Lisa
Compared to the other resorts on the island, Pearl Beach is the most integrated with nature, with the accommodation closest to the beach. It is quiet and peaceful but also, due to the presence of a coral research center on-site, purposeful. The house reef, right there off the beach, is nothing short of spectacular with the most incredible variety of corals and sea life. Plus, it is very cool to see the new corals being grown there too. A short kayak away is more fantastic snorkeling on Gili Goleng and a short and lovely ride on a local outrigger gives you access to the three remaining 'secret Gillis' which all have different underwater scenery. Pack a little cash and you can grab lunch from a little local place on any of the islands. A short and enchanting walk along the beach, around the point and past a tiny village and you'll find some great restaurants, fantastic food for very little money! Check out the Eco Lodge (don't miss a walk up to their lookout or yoga in their hilltop shala!), or Naga restaurant at Amahelia. Walking all the way around the island at low tide was really beautiful and interesting, wear trainers, the rocks are sharp! A drink at Bleu Mathis halfway round is very nice! Pearl Beach 'spa' (a couple of massage tables in a cute hut) provided excellent massages though the siting of children's play equipment next to the spa is a bit strange. The local wildlife was extraordinary, so many birds and lizards and bats, etc., and nice plantings in the resort. And the stars! Very little light pollution. The large terraces on the rooms were a great place for a morning coffee/tea, which you can grab from the restaurant and bring back. Plenty of room on the terrace for doing yoga on the mats provided too, next to the hammock. The yoga classes offered under the giant tree were wonderful too, thanks Pauline! Having a dive center and kayak hire on-site was very handy.