SERENITY NOW
This private-island resort in Indonesia celebrates the natural beauty of the Anambas archipelago and the tranquil qualities of island life
The journey matters more than the final destination, so the adage goes. For this private-island resort, it’s happily a bit of both. While travelling to this remote resort is a feat in itself—the route involves a ferry ride, land transfers as well as a seaplane flight—the aerial views of the archipelago during the flight prove to be as stunning as the sights that greet guests daily on the island. Up-close, the emerald sea offers glimpses of marine life and coral reefs beneath, with the surrounding lagoons keeping the clear waters tranquil. Foliage is abundant at this eco-conscious retreat, with most of the existing forestry and rocky cliffs kept as it was. The resort management also set up the non-profit group Bawah Foundation, which focuses on keeping the sea clean and litter-free, while caring for the wildlife and coral reefs. Primary amenities and suites are located on Bawah island (the largest of the six islands), with access to the other isles made available via solar-powered boats. With just 35 suites lining oceanfront, it’s easy to feel like you’ve much of the beach to yourself. Designed by interdisciplinary studio Eco-id, the deliberately rustic appearance of the accommodations echoes the resort’s commitment to caring for the environment. “Bawah Reserve’s sustainable ethos is about designing the architecture and interiors for optimum comfort while having a light impact on the environment,” says Sim Boon Yang, Eco-id’s founding partner, who saw to the architecture and interior design of the property. The resort’s remote setting inspired the use of materials: villas and restaurants on the island were built primarily with bamboo, which were sustainably harvested from plantations in Java, and then prefabricated and shipped for assembly on the island.