BAWAH RESERVE
REMOTE, EXCLUSIVE, AND ELEGANT
W
hen thinking about tropical travel in Indonesia, one destination reigns supreme: Bali, a lush island packed with five-star treats. Yes, the island’s reputation is warranted, but there are plenty of alternatives to consider. One such option is much more exclusive and considerably more remote. The hidden island retreat of Bawah Reserve is the hottest opening in recent years, a back-to-nature sensation on an Indonesian island archipelago. Found in the Riau Archipelago between peninsular Malaysia and Borneo, Bawah is already making a name
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for itself among the jet set as one of the most pristine resort islands in Indonesia. Built over the course of five years – constructed without the use of heavy modern machinery – the mission of this reserve is sustainability. Dynamite fishing threatened the islands before they were developed by an English shipping entrepreneur from Singapore, Tim Hartnoll. He was captivated by this remote paradise’s potential and was driven to protect and develop the islands sustainably so that they might flourish again. And flourishing they are; the marine life has come back in droves, swimming
around the colorful coral reefs that surround these lush islands.
Due to Bawah’s limited capacity – a maximum of 70 guests in 35 private suites or villas – visitors feel like they have their own personal aquarium, brimming with tropical fish, reef sharks, and eels just steps from the lagoon-like infinity pool and white sand beaches. After landing by amphibious seaplane and taking a dip in the warm water, Bawah allows for your inclusive choice of resort activity: massages at the spa, hikes to the highest point of the main island to watch the sunset, or movie night in the outdoor theater (post barbecue of course).
