Eco luxury retreat opens on Bawah islands
Aluxury eco retreat that can only be reached by seaplane, has opened in a remote part of Indonesia in the South China Sea, 150 nautical miles from Singapore.
Previously uninhabited, Bawah is strung across five islands, has three crystal-clear lagoons and 13 beaches. There are 35 ecodesigned suites and overwater bungalows for a maximum of 70 guests.
Materials like bamboo, recycled teak and driftwood are used throughout the property, which also includes an infinity swimming pool.
There’s also a holistic wellness centre where you can personalise yoga, pilates, meditation, and reiki sessions from sunrise to sunset; an Asian-fusion restaurant that uses locally grown ingredients; and a woodpanelled library in the tree tops, stocked with a diverse collection of natural history, architecture, and classic literature, plus maps and guidebooks.
Guests can unwind with cocktails at the Grouper Bar, Jules Verne Bar, and Boat House Bar. These uniquely themed bars are situated in different zones on Bawah, each offering beautiful and distinctive sights of the surrounding islands.
Fishing and anchoring in Bawah’s waters are forbidden, and to protect the abundance of flora and fauna, including butterflies, no pesticides are used.
Unspoilt eco luxury comes at a price. A night for two people costs from $US1960 (PGK6235), including accommodation, transfers, meals and non-motorised activities.
To access Bawah, it’s best to travel via Singapore, take a short ferry ride to Batam Island, Indonesia, and then a 70-minute flight on Bawah’s private seaplane.
See bawahisland.com.
Air Niugini flies from Port Moresby to Singapore five times a week. See airniugini.com.pg.