White Shell Villa - Gili Air

The ‘luxury glamping’ phenomenon is essentially the blurring of boundaries between the outdoors and stylish comforts. It can be all-encompassing too – from canvas Yurts, to treehouses and intimate pods and cabins. But then there is White Shell Villa in Gili Air to shake it all up even further.

White Shell is effectively a whole new elevated glamping category unlike anything else. It doesn’t follow the conventional style aesthetic. Set minutes from the beaches of Gili Air, it exudes timeless colonial style elegance that is the perfect bedfellow to the lush, manicured outdoors.

There is a touch of nostalgia that runs throughout this expansive three-bedroom retreat, and the attention to detail is next level. Welcome to an oasis of crisp white flowing drapes, elegant carved teak fixtures, bamboo and rattan. It all harks back to the golden age of travel. Essentially, you get a compelling blend of eye-catching vintage style and contemporary luxury.

A large Bedouin style canvas interior rises above the pool deck surrounded by intricate Mediterranean-North African design features. This all blends effortlessly with the unmistakably Indonesian peaked alang alang rooflines.

There has been a deliberate goal of creating an organic space with plenty of cosy nooks to kick back and chill and artisanal surprises to encounter throughout. The interior features distressed wood crafted into elegant sideboards and other furniture, striking lanterns and shiny brass lamps, woven rattan and macramé as decorative artwork. Even the study desk feels like it has come from an Agatha Christie era movie set.

There are plush double beds and a dedicated dining space which continues the stylish vintage vibe, along with a well-equipped kitchen. The sleek white fabrics, dark wood flooring and bamboo create a bold contrast of natural shades. In addition, there are several lounging options, from plush sofas to low futon style seating.

The interior has so many different elements that meld together almost instinctively, and it doesn’t feel cluttered thanks to the high ceilings and the seamless transition with the outdoor spaces.

The pool deck is a flawless extension, comprising an inviting pool and an adjacent, shaded lounging space to kick back and sip a cool drink. Sun loungers flank the pool in a small oasis of lush greenery.

Guests have full privacy in a private compound accessed via an eye-catching circular entrance. The villa is just minutes away from the heart of the Gili Air beach strip and less than a 10-minute stroll to the best beaches.

White Shell Villa is just one of a small collection of equally unique private villas situated here, each with evocative names like Tangerine Dream Villa, Mangosteen and Blueberry Boutique Villa.