Best Surf Stays in Gili Air for Wave Riders

Sayamaya on Gili Air has a year-round outdoor pool, a lush garden and a terrace, and its family-friendly restaurant serves Indonesian and American dishes with options for various dietary needs. Air-conditioned rooms have private bathrooms and garden or pool views. Free WiFi and bicycle parking are included, handy on a car-free island. About 90 guests rate it 9.8. My advice: the listing is a soft opening, so confirm what is open when you book.

Akarair holds a 9.7 average over 60 reviews, and its year-round outdoor pool and garden give families on Gili Air a calm place for children between trips to the sea. Gili Air Beach is a short walk away, so beach mornings need no transport. Rooms are air-conditioned, with private bathrooms, terraces and minibars for cold drinks after the heat of the day. The on-site bar suits parents in the evening. I would recommend it for a relaxed island stay.

The New Gili Kolanta Indah gives families on Gili Air a saltwater pool, a sun terrace and a lush garden, so children have a calm place to swim between beach outings. Each room has a refrigerator and a tea and coffee maker, handy for milk and snacks, and the shared kitchen helps with simple meals. Rooms are air-conditioned with garden or pool views. With 29 reviews averaging 9.7, I would recommend it for a quiet family stay.

Hani Hideaway is one of the best-rated stays on Gili Air, with 9.7 from 579 reviews. Family rooms are air-conditioned, with private bathrooms and a balcony or terrace over the garden or pool. The outdoor pool is open all year, and the restaurant is family-friendly, with options for various dietary needs, useful with fussy eaters or allergies. Spa, fitness room and yoga classes give parents a little time for themselves.

My Island Home Gili Air is a small, very well-rated stay, with a score of 9.6 from nearly 400 guests. I would book its family rooms, which have air conditioning and views over the garden or the pool, for parents travelling with children. There is a shared pool open all year, and some rooms add a private pool. The restaurant has vegetarian and vegan dishes, and bicycle parking makes sense on an island without cars.

La Siesta Eco Bungalows is adults-only, so families travelling with children will need another address on Gili Air. For parents on a break without the kids, or adult relatives sharing a trip, the air-conditioned bungalows open onto terraces or balconies over a saltwater pool, with a sun terrace, a lush garden and an on-site bar. Its 9.6 average across 23 reviews is excellent, though based on a small sample. I would keep it for couples.

Villa Samyama is one of the more family-minded addresses on Gili Air: it has an indoor play area for children and a shared kitchen for simple meals, alongside a saltwater pool, a private beach area and a lush garden. The on-site restaurant saves walking out in the evening, and the sun terrace suits parents while children play. With 25 reviews averaging 9.5, I would recommend it to families who want space and a calm island pace.

I have to be clear with families: The Koho Air Hotel is adults-only, so it is not an option if you are travelling with children. For parents on a trip without the kids, it is a strong choice on Gili Air. There is a year-round outdoor pool with a pool bar, a spa with beauty services, a fitness centre, a sun terrace and a garden. Rooms are air-conditioned with private bathrooms. Guests rate it 9.5 from more than 1,000 reviews.

Villa Mila is a family-friendly stay on Gili Air, and I would recommend it to families with younger children who want a kids' pool. Family rooms have private bathrooms, air conditioning and garden views. The outdoor pool is open all year, and a sun terrace and a garden give shade. A la carte breakfast is served daily, WiFi is free, and Gili Air Beach is a short walk away.

Villa Kesambi gives families on Gili Air a private pool and a private beach area, so children can swim without sharing with other guests. Kitchen facilities make it easy to prepare meals and snacks on your own schedule, and the lush garden and sun terrace add outdoor space. Rooms are air-conditioned with garden or pool views. With 16 reviews averaging 9.5, I would recommend it to families or groups who want privacy and self-catering.

Lovy's Gili Air is a small, calm address four minutes on foot from Gili Air Beach, which keeps beach trips with children short and simple. Rooms are air-conditioned with private bathrooms, terraces and garden views, plus a tea and coffee maker and a minibar for snacks and cold drinks. Room service helps on tired evenings. No pool is listed, so the sea is where children will swim. Guests rate it 9.5 from 99 reviews.

I would pick Selvática for a comfortable, pool-focused stay on Gili Air. The saltwater pool, sun terrace and lush garden give families plenty of space, and rooms have air-conditioning, private bathrooms and balconies over the garden or pool. A spa, a fitness centre and a pool bar are on site, with live music for evenings. At 9.5 from more than 300 reviews, it is one of the best-rated places I see on the island.

Molah Gili Villa on Gili Air has a year-round outdoor swimming pool, a sun terrace and a bar. Air-conditioned rooms have private bathrooms, terraces and balconies, some with minibars, and free WiFi and a choice of breakfasts are included. It describes a relaxed island stay with wellness and surf vibes. About 650 guests rate it 9.4. My advice: the data does not mark it as family-focused, so ask about family rooms and pool depth.

Villa Tahid is a three-star on Gili Air, a two-minute walk from Gili Air Beach, with family rooms that have air conditioning and a balcony or patio. I recommend it to families who want the beach close and a pool open all year in a leafy garden for the hottest hours. The restaurant serves Indonesian and international dishes, there is a bar, and scuba diving and surfing can be arranged nearby. Guests give it 9.4 across more than 650 reviews.

New Balengku Dua is an adults-only hotel, so children cannot stay and families with kids should book elsewhere on Gili Air. For parents taking a break on their own, I rate it highly: a 9.4 score from 143 reviews, an outdoor pool open all year, a sun terrace and garden, and air-conditioned rooms with walk-in showers. Room service and daily housekeeping keep things easy for a quiet few days on the island.

I would pick Divino Gili Air for a family stay that wants more than a simple room. It is a five-star property a few steps from the beach, with a year-round outdoor pool, spa facilities and a sun terrace. The family-friendly restaurant, the modern bar and the pool bar keep meals on site, and yoga classes and cycling give the days some shape. WiFi is free. With a 9.4 rating, guests clearly rate it.

Villa Vanilla Gili Air is a one-bedroom unit, so I would see it as a fit for a couple with a baby or one small child rather than a larger family. It sits steps from Gili Air Beach, with sea views and a private terrace. The kitchenette makes simple meals and baby food easy to prepare, and the private pool is handy for a quick dip, though it needs constant supervision with little ones. Rooms are air-conditioned.

I would pick Isla de Agua for a calm family or wellness stay on Gili Air. The swimming pool has a view, and the sun terrace and the lush garden give everyone space. Rooms are air-conditioned with private bathrooms and garden views, and an open-air bath adds a quiet way to end the day. A bar and a restaurant serving Indonesian and international cuisines are on site, and the beach is a short walk away. A 9.4 rating says guests rate it highly.

Two pools set The Barefoot Blondie Village apart for families on Gili Air: an outdoor pool open all year and a separate saltwater pool, so children can swim without a walk to the shore. Family rooms are air-conditioned with private bathrooms and garden views, and the village layout feels relaxed. Gili Air Beach is four minutes on foot when you want the sea. There is a bar on site but no restaurant listed, so plan meals nearby. Guests rate it 9.3.

I would pick Les Vagues for a beachfront family stay on Gili Air. The hotel and villas have direct beach access and a private beach area, plus a year-round outdoor pool. Air-conditioned rooms have balconies and private bathrooms, and a hot tub and a fitness centre add choices. The family-friendly restaurant serves a range of international cuisines, so mixed groups eat well on site. A 9.2 rating says guests rate it highly.

Villa Bagus is adults only, so I would not book it for a family trip, and I say that plainly. For couples and friends it offers an outdoor pool, a lush garden, a terrace and a pool bar, with yoga classes and a fitness room. Rooms have air-conditioning, private bathrooms, balconies and free WiFi. Breakfast comes American, à la carte or vegetarian. Families should choose another Gili Air address with child-friendly rooms.

I would pick La Isla Bonita for a family stay with a good pool. The infinity pool and the sun terrace sit in a lush garden, and the family rooms have air-conditioning, private bathrooms and balconies over the garden or the pool. There is a bar, a pool bar and a coffee shop on site, plus spa facilities, and WiFi is free throughout. A 9.1 rating from more than 300 reviews says guests are happy here.

Captain Coconuts Gili Air is listed as a hostel but every room has a private bathroom, and some add a seating area, a balcony or a terrace. I would book it for families on a tight plan or with older children, who will spend afternoons by the outdoor pool and its terrace. The CocoLoco Café serves healthy breakfasts and lunches with gluten-free, dairy-free and sugar-free choices, useful for allergies. Guests give it 9.1 across more than 850 reviews.

Melmay is a simple, comfortable stay on Gili Air, and I would recommend it to families, surfers and wellness-minded guests who want a pool and a short walk to the beach. Air-conditioned rooms have private bathrooms, balconies or terraces. The outdoor pool is open all year, WiFi is free, and bicycles can be hired. Gili Air Beach is a five-minute walk away.

Shore Thing Gili Air Beachfront Apartment gives a small family its own one-bedroom apartment right on the sand, with a balcony and a terrace. Air-conditioning, streaming services and a work desk make downtime and the odd work call easy, and the sun terrace and outdoor dining area look out to sea. With one bedroom per apartment, it suits parents with one or two young children best. No pool is listed. Guests rate it 9.0 from 41 reviews.

Rumah Gemala gives families on Gili Air a kitchenette in the room, handy for breakfasts and snacks with children, plus a garden and spacious terrace for quieter moments. Gili Air Beach is a four-minute walk, and bike hire on site suits families who want to circle the car-free island together. Rooms are air-conditioned with a seating area. There is no pool listed. With 17 reviews averaging 9.0, I would recommend it for an independent, self-catering stay.

Captain Goodtimes is a relaxed family-friendly stay on Gili Air, and I would recommend it to families and small groups who want simple comforts. Family rooms have private bathrooms, air conditioning and garden views. The outdoor pool is open all year, and a terrace, a garden, a family-friendly restaurant and a bar are on site. Gili Air Beach is a six-minute walk away, so it is close but not on the sand.

Blue Marlin Dive Gili Air suits a family that wants the beach right outside. Ground-floor units open straight onto the sand, the pool has a view and a sun terrace, and rooms are air-conditioned with balconies over the garden or the pool. The family-friendly restaurant serves Indonesian, Asian and international dishes, so meals stay simple. Gili Air has no motor traffic, which makes walking around with children relaxed. A score of 8.9 over 646 reviews is reassuring.

Oceans 5 Dive Resort is a beachfront resort on Gili Air, and I would recommend it to families and couples who want the sea and water activities close by. There is direct beach access, an infinity pool, a lush garden and a terrace. Family rooms have private entrances, and the restaurant caters to diverse dietary needs. Scuba diving, surfing and cycling are all offered.

Sol Villas offers modern tropical stays on Gili Air, and I would recommend it to couples and vegetarian travellers who like a pool in front of their room. Air-conditioned rooms have private bathrooms and a terrace or patio with pool views. The outdoor pool is open all year, WiFi is free, and an a la carte vegetarian breakfast is served daily. Bikes can be hired to explore the island.

Musa Villas and Bungalows is a family-friendly stay on Gili Air, three minutes on foot from Gili Air Beach, and I would recommend it to families who want a pool with a view and some wellness touches. Family rooms have air conditioning, private bathrooms and garden or pool views. There is a spa, a sun terrace, an open-air bath, a bar and a coffee shop, and WiFi is free.

I would pick Musa Bintang Villas and Bungalows for a family stay with a good pool on Gili Air. The family rooms have air-conditioning, private bathrooms and views of the garden or the pool, and the year-round outdoor pool, the sun terrace and the lush garden give children room to play. A bar and a coffee shop are on site, and free WiFi covers the property. I would book it for the rooms and the pool.

Gili Land is a four-star on Gili Air built around a saltwater swimming pool, a sun terrace and a leafy garden. I would book it for families who prefer saltwater to a chlorinated pool, with air-conditioned rooms that each have a private balcony or terrace over the garden or the pool. The restaurant serves Indonesian and European food, and there is a bar and a coffee shop. Each room also has a work desk, and guests give it 8.8 across more than 600 reviews.

Omah Gili Hotel offers family rooms on Gili Air, each air-conditioned with a private balcony over the garden. The outdoor pool is open all year, and the lush garden and terrace give children space between swims. A 24-hour front desk helps with late boat arrivals, the concierge can arrange outings, and breakfast comes with a variety of options. Wi-Fi is free. An 8.8 rating from 508 reviews is excellent for a two-star.

I would book Mowglis Gili Air as a simple base three minutes' walk from Gili Air Beach. Rooms have air-conditioning, private bathrooms and garden views, and the garden and terrace are good places to sit. Free private parking, room service and free WiFi are included. The area is known for surfing and scuba diving, so I would pick it for active days outside rather than for facilities like a pool, which the description does not list.

Sedjiwa is a beachfront property on Gili Air with direct access to the sand, and I would recommend it to families and water-sports fans. There is a saltwater swimming pool and a sun terrace, and rooms have air conditioning and private bathrooms. The restaurant serves international and local dishes, and WiFi is free. Snorkelling, scuba diving and surfing are all available nearby.

Biba Beach Village puts families right on the sand on Gili Air, with direct access to a private beach area. The swimming pool has a view, a pleasant alternative when children want a break from the sea, and rooms are air-conditioned with balconies over the garden or the sea. An open-air bath and spa facilities give parents a quieter moment. An 8.6 rating from 537 reviews is a good sign for a three-star beachfront stay.

I would pick Pink Flamingo for a straightforward stay close to the beach on Gili Air. Rooms have air-conditioning, private bathrooms and terraces over the garden or the pool, and the outdoor pool is open all year. The sun terrace, the garden and an on-site restaurant keep a family busy without leaving the property, and free WiFi is included. Bicycle parking helps, since bikes are how people get around the island.

I would consider Turtle Beach for families who want the sea within a few steps of the room on Gili Air. The pool with a view gives children a calmer place to swim when the water is choppy, and the garden and sun terrace leave space for everyone to spread out. Rooms are air-conditioned with private bathrooms and look over the garden or pool. It is a simple three-star address, so keep expectations to comfort rather than extras.

Santorini Gili Air North puts sea-view rooms a few steps from Gili Air Beach, so families can be on the sand within minutes. Each room has air-conditioning, a private terrace, a tea and coffee maker and streaming services on the TV for quiet evenings. Breakfast is à la carte. Facilities are simple, with no pool listed, so I would choose it for beach-focused families who spend their days by the water. It scores 8.4 from 9 reviews.

I would book Florine's Garden for a simple family stay four minutes from Gili Air Beach. Rooms are air-conditioned with a terrace, and a family-friendly restaurant, a bar and a coffee shop are on site, so meals need little planning. Free WiFi covers the public areas only. Bicycle parking and private parking are available. The 8.4 rating is good for a two-star property, and I would expect basic comfort rather than a pool or a spa.

Turtle Garden Hotel is a practical family base on Gili Air, steps from the beach. Rooms are air-conditioned with garden or pool views and a fridge, handy for children's drinks and snacks. Breakfast comes in American, Asian or à la carte versions, and the terrace and garden give some shade in the afternoon. Gili Air has no motorised traffic, so getting around with children means walking, cycling or a horse cart. The 8.4 rating comes from 59 reviews.

De Padma Gili Air is a relaxed family stay, and I would recommend it to families who want room to spread out. Family rooms have private bathrooms, air conditioning, balconies, kitchenettes and free WiFi. The infinity pool, the lush garden, the terrace and an open-air bath set the mood. Gili Air Beach is a four-minute walk away, so the sand is close without being on the doorstep.

Cabana gives families a rare combination on Gili Air: direct access to the sand and family rooms with fully equipped kitchens, so meals and snacks happen on your own schedule. Each room has air-conditioning, a private bathroom and a balcony or patio, and the spacious terrace looks out to sea. Bike hire and luggage storage help on arrival and departure days. No pool is listed, so the sea is the swimming spot. Guests rate it 8.2 from 83 reviews.

Bae Gili Inn only takes adults, which rules it out for parents travelling with children, even though kids' meals appear among its listed services. If you are visiting Gili Air without the children, I like the set-up: an indoor pool plus a plunge pool, a garden where breakfast is served, bike hire and a tour desk for planning snorkelling trips, and the beach just a few steps away. Families need a different address.

Royal Regantris Villa Karang sits on Gili Air Beach, a three-minute walk from the harbour, which makes arriving with luggage and children far less of an ordeal. The outdoor pool gives a calm alternative to the sea, and rooms are air-conditioned with garden views. The on-site dive shop runs beginner courses, a good first step for older children and teenagers. An 8.1 rating from 600 reviews points to a dependable three-star base.

I would shortlist B52 for families who want an easy island base on Gili Air. The year-round outdoor pool with its sun terrace keeps children busy between beach trips, and rooms come with air conditioning and a private balcony over the garden or pool. The restaurant covers pizza, seafood, Indonesian dishes and halal or vegetarian options, so picky eaters are covered, and the minimarket on site saves a trip for snacks and essentials.

I would book Scallywags Mango Retreat for a simple family stay with a pool on Gili Air. Rooms are air-conditioned with private bathrooms and free WiFi, and each has a tea and coffee maker, a refrigerator and a TV, which helps with snacks and early starts. The year-round outdoor pool, the garden and the terrace give the group room. Gili Air Beach is a seven-minute walk away, so it is close but not on the sand.

Rumah Tiga Gili is a small garden stay on Gili Air, a three-minute walk from Gili Air Beach. I would book it for families who like to self-cater, because every room has a kitchenette with a fridge and a stovetop, plus air conditioning and a balcony or terrace over the garden. The on-site minimarket and coffee shop make breakfast and snacks easy. There is no pool, and its 7.9 score from about 80 reviews suggests a simple rather than polished stay.

Formosa Beach Club & Bungalow puts families straight onto a private beach area, with air-conditioned rooms that have private balconies, sea views and lush gardens around them. The family-friendly restaurant serves Indonesian and Italian dishes plus pizza, an easy option for children at the end of a beach day. Scuba diving and surfing can be arranged nearby for older kids and parents. No pool is listed. Guests rate it 7.8 from 55 reviews.

I would book Yayan Bungalow for a simple, budget-minded stay on Gili Air. Rooms have private bathrooms with a walk-in shower, air-conditioning, a seating area, a balcony and garden views. The garden and the terrace are good places to sit, and free WiFi is included. The beach is a five-minute walk away. There is no pool in the description, and the 7.8 rating is modest, so I would expect basic comfort.

Black Sweet Bungalow gives families a kitchenette in every room plus a shared kitchen, so breakfasts and snacks for children are easy to manage. Rooms are air-conditioned with private bathrooms, terraces and garden views, and there is a garden and outdoor seating area to spread out. Gili Air Beach is a six-minute walk, and bike hire makes getting there quicker. No pool is listed. The 7.6 score from 56 reviews points to a simple, budget-friendly stay.