Gili Air - What to do beyond the beach

Pampering, padel and bargain hunting

There is no denying the obvious lure of Gili Air’s white sandy beaches and shallow waters teaming with marine life. Still, there is much to explore and experience on the island away from chilling on the sand, diving, snorkelling and water sports. Take a break from the beach life and discover what else Gili Air has to offer.

Pampering spa treatments

Everyone deserves some pampering spa time and Soma Vita is the blissful wellness sanctuary you are looking for. Part of Koho Air Hotel, this tranquil oasis delivers signature spa therapies grounded in traditional rituals using natural remedies. From red light therapy and therapeutic massage, it offers a wide range of healing treatments.

It can encompass a calming soak to relax muscles and tension and help circulation with a dip in the magnesium Jacuzzi. The sauna will help with deep muscular relaxation and rid toxins while the ice bath will do wonders for the nervous system and mental focus. Even a short massage, performed by skilled therapists, will leave you feeling radiant and reinvigorated after a day in the sun.

Padel

The Padel craze has arrived. Padel Gili Air opened the first court on the island. Why go biking, jogging or working up a sweat in the gym when you can keep fit on the court? Whether a competitive or casual game, Padel offers good vibes and a fun way to stay in shape. There are racquets and balls for rent, lockers and changing rooms and up to four can play. Perfect for first time players, although it’s best to plan ahead as there is currently just one court, available on a pay per play basis.

While not a pro level facility, it’s well maintained and ideal for a social game and its open daily until late evening. It’s located in a prime spot near Gili Air’s main strip.

Shopping

One of the most surprising aspects of Gili Air is its thriving shopping scene. Like the Gili Islands in general, there are no ‘brand’ stores here – just a flourishing independent boutique scene. It’s much more than the usual ‘art market’ style stalls selling cheap sarongs, sandals and souvenirs. It is arguably the most eclectic collection of shops in the Gilis with vintage clothing boutiques for both sexes, funky beachwear stores, and artisan shops selling locally made jewelry, and handicrafts made out of hardwood, coconut and bamboo.

With many situated on the main strip, it’s easy to browse for bargains on a leisurely stroll. Some cafes also have wares for sale from branded merchandise to small trinkets and gifts – so you can hunt for bargains in between sips of coffee. For the ladies, Kartini the Label is a go-to for an eclectic mix of tropical beachwear, summer dresses, fashion accessories and interesting trinkets. Check out Kamu Boutique at Pituq for an eclectic range of wares, from clothes, perfume and spa products, bags and sandals. Toko Gili Air has unique tote bags perfect for the beach plus bracelets and necklaces, sustainable home wares, and summer dresses and shirts. For the guys there is Mojo, for funky surf, skate and outdoor wear as well as designer shades.

For kids

With a few notable exceptions, there are few real activity options for young kids away from the beach and ocean in the Gili Islands. One that balances the need for kid friendly casual dining with a safe space for energetic youngsters is Play Café Gili Air. It’s a win-win for parents.

Set in a quiet shady grove beneath trees, there is ample space for little ones to run wild. It resembles a typical Gili Island casual eatery with an indoor dining space as well as tables and comfy sofas outdoors. But, there’s much more too. There are several child play areas all made of natural materials such as a cosy wild west teepee to hang out in and a ‘pirate ship’, which are both made out of bamboo. There is a small rope course, a sand pit, quaint rocking horses and even a bamboo made stage with costumes for kids to perform in front of their parents. In addition, there is a kid’s activity corner with books and toys for those rare rainy days.

Play Café has a full menu of comfort food, afternoon bites, soups, salads and savory paninis plus smoothies and coffee and beer for the grown-ups. It is set away from the main strip so is ideal for a birthday party or a large group gathering.