In my case, I setup a a linux VPS with Virtualmin+Webmin. These administration panels offer almost full customization options for almost any feature you require. They have replaced my need for GUI a long time ago.
Before I knew Webmin, i installed a GUI just to interface with my server a bit more easily. It was slow and lagged a lot.
With a web based panel, the GUI is replaced and I get the best experience ever.
Almost any program for linux server will have a web based GUI (example transmission torrent client or VirtualBox virtualization system). They look and feel just like a GUI and feels more responsive due to the fact that you are not using VNC.