Within six islands in the Anambas archipelago sits the barefoot luxury resort of Bawah Reserve

Singapore is a great stand alone destination, and an equally good jump off point to visit nearby island destinations.  And there is an amazing option that opened in 2018 receiving incredible reviews, including my own!  I spent a magical weekend exploring the pristine Bawah Reserve in Indonesia.  Located 160 nautical miles (300km) northeast of Singapore in Indonesia’s remote Anambas Archipelago, this barefoot luxury eco resort is certainly something to gush about, and to put on your must visit list!

The resort opened in 2018 and comprises of 36 suites catering for a maximum of 70 guests.  For groups and families the villas range from 2 to 4 bedroom options. The luxury take on a safari styled accommodation with copper, canvas and white linen touches lets you enjoy more than traditional luxury and truly immerse yourself in a barefoot earthy ambience difficult to tear yourself away from.

The resort encompasses six islands, 14 beaches, 3 lagoons allowing you to feel like the only guests on these remote islands.  Enjoy a beach to yourselves for a private brunch picnic, champagne sunset or snorkel, kayak and hike.

Double and twin Overwater Suites, Deluxe Beachfront Suites, Garden Suites and a Jungle suite offers options for romantic escapes, friend-escapes, honeymooners or a family holiday with children accepted from five years plus.   The accommodation style is “Robinson Crusoe” in feel with the structures comprising of giant bamboo poles and canvas retractable blinds.  Whilst there is air-conditioning I the main bedroom and sitting area you can also enjoy the natural breezes by activating the electronic blinds.   Copper freestanding bath and bathroom features, jelly fish shell lamps, white muslin cloth over the beds all align well with the understated and comfortable more natural luxury style the resort is pitching.

The water is a magnificent clear turquoise usually reserved for the Maldives imaginations.  Impressive perfectly circular coral structures are mesmerising as you fly over on arrival and paddle over in your kayak.

Activities are aplenty with space to roam and explore.  For the energetic there is kayaking, sailing, snorkelling, diving and if you can tear yourself away from the sublime water, there are hiking trails affording you with the reward of spectacular views over the resort and surrounding islands.

At a more leisurely pace there are options for yoga, Pilates, croquet or enjoy cookery & art classes, secluded picnics, the outdoor cinema or quiet time in the Wallace Library.

When absolute relaxation is desired, the spa services are first class with options from massages, facials and remedial treatments.  And, the fabulous bonus here, daily spa services are included in the rates!

The cuisine at Bawah Reserve is one of the highlights from my stay at the resort, and given all meals are included in the rate, it was hard to restrain one’s self!   From traditional teas, and recipes using local produce generously provided and neatly presented with attention to the finest detail.  The abundance of choice and flavour at every sitting was outstanding.  The two restaurants offer a great variety of international and Indonesian options with numerous choices and cater well to various dietary options and preferences.  Climb the stone steps to Tree Tops which is the fine dining restaurant for dinner, and open for breakfast to enjoy an elevated view of the jetty and lagoon below.  The Boat House Bar is perfect for lunch or an afternoon snack in a truly relaxed spot complete with sand floor, chunky wooden stools and swing chairs on the water’s edge.  Three bars offer three very different vibes. The Jules Verne bar atop the highest level above Tree Tops restaurant area is perfect for sundowners as the sun sets over the sheltered lagoon.

The faultless service at Bawah Reserve starts well before your arrival on the island.  You will be collected from the airport or your Singapore hotel and escorted to the ferry terminal where you are greeted by the resort guest services staff.  Your private host accompanies you to Batam by launch (approximately 30 minutes), and organises a swift transfer through immigration.  It’s then a short drive to the local airport (which is far more impressive than I had anticipated).  From Batam airport your onward escort shows you to the amphibious seapane for your final leg to Bawah Reserve, an 80 minute journey over nothing but blue waters, and landing on the lagoon directly in front of the resort.

Staff at Bawah Reserve is comprised of 40% locals who have been guided and groomed to provide exceptional service with the natural warmth of the local Indonesian culture.   With the international and local staff there felt a genuine personalised warmth and pleasure to have you on the island with engaging, caring, and professional approach.  Nothing was too much trouble and everything was organised promptly to ensure the most was made of the time at this idyllic island retreat.

The stay is well suited to combine with a Singapore city visit to connect to the island via ferry and seaplane.

It’s time to explore the other side of Indonesia – contact us now