The Pink Coco Hotel, Gili Trawangan
Pink Coco was the first hotel I found online when searching for somewhere to stay from my Nusa Lembongan balcony. We left it rather late for finding somewhere so I wasn’t expecting to find anywhere that special but to my surprise, I saw that Pink Coco had availability for our dates. I felt relieved however from the photos I didn’t think it was going to be within our nightly budget so remained calm. When the page finally loaded, I couldn’t believe that this divine pink palace was only £26 a night and before looking anywhere else, I booked it without hesitating. Initially, we only booked in for 3 nights but on arrival, we extended by an extra 3 nights as it was a tropical pink haven set on the beach front with views overlooking the ocean and it’s very own private beach area with dedicated Pink Coco sun loungers and umbrellas. The hotel is like nowhere I’ve ever stayed before when it comes to it’s soft pink walls that sprawl across the hotel from the downstairs lounge area, swimming pool, bedrooms and even the stone wall showers are pink. The design and colours used feel heavily inspired by the beautiful washed pink buildings in Marrakech as the light bounces from wall to wall, creating a pink glow throughout the hotel just like they do in the vibrant city.
Arriving at Pink Coco felt like stepping into a new world and something so far away from the busy main streets of Gili Trawangan. Nestled towards the bottom of the island and away from main ‘strip’ of bars and restaurants, Pink Coco is off the beaten track yet close enough to cycle in for a morning coffee - it’s the ideal home away from home for those that want to dip into the nightlife but still feel far away from it when tucked up in bed. We were warmly welcomed by the friendly staff with an authentic wooden tray filled with ice-tea, cold cloths and a refreshing facial mist which was well received after our 20 minute walk from the boat in the heat. The fern, flower and tree lined courtyard further welcomed us with it’s tempting swimming pool in the middle, surrounded by boutique rooms with outdoor double beds draped in throws and cushions and high walls, further enhancing the exclusivity of your private luxury escape. We stayed in a Cocoon Room with a garden view and the ceilings were beautifully carved, the walls boasted muted pink tones and Balinese style tapestry, corners were filled with cow print poufs, straw baskets and shells from the beach and the magnificent bathroom featured a large walk in shower with built into the wall pink shelves, a glass panel looking into the bedroom and a neutral stone sink.
After a day spent lounging by the private pool or by the sea sipping on cold ice tea from their free refill station basking in the sunshine just a stones throw away from the hotel, allowing you to order drinks and some nibbles to your sun-bed whilst you relax and listen to the calm sea lapping over the sand, indulge in one of their many treatments offered in their massage rooms. From Balinese massages, head massages, foot massages and full body scrubs, the natural oils feel divine on the skin and help ease you into an evening of relaxation. We enjoyed these on lazy afternoons once back from lunch and exhausted from the heat. For dinner, you can enjoy cocktails and delicious freshly cooked food in their restaurant or head into the main area on your branded Pink Coco bike within 10 minutes to enjoy an Italian, Indonesian or BBQ feast on the sea front.
When you step out into the cobbled dusty track on your bike, the wafting scent of the salty ocean hits you, the sea breeze catches you on your bike and you feel fully immersed into life on the tiny island that is Gili T. When back inside the pink paradise walls of Pink Coco, lap up the divine setting and sleep in a peace air conditioned room to then be woken by the birds on your balcony.
Feeling inspired to book a trip to Gili T and stay in the pink haven that is Pink Coco? I for one, want to go back already after writing this.
Jasmine x