BAWAH RESERVE TO REOPEN THIS SUMMER
Following a two-and-a-half-year closure, Indonesia’s award-winning sustainable resort will once again welcome guests, unveiling a new island, an extensive renewable solar farm and a fresh look for the islands
July 22ndAnambas Islands, Indonesia
Remote eco-resort Bawah Reserve will reopen on 1 September 2022, welcoming guests back to the Anambas Islands, Indonesia for the first time in over two years. Bawah Reserve offers the ultimate secluded island adventure, opening up this lesser-known part of the world for the discerning traveller. The reopening will see the introduction of a new island and accommodation offerings, a considered transformation to its villas, as well as an extensive enhancement to its sustainability programme.
THE LAUNCH OF ELANG PRIVATE RESIDENCE
Set on a previously untouched island, Bawah Reserve will launch six new cliffside lodges that now make up Elang Private Residence, promising guests over the age of 18 an even more elevated private island experience. Elang Private Residence will offer the ultimate exclusive take-over for groups of family and friends of up to 20 people. Guests will have the run of the island and exclusive access to a private beach, an open-air, two-storey Club House restaurant and bar, a Beach House with the breath-taking views of the lagoon, Kayu Spa, a dedicated activities lawn as well as a saltwater infinity pool, refreshed with every tide. Each lodge has been created by Singaporean designer Sim Boon Yang, using recycled natural materials and will offer guests private butler service, a balcony with ocean views and private paths leading to dramatic rocky coves and into the glistening turquoise waters.
A BREATH OF LIFE
On the main island, Bawah Reserve will unveil two new accommodation categories, inspired by the increased demand for group, multigeneration and family travel. The two-bedroom Infinity Pool Villa comprises two stand-alone beach suites connected with a spacious alfresco lounge and dining area. A private infinity pool offers unrivalled views over and direct access to the lagoon, perfect for snorkelling, paddle-boarding, kayaking, sailing, and diving among endless marine life. Alternatively, guests can immerse themselves in nature and opt for a two-bedroom Garden Pool Villa, made up of two garden suites with shared lounge and dining area, nestled into the jungle. One of the only resorts in Indonesia with overwater bungalows, the 11 lodges have undergone a redesign and boast new furnishings, layout, and art without losing any of the famed undisrupted ocean views.
SUSTAINABILITY AT ITS HEART
As a protected marine reserve, Bawah Reserve continues to pioneer in earth friendly practices, and upon reopening guests are invited to an education on the island’s sustainability initiatives, starting with a tour of the newly installed floating solar farm that now powers the reserve. The impressive, football pitch sized solar energy farm is tucked away out of sight and is responsible for providing the majority of the island’s electricity thereby reducing carbon emissions. Bawah is the first island in Indonesia to be powered by a renewable microgrid and is certified as a 5-star resort under the Signing Blue WWF programme.
Accessible via private seaplane, Bawah Reserve is a far away group of six tropical islands in the Riau Archipelago, Indonesia, located 160 nautical miles from Singapore. With sustainability, high-end design and a “back-to-nature” concept at its core, the exclusive resort invites guests to experience an undiscovered and richly diverse part of Indonesia. Set across 13 beaches and three lagoons with 100 hectares of forest, Bawah Reserve combines an earth- focussed philosophy with refined elegance, showcasing the best of barefoot luxury.
HOW: Rates at Bawah Reserve start from $1780 per night for two people on a full board basis including daily spa treatments, laundry, in-room minibar, a host of land and water-based activities. Rates to hire Elang Private Residence start from $21,000 USD (approx. £17,478) per night for 14 guests. Rates include full board, daily spa treatments, laundry, in- room minibar and a host of land and water-based activities. The island can accommodate up to 20 guests at an additional cost.
Bawah Reserve and will open to guests on 1 September 2022. Elang Private Residence will open to guests on 1 November 2022. www.bawahreserve.com