buzzing. Mainly one and two bedroom, with one three-bedroom home, each villa is individually designed and decorated. Again there is lavish use of natural materials, accented with Indonesian furnishings and dramatic designer touches, creating an ambience of elegance island-style.
In keeping with the tropical climate, living areas are open and spacious, focussing on the private plunge pools or Jacuzzis that are a highlight of each villa. Some have built-in shallow areas for reading and having a drink in the pool, others are accented by water features; all are surrounded by decking with sun lounges and poolside seating.
The bedrooms are modern and minimalist, with cool air-conditioning, flat screen televisions, DVD players, in-room safes and built-in robes. Luxurious en suite bathrooms are finished in sandstone and feature large rain showers with fresh water.
Behind the walls of these villas, guests are secluded in a private world; with all the attractions of a tropical island holiday and all the facilities of a top-class resort. And it is this sense of privacy that has seen this resort flourish virtually since the day it opened. Behind one wall may be a young honeymooning couple from Belgium, behind another, an Australian family of four; the next two villas may be occupied by a group of trendsetters from Bali, while the next houses an investment banker and his PA. What they all have in common is a taste for style and comfort.
When it comes to wining and dining, ko-ko-mo has taken the words of the Beach Boys song to heart: “Afternoon delight, cocktails and moonlit nights”. Late afternoon, lie on the padded sun beds looking out over turquoise water to the hills of the mainland as the sun sets behind Bali, cocktails or champagne in hand; at night, choose your table next to the gently lapping waves and experience fine-dining as good as in Sydney or New York.
Home-made ravioli filled with Mud Crab, freshly prepared Beef Tartar, slabs of cured Tasmanian Salmon and other delectable dishes are prepared from first quality local and imported produce. Under the tutelage of experienced Sydney chef and restaurateur, Matthew Blundell, the kitchen team excels. Complement it all with a glass of premium wine from the temperature controlled humidor or, after dinner, sip a cognac under a sky filled with shining stars.
Some may say decadent but, if like me, you want your castaway experience complete with air conditioning, fresh water and a touch of luxury, the Beach Boys have got it right: “…ko-ko-mo…That’s where you wanna go, to get away from it all!”
