No, not Bali!
Earlier this year, Bawah Reserve, a private island resort, opened in Indonesia’s Riau Islands. By description, the resort sounded as a perfect fit for a small VIP client of ours. So, we had to check it to find out for ourselves.
Bawah Reserve is an exclusive resort comprising six private islands in Indonesia’s Riau Islands, located 150 miles northeast of Singapore on the Anambas Archipelago. On arrival, we very quickly learned that Bawah Reserve is built on the philosophy of allowing guests to immerse themselves in the ecosystem, while enjoying “barefoot” luxury on-property.
Covered in lush jungle canopy, the private islands have three crystal-clear blue lagoons and 13 white sand beaches. Bawah Reserve’s waters and terrain allow guests to enjoy various marine-based activities and treks through the jungle. For those looking to relax, they can opt for the resort’s beachfront infinity pool or holistic wellness center. The resort takes seclusion to new heights.
Accommodating up to 70 guests, Bawah Reserve has 35 suites; these are broken down into 11 overwater bungalows overlooking the lagoons, 21 safari-like tented beachfront suites and three garden suites set among the island’s green flora. The suites are adorned with canvas and bamboo interiors.
With a strong commitment to environmental sustainability and ocean conservation, the recently launched Bawah Anambas Foundation has been established with the mission to preserve and protect marine life, indigenous flora and fauna and local communities living within the surrounding 200 islands. In the communities, the foundation will have a focus on literacy and access to education.
Prior to the land being purchased by two foreign investors six years ago, the Anambas Archipeligo had no tourism or hospitality offerings, making Bawah Reserve the first and only opportunity to access to this remote location. One of the key owners and investors, Matt Chapman, a Singapore-based entrepreneur and investor, also owns Parihoa Farm in New Zealand.
Access to the reserve was slightly cumbersome coming from Singapore. We first had to board a ferry from Singapore to Batam in Indonesia. From there, Bawah Reserve’s private seaplane took us on an 80-minute journey from Hang Nadim International Airport in Batam and landed directly in the waters of the resort. What made the experience very pleasant was the fact that the all-inclusive nightly rate included full round-trip transfers from Singapore, villa accommodation, daily meals, laundry, soft drinks, access to treatments and classes at the wellness center, surface water sports and snorkeling equipment.
We were sad to leave this small piece of paradise after our two-day site visit—but happy to be recommending the resort to our client. The buy-out of the resort will make for a one-in-a-lifetime experience for our client’s super achiever team. The Maxxus Group is grateful for the opportunity to learn about this gem, a stone throw away from hustle and bustle of Singapore and looks forward to showcasing this piece of paradise to our other clients.
