Gili Trawangan, Indonesia — Retreat & Villas
Four classic teak Joglo villas, a lush tropical garden and a pool on Gili Trawangan — your private retreat away from the crowds.
About us
Mata Villas & Tapas Bar sits on Gili Trawangan, the car-free island off the coast of Lombok. Our four Joglo houses — traditional Javanese teak structures — offer a rare sense of calm and authenticity.
Between the tropical garden and pool, we invite you to truly leave everyday life behind.
The Island
"Gili" simply means "small island" in the Sasak language. Together with Gili Meno and Gili Air, Gili Trawangan forms the "Gili Indah" — the beautiful islands off Lombok's northwest coast. Until the 1970s, the island was largely uninhabited; permanent life only began with the first coconut plantations. In the 1980s, backpackers discovered the island — today Gili Trawangan is known for diving, snorkelling, and a pace of life noticeably slower than elsewhere.
One tradition traces "Trawangan" back to "Terangang" — the word for the sea turtles that once nested on its beaches.
Learn more →There is no motorised traffic on the island — only bicycles and cidomo, traditional horse-drawn carts.
Learn more →Permanent settlement only began in 1971 with the first coconut plantations on what had been a near-untouched island.
Learn more →Since the 1980s, Gili Trawangan has grown into one of Indonesia's best-known diving and snorkelling destinations.
Learn more →Since 2004, artificial reef structures ("Biorock") have been growing around the island, reviving damaged coral reefs.
Learn more →Our villas
Each villa individually designed — united by teak wood, stillness and traditional character.
Garden & Pool
Our tropical garden is the heart of Mata Villas. Among palms, banana plants and the gentle sound of the pool, you'll find the stillness you've been looking for.
Open daily, exclusive to guests
Palms, banana plants, lush greenery
Away from the island's bustle
Shaded spots to read & unwind
Homemade
What makes our retreat special often happens behind the scenes: many of our drinks, breakfast offerings and dishes are made entirely in-house — from harvest to table.
From harvesting the cacao pods through fermentation and drying to roasting and grinding — all done in-house.
Learn more →We roast our own coffee, in small batches for the freshest flavour.
Homemade jam made from fresh tropical fruit.
Homemade fruit tea from carefully selected ingredients.
Freshly baked daily, with our own sourdough starter.
Homemade, with no additives.
Creamy and homemade, for a natural breakfast.
Made in-house, with plenty of patience and care.
Homemade and fermented, refreshing and alive.
Homemade ginger beer with a natural kick.
Homemade, prepared the traditional way.
Homemade, with plenty of craft and time.
Creamy and homemade, with no additives.
Homemade, creamy and fresh.
Tapas Bar
From morning coffee to evening cocktails — our bar accompanies your stay with a selection of Spanish tapas and drinks.
Contact & Booking