In Gili Trawangan - island of the indonesian archipelago near Bali – a newly opened resort, the only four-star hotel on the island: “ Luce d’Alma Resort & Spa ”. Managed by Lucio e Antonio Sodano, all facilities and comfort you could wish for, nestled in a unique atmosphere Distinguished by style and design: 16 large rooms (from 58 sq. mt.) opening out on to a magnificent 80 sq.mt pool, spa facilities and a hotel operated beach.Furthermore, on an island which does not rely on spring water sources, a hydraulic system for fresh and drinkable water is undeniably a plus whilst hot water is guaranteed by solar pannels.
A fine restaurant and the genuine italian hospitality top it all.
The Gili islands are one of the worlds best kept secret. A group of three islands part of the vast indonesian archipelago, a short distance from Bali. Whilst the well known neighbouring island is praised for its animated life and surfing beaches, Gili offer an environment of untouched nature, relax, peacefullness and extraordinary crystal clear waters home to fish, turtles and corals - a cherished site for divers and quite beach life seekers. No motor vechicles are allowed on the island. Bicycles and local horse carts known as “cidomo”, are the only means of transport available.
The Gili islands have been able to preserve a simple lifestyle. The fast pace of other fashionable holiday destinations has not taken over. There are markets which cater basic necessities, local articraft shops and internet points. Evenings are animated by restaurants which offer local food and bars which are lively social meeting spots. Simply listening to music by candlelight is an option too.
Local villagers still live by ancient traditions and the receptive traveller can plunge into a genuine reality bonding with nature.
Until now, the Gili islands have been a sport attraction site favoured by young people, diving or snorkeling, looking for unexpensive room & board. The past few years however have witnessed a more sofisticated tourism claiming upgrade accomodations and services.
Meeting these new requests, the Sodano brothers, who have been operating in Indonesia for many years in Balinese real estate and hotels, have decided to offer what has been missing, an elegant and distictive resort secluded in a palm grove, where guests are pampered and can relax.
The structure, developed around the swimming pool, has sixteen large, contemporary furnished cottages enhanced by local ethnic pieces. Each cottage features a king size bed, a large closed bathroom - unusual by Indonesian standards – with bath, an elegant walled shower, hairdryer and robe included. Each has a spacious living room with international TV, telephone, cd-dvd, safebox, electric coffee-tea pot, mini-bar and air conditioning. Each cottage has direct access to the pool from its own private furnished terrace.
The main dining room which opens laterally as tradition wants, unites the best of European essential design and Balinese decor, enriched by precious woods.
The cuisine again reflects this euro-asian connubial elegance. Next to the traditional local delicacies, you are likely to find obvious and perfectly interpreted italian fare enriched with local influence by the hotel’s chefs.
The resort also offers the optimum of a traveller’s needs including fitness area and spa facilities with Jacuzzi and sauna under the supervision of well trained staff. Baby-sitting and laundry upon request.
The hotel operated beach, located at one of the best snorkeling areas, is easily reached in a few minutes (about 600 mt) and offers comfortable sun-loungers, umbrellas and bar service. Bikes are available for hotel guests to freely ride around the island and reach beach sites easily.
Excursions with private motorboats to near Lombok can be arranged to take advantage of the golf courses.
Diving affecionados won’t be disappointed. The hotel works with one of the most important centres of the Island, The Bali Diving Academy.
How to get to Gili Trawangan
The Gili Islands are easily reached by sea with daily fast boats (two hours) arriving directly at Trawangan; by air from Bali to Lombok (20 minutes) with transfer by boat from Lombok to Trawangan with the hotel’s private boat. The hotel will be pleased to organise all transport upon request.
The best time to go
The Gili Islands have a tropical climate, protected by the close lying Lombok mountains. They benefit sunshine and a fresh breeze for most part of the year. The best time to visit corrisponds to Indonesia’s dry season, April through October, although good weather prevails well beyond and is, in any case, a pleasant holiday all year round.
More Information : lucedalmaresort.com
A fine restaurant and the genuine italian hospitality top it all.
The Gili islands are one of the worlds best kept secret. A group of three islands part of the vast indonesian archipelago, a short distance from Bali. Whilst the well known neighbouring island is praised for its animated life and surfing beaches, Gili offer an environment of untouched nature, relax, peacefullness and extraordinary crystal clear waters home to fish, turtles and corals - a cherished site for divers and quite beach life seekers. No motor vechicles are allowed on the island. Bicycles and local horse carts known as “cidomo”, are the only means of transport available.
The Gili islands have been able to preserve a simple lifestyle. The fast pace of other fashionable holiday destinations has not taken over. There are markets which cater basic necessities, local articraft shops and internet points. Evenings are animated by restaurants which offer local food and bars which are lively social meeting spots. Simply listening to music by candlelight is an option too.
Local villagers still live by ancient traditions and the receptive traveller can plunge into a genuine reality bonding with nature.
Until now, the Gili islands have been a sport attraction site favoured by young people, diving or snorkeling, looking for unexpensive room & board. The past few years however have witnessed a more sofisticated tourism claiming upgrade accomodations and services.
Meeting these new requests, the Sodano brothers, who have been operating in Indonesia for many years in Balinese real estate and hotels, have decided to offer what has been missing, an elegant and distictive resort secluded in a palm grove, where guests are pampered and can relax.
The structure, developed around the swimming pool, has sixteen large, contemporary furnished cottages enhanced by local ethnic pieces. Each cottage features a king size bed, a large closed bathroom - unusual by Indonesian standards – with bath, an elegant walled shower, hairdryer and robe included. Each has a spacious living room with international TV, telephone, cd-dvd, safebox, electric coffee-tea pot, mini-bar and air conditioning. Each cottage has direct access to the pool from its own private furnished terrace.
The main dining room which opens laterally as tradition wants, unites the best of European essential design and Balinese decor, enriched by precious woods.
The cuisine again reflects this euro-asian connubial elegance. Next to the traditional local delicacies, you are likely to find obvious and perfectly interpreted italian fare enriched with local influence by the hotel’s chefs.
The resort also offers the optimum of a traveller’s needs including fitness area and spa facilities with Jacuzzi and sauna under the supervision of well trained staff. Baby-sitting and laundry upon request.
The hotel operated beach, located at one of the best snorkeling areas, is easily reached in a few minutes (about 600 mt) and offers comfortable sun-loungers, umbrellas and bar service. Bikes are available for hotel guests to freely ride around the island and reach beach sites easily.
Excursions with private motorboats to near Lombok can be arranged to take advantage of the golf courses.
Diving affecionados won’t be disappointed. The hotel works with one of the most important centres of the Island, The Bali Diving Academy.
How to get to Gili Trawangan
The Gili Islands are easily reached by sea with daily fast boats (two hours) arriving directly at Trawangan; by air from Bali to Lombok (20 minutes) with transfer by boat from Lombok to Trawangan with the hotel’s private boat. The hotel will be pleased to organise all transport upon request.
The best time to go
The Gili Islands have a tropical climate, protected by the close lying Lombok mountains. They benefit sunshine and a fresh breeze for most part of the year. The best time to visit corrisponds to Indonesia’s dry season, April through October, although good weather prevails well beyond and is, in any case, a pleasant holiday all year round.
More Information : lucedalmaresort.com
The Baiturrahman Masjid Raya (the Grand Mosque) is one of the main tourists destination and it’s the main symbol of Banda Aceh and is located to the south of Krueng Aceh River. This mosque, as is usual for a major mosque, is huge and grandiose and full of the faithful worshiping and carrying out various religious activities from Taman Pendidikan AlQuran (Koran education), reciting from the Koran, manasik haji rehearsals, weddings etc. The mosque, which was built during the glorious era of Sultan Iskandar Muda, was once used as the headquarters for the military in their defence of Aceh against the Dutch. 
Not far from Kerkhoff there is one of Iskandar Muda Sultanate’s legacies, Gunongan, a place of recreation for members of the royal family at that time. This place is the symbol of the strength of the Sultan’s love for his beautiful wife, Putri Phang (Putroe Phang), who hailed from Pahang, Malaysia. The white building, laid out in the form of a flower, is both unique and attractive. 
