Barefoot luxury and sustainable travel are buzzwords slated to get a whole lot bigger once travel resumes. Here are three of Indonesia’s finest exclusive hidden spots to escape the world and immerse in nature with a conscience.
The Indonesian archipelago is home to a chain of 17,508 stunning islands that form one of Southeast Asia’s most delicate ecologies. While travel can be detrimental to the environment, many resorts realise it doesn’t have to be.
Here are some of the country’s most luxurious resorts where guests can get away from it all with a conscience. From luxurious private islands, to sprawling eco-lodges hugged by rainforest, here are some of Indonesia’s exclusive spots – best accessed by helicopter.
Nihi Sumba
Sitting on the island of Sumba in east Indonesia, this private island resort launched in 1988 as a place for guests seeking an “experience” and not just a holiday. Since opening, the resort has spearheaded sustainabile and ethical tourism, sourced local produce and hired local Sumbanese.
The small island hideaway comprising 28 villas sits on 175 hectares of tropical forest, rice terraces and grasslands, and features 2.5km of protected beach. Its excellent surfing conditions make it popular with the upmarket surf crowd and it hosts a range of other carefully-curated experiences for guests.
Through the Sumba Foundation, Nihi Sumba Island funds local healthcare and educational programmes, helps provide clean water to the island, is working to eradicate malaria and carries out a range of conservation projects.
A private helicopter can be chartered from Bali to Sumba Island, or from Sumba Tambolaka airport to the resort.
Amanwana
This secluded tropical paradise is set on Moyo Island and in true Aman style offers a unique luxurious escape. This time in the form of glamping in deluxe spacious structures dotted below a jungle canopy.
Guests can choose from a range of activities. These include snorkelling or diving among the colourful reefs, hiking through ancient tropical rainforest, a jeep exploration of the island and exploring the seas by boat.
In 2008, the resort launched the Moyo Conservation Fund to help preserve the reefs and marine life. This also includes a sea turtle conservation programme. A deer reserve was also created to put a stop to illegal hunting, fishing and logging. An educational initiative provides children with English, maths and nature conservation classes.
Amanwana operates scheduled charter flights from Bali to Sumbawa. Private helicopters can be arranged to the resort’s helipad.
Bawah Reserve
Since opening in 2017, Bawah Reserve has been wowing high-end clientele from across the world. The exclusive resort spans six islands that sit about 300km from Singapore in Indonesia’s remote Anambas Archipelago.
Boasting three turquoise lagoons and 13 blissful powder white beaches, the reserve offers a new level of sustainable luxury. Each of the 35 overwater bungalows are hand-crafted from bamboo and recycled materials, with the Bawah Foundation funding a range of community-driven and sustainable initiatives.
Activities include hiking through the primeval forest that hug the archipelago, exploring the islands by boat, diving into the vibrant underwater world, and discovering more about local culture.
The only way to access the resort is by private seaplane provided by the resort. There is also a helipad for guests wanting to charter private transport.
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