Our story

Hani Hideaway was established by a Finnish couple Tiina and Markko, in 2023. Why here, why a hotel? Here’s the story.

2013 on Gili Air

A decade earlier, Tiina and her daughter Siiri stumbled upon this idyllic island and instantly fell under its spell. The crystal-clear waters, the slow rhythm of life, and the warm local atmosphere left a lasting impression.

During that first visit, they formed close connections with local people — friendships that continued beyond the holiday itself. Over the years, they stayed in touch, nurturing a sense of familiarity and belonging that made Gili Air feel less like a destination and more like a place they were connected to.

Already back then, the mother-daughter duo began daydreaming of an escape from the ordinary. As the years passed, the idea of creating a small sanctuary somewhere in the world quietly lingered in their minds. While Indonesia was not a deliberate choice at the time, the spirit of Gili Air was never forgotten.

A transformative holiday

A decade later, Tiina returned to Gili Air on what was meant to be a simple holiday, this time together with her partner Markko. That trip, however, became a turning point. The idea of establishing a boutique hotel slowly began to take shape.

At first, their dreams took slightly different forms. Tiina imagined a warm, intimate hideaway — a place to truly slow down — while Markko envisioned something more relaxed and social, perhaps centered around music and easy island life. These ideas lived as conversations rather than plans, until something shifted.

Reconnecting with familiar faces and the island’s way of life brought past and present together. What had once been a dream suddenly felt possible, and step by step, concrete plans began to form.

Pieces falling into place

Even Tiina, a self-professed skeptic, couldn't help but notice the pieces falling into place. "It's as if this hotel is meant to be," she would reflect. ”The synchronicity of it all seemed to defy logic and confirmed that sometimes, life has its own way of guiding us.”

United by a shared vision, Tiina and Markko embarked on a journey to create a ’hotel that’s not a hotel’; a haven that would resonate with warmth and comfort. Through dedication and hard work, their dream began to take shape.

The Hani Family

From the very beginning, guest feedback has echoed the same feeling: a sense of being at home. “It’s deeply moving to hear guests say how comfortable and welcome they feel here,” Tiina says.

That feeling of belonging, the spirit of the Hani Family, is at the heart of Hani Hideaway. It is not just a concept, but a lived experience shaped by the people who create and care for the place every day.

Siiri plays an integral role in the journey, sharing in the joy of building and nurturing Hani Hideaway together as a family, alongside a dedicated local team — the people who form what is lovingly known as the Hani Family. Together, they have created a warm, inviting retreat grounded in trust, respect, and human connection.

With every passing day, Hani Hideaway stands as a testament to the power of dreams, meaningful encounters, and the quiet magic that happens when the right people meet at the right time.

Come and experience it for yourself.