Travel I
Checking In: Bawah Reserve, Indonesia
WORDS: AZIMIN SAINI | IMAGES: BAWAH RESERVE
The seaplane descends slowly, hovering over the shimmering blue waters. From above, the islands roughly resemble emeralds, their powder-soft white beaches and turquoise lagoons framed by dense, tropical forests cascading to the shore.
The plane skims the sea’s surface and glides across the waves before resting beside a jetty. As the doors open, warmth rushes in, carrying the scent of salt, thriving vegetation and the promise of something untouched. This is not just any arrival – it’s the beginning of a lasting memory, a unique experience of a place where luxury and nature intertwine.
Welcome to Bawah Reserve, a hyper-exclusive retreat tucked away in the Anambas Archipelago of Indonesia. Here, 36 suites and villas, two restaurants, two bars and a spa emerge from a magnificent flourishing landscape in what its team bills as an “Earth-first” reserve. Its ultimate aim, according to Chief Operating Officer Paul Robinson, is to blend as seamlessly as possible with the environment.
“Our approach was to enhance the beauty of the island rather than disrupt it,” he says. “We carefully designed the resort to have minimal impact on the surroundings, using sustainable materials and techniques that allow the landscape to remain intact.”
Bawah Reserve was initially founded by Tim Hartnoll, a Singapore-based shipping magnate who fell in love with the remote beauty of the Anambas Archipelago during his sailing trips. His vision was to create an upscale eco-resort that preserved the habitat around it while offering an exclusive, sustainable retreat.
Work began in 2012 and wasn’t completed until 2017 as it involved slowly erecting structures within a fragile ecosystem. The result is a constellation of bamboo structures embedded in the forest, built without heavy machinery. Instead, an army of dedicated hands worked meticulously to assemble each building, using traditional techniques to preserve the pristine ecosystems. Rocks were heated and rapidly cooled in the sea to break them apart, while bamboo was cut, shaped and weaved to form the shape of each villa and restaurant. Trees were left completely untouched as decks and pathways were built around them. The jetty alone took a year to build as divers had to move each coral by hand before driving down piles into the seabed to construct the pier. “Our construction drew inspiration from indigenous Indonesian techniques that emphasise natural materials and low-impact methods,” explains Robinson. “These techniques have been honed over generations, offering a perfect model for our Earth-first resort.”
Inside, the commitment to sustainability continues. Each suite and villa is equipped with luxe king-sized beds, artisanal furnishings and eco-friendly products, ensuring guests feel truly comfortable without compromising the environment. Bathrooms feature rain showers and recycled copper sinks, while deep tubs overlook the world outside, immersing guests in the charm of the area, while they’re indoors.
Moving towards the water, seafront suites lead out to the beach while overwater villas come with ladders for direct sea access. In both, gentle breezes and the sound of the waves become part of the experience, making the spaces feel like little self-contained soul-soothing universes. For those seeking more seclusion, there are pool villas with up to four bedrooms, while across the lagoon, there’s Elang Private Residence, an entire island with bespoke dining and butler service, available to be booked exclusively.
While the rooms invite you to unwind, the archipelago beckons you to explore. Bawah Reserve offers a curated selection of experiences, designed to be as energising or tranquil as your mood dictates. You could begin your day with a serene kayak across glass-like lagoons, where each stroke carries you past palm-fringed shores and untouched coves. For those seeking a deeper connection with the sea, snorkelling offers a window into what Robinson unabashedly claims are the best underwater realms in the world. “You can head out just around the jetty and see literally hundreds of fish and marine life,” he enthuses.
Alternatively, stay dry on land in workout classes such as yoga and Pilates, which take place on a beachside platform. After time spent outdoors, you can rejuvenate at Aura Spa, which focuses on holistic healing and where daily treatments are included in the room rate.
Meal times at Bawah Reserve are as much of an experience as the stay itself, with each dish a celebration of both local flavours and sustainability. “We have two distinctive dining experiences: Treetops and the Boat House,” says Robinson. “Treetops focuses on refined, plant-forward cuisine inspired by global flavours, with an emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The Boat House offers a more relaxed, beachside setting with seafood specialities and grilled dishes that reflect the laid-back vibe.” For those looking for a more intimate experience, private dining options can be arranged: perhaps a castaway picnic on your own isle or a bespoke dinner tailored to personal preferences.
“We want every guest to leave feeling rejuvenated and inspired by the island’s beauty,” says Robinson. Bawah Reserve is a place where indulgence doesn’t come at the planet’s expense, and where every act is designed to leave a positive impact. In a world where excess is often the very definition of luxury, here is a refreshing alternative: a sanctuary that embraces tranquillity, sustainability and the beauty of the authentically natural.
