TRAVEL
rest, relax, recharge Start the new year refreshed. Here are a few island getaways that will help you recharge your batteries and which won’t break the bank.
By Elisabeth Lee
When you want to go green A finalist in the Wild Asia Responsible Tourism Awards, Nikoi prides itself on being ‘beyond’ green — it’s much more than your typical eco-friendly getaway destination. Indeed, no trees were cut down to build this 43 acre-resort — the only one on the island — and there’s no air-conditioning; though a shrewd deployment of ceiling fans along with sensible layouts ensure that guests stay cool. What’s more, building materials and ingredients for cooking are bought locally, and all waste is recycled. All this means that guests can sit and enjoy Nikoi’s desert island charm without worrying about Mother Earth. Grab a snorkel and fins to explore the picturesque reef that surrounds the island or chill and relax with a book and one of Nikoi’s famous pina coladas. With only 15 beachfront chalets scattered over the television-, telephone- and computer-free resort, you can certainly get away from it all.
WHAT IT WILL COST Rates for 2012 start at S$330 for a one-bedroom beach house. Daily board costs S$90++ per day per adult and includes free use of kayaks, snorkelling equipment, sailing boats and windsurfers.
>> www.nikoi.com
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WELLNESS FOR ALL
PHOTOS: Nikoi, Japamala Resorts
HOW TO GET THERE Transfers from Bintan Ferry terminal to Nikoi cost S$90++ return per adult and S$45++ per child. This includes VIP immigration clearance, car and boat transfer.