Bawah Island, one of the most anticipated openings of 2017, is now calling for guests to be the first to step onto the untouched archipelago.
From 31 July 2017, Bawah is inviting its first guests to discover the rare ecosystem at this ‘naturally luxe’ retreat in the heart of the Indonesian Anambas. Bawah Island is just three hours from Singapore and accessible only via a short ferry ride from Batam and a 75-minute private seaplane.
Previously uninhabited, Bawah is a marine conservation area where “nature provides its true luxury” across five pristine islands, three crystal-clear lagoons and 13 beaches. Bawah allows a maximum of 70 guests at any one time, with 35 eco-designed suites and overwater bungalows providing guests with a private oasis among spectacular scenery.
Bawah Island has been developed to inspire guests to get reacquainted with their ‘true nature’ by inviting them to explore the islands and leave with a renewed sense of purpose. Immersing in experiences harmonious with nature, explorers can encounter flourishing species of corals, turtles and iridescent schools of fish, or step foot in Bawah’s primary forest that has never been cut or burnt.
Bawah features 35 suites, with 21 Beach Suites offering sea views, 11 Over Water Bungalows giving dawn-to-dusk vistas and three Garden Suites shrouded by natural scenes. Each suite features a bedroom, spacious bathroom and a relaxing outdoor living area with views across the lagoon.
Within Bawah’s clear waters, all are welcome to experience a variety of water activities or for those wanting to slow down their time, Bawah’s beachfront infinity pool invites a cool, gentle dip. The holistic wellness centre, Aura, houses a spa and a yoga pavilion, providing mind and body programmes designed to enlighten the senses. Aura will also offer personalised yoga, pilates, meditation, and reiki sessions from sunrise to sunset.
The Tree Top restaurant will serve Asian-fusion cuisine with locally grown ingredients alongside a drinks menu to showcase authentic flavours. The lower deck of the restaurant offers an alternative relaxation spot for diners as they take in spectacular views of the ocean.
Guests can also unwind with cocktails at the Grouper Bar, Jules Verne Bar and Boat House Bar. These bars are situated at different zones on Bawah, each offering sights of the surrounding islands. In addition, Bawah houses a wood-panelled Library up in the treetops, where a diverse collection of natural history, architecture, classic literature, maps and guidebooks are available for literary lovers to browse and indulge in.
All tented suites and public areas are made of materials like bamboo and recycled teak; while the bath and shower areas are constructed of recycled copper. Indigenous materials like driftwood have been reinvented and everything on the island has been created by hand, as no heavy machinery is allowed. Fishing and anchoring in Bawah’s waters are also forbidden and to protect the abundance of flora, fauna and butterflies on the island, no pesticides are used.
The Bawah Island experience, which can be booked now from USD $1960 for two people per night, includes:
- Eco-designed accommodation for two to share
- Round trip transfers from Singapore via Batam (car, ferry and 75-minute private seaplane)
- Daily meals (breakfast, lunch and a la carte dinner) and non-alcoholic beverages
- Daily laundry service (no dry cleaning on island)
- Minibar (unlimited Bawah mineral water)
- Non-motorised water sports – kayaking, sailing, paddle-boarding, snorkelling, and boat trips around the lagoon
- Beach towels and snorkelling equipment
- Other island activities including spa, yoga, pilates, meditation, and reiki sessions at Aura wellness centre, hiking in the forests of Bawah, and open-air cinema sessions
This article appeared in LATTE – the Luxury Australian Travel Trade experts. Read more at LATTEluxurynews.com