Serenity at Seri Resort, Gili Meno: A Review

Gili Meno is the smallest of the three Gili Islands and is known as the most laid back of the three. It is the island you should visit if you plan on relaxing on the beach, catching up on reading, or snorkeling in the beautiful blue waters. And the best place to do all three, and much more, is Seri Resort.

The Room

Seri Resort has a variety of rooms for a range of budgets. Choose from budget bale huts, midrange garden or sea view suites or luxury beachfront bungalows. You can't really make a bad choice since any will leave you feeling relaxed after a great nights sleep. I stayed in a room in the brand new Longhouse where the suites are located. It was spacious, simply decorated and came with the following:

air conditioning (which gave a welcome respite from the Indonesian heat)
a king size bed (twins also available)
an ensuite bathroom with toiletries
personal safe
telephone
entertainment systems
complimentary wifi

The Facilities

Seri Resort has everything you need for an amazing beach side vacation. And part of that obviously includes a white sand beach and turquoise waters! Loungers cover most of the beach for a day of relaxing, reading, and those afternoon naps.

If you lose the mood for sand between your toes, the resort's pool is the perfect solution. Order a drink from the restaurant and sip it while listening to the waves lap against the shore.

Hungry? The restaurant at Seri Resort serves American classics, Italian dishes, as well as traditional Indonesian food. Guests can enjoy their food right by the pool or on the second floor deck which offers sweeping views of the ocean. The third floor lounge is a perfect place for before or after dinner drinks while the sun sets. Just before sunset, the resort sets out tables along the beach where guests can enjoy a romantic evening dinner. Perfect ending to a perfect day!

Breakfast at the restaurant is complimentary for the guests and consists of a buffet of Indonesian dishes as well as fruit, yogurt and cereal. Made-to-order pancakes and omelettes are also available.

The resort offers yoga classes, spa packages, as well as daily activities such as snorkeling trips.

The Location

One of the best parts of staying at Seri Resort is the location. Just off the coast is a spot where sea turtles often swim. Seeing them is as easy as renting a snorkel and fins and swimming right in front of the resort. I was lucky enough to find one and swam alongside it for quite some time! Even if you don't see any turtles (though I bet you will!), there are lots of beautiful color fish and coral gardens to admire in the turquoise waters! No other resort on the island can boast of having a better snorkeling spot.

The resort is also a short 10 minute horse and carriage ride to the pier where you can catch a local island hopping boat to either of the other two Gili Islands. Gili Meno's location between the islands makes a trip to either incredibly simple.

Near the resort are neighborhood restaurants and a trail that leads all around the island for those interested in long walks or exploring the island. Then again, the resort has everything you need if a relaxing island escape on the beach is your goal.

Final Verdict

There is absolutely no question – I would stay at the Seri Resort again in a heartbeat! The rooms were lovely, the staff friendly and helpful, and the beach simply beautiful. This was my most memorable stay during my Gili Islands trip – I will never forget my little sea turtle friend! If you plan a trip to Gili Meno, this is by far the best option.