“If you want attention, get off the coconut,” smiled the enthusiastic, friendly young man who took me and my girlfriend to our villa. I don't give my coconuts to anyone, but this seems to explain how my Bawa-style "Do Not Disturb" sign works: it's a pulley system attached to a coconut shell that dangles from the front of a bamboo frame. In a few days we will call it a house with walls and a floor when we land in Indonesia.
Although this system may seem low-tech, it is typical of this new ecological proposal, consisting of six small private islands, as well as a marine reserve. Located in the Indonesian Anambas archipelago, 150 nautical miles north of Singapore, they are so small they were discovered by accident. And not because some unfortunate Robinson Crusoe got caught in a storm; more prosaically, Tim Hartnall met a Singaporean British shipping entrepreneur while sailing in the region, just like you.
Seemingly lifeless for decades, even due to the lack of fresh water, these wild, dark green and beautiful hills are ripe for careful and sensitive development. After negotiating a lease with the Indonesian government, Hartnall oversaw the installation of equipment such as reverse osmosis for desalination; a long jetty connected to the main island, where corals are moved and replaced by hand when necessary so as not to disturb the fragile ecosystem; a permaculture garden where they grow their own vegetables, herbs and, ahem, compost; and thirty-five luxury beach, garden and overwater suites.
© Outdoor Lunch by City AM at Bawa Game Reserve, IndonesiaIt features common design features such as wood trimmings, recycled copper bowls and sinks, and many accessories such as lampshades, hat racks, and tables made from rattan, rope, wood, and shells. To do this, the water for everything is heated by solar panels. It took about six years to build, and facilities on the main island include a small spa, two bars, a casual Boat House restaurant where you can dine barefoot on a swing, and, as the name suggests, the more formal Treetops. you look at the leaves.
Of the bars, Gruperi is at beach level next to the jade green infinity pool, while Jules Verne is accessible via a staircase that climbs between the trees. However, Bawah's most nifty idea is that after you've paid a mind-blowing price (the starting price per night is just over £1500), everything else is included, like your transfers: by ferry and then in a fun way. , by seaplane. , from Singapore. That is, everything except the booze, though most of it was reasonably priced by London standards (accessories from a South American couple we came here with, but they provided tax-paid champagne and the first Chilean malbec). So there are dishes you can eat and a few dishes where the food is made with as many local ingredients as possible, which is more of a challenge than a suggestion; numerous water sports, from kayaking to paddleboarding and catamarans; from island cruises to deserted beach walks; and daily spa treatments at the ultra-chic Aura Hotel, which looks like a Viking longhouse if Prada designed it.
If you're worried about going to the spa every day and you're bored with a dreamy good massage or relaxing facial, I would definitely say no; no you won't. Even my boyfriend, who goes to spas while watching Premier League football, is incredibly quick to wonder if he needs an Internal Reset (a full body massage with “oils” or an Explorer’s Relief (rest – just not. It’s addictive.. neck, back and shoulder massage) is almost enough to make you want to.
Some fish look at the traveler with indifference, some swim deliberately, and some lazily flap their fins before flying away with them. I especially like the ones that look like they've been soaked in gasoline, they're bright and shiny.
Life goes on in a dull, sleepy, pleasant routine. Beaches? There are thirteen of them, including the one overlooking our garden apartment, which looks like a posh safari tent, all with a canvas roof and a bed draped in white curtains. One morning we try the concept of a picnic on a desert island. When we get there by boat, the beach where we land is in front of the main resort, so playing in nature is a must. I mean practically; I boldly hold on to my bikini and it's good to have a friendly kayaker meet us soon. This could lead to eye contact later at dinner... awkward.
At the end of the day, we prepare for a challenging snorkeling trip to other islands. Everything underwater is a coral reef and it takes us over an hour to enjoy exploring this underwater universe. Here you can see sea turtles and blacktip reef sharks (unfortunately not among us), but an abundance of other marine life does not let us get bored: neon, striped, spotted, large, small and completely microscopic. I never tire of poking my nose into the solitude of fish crossing the bottom of the seas; some look disinterested like a traveler, others swim purposefully, some flap their fins lazily before accompanying the two of them. I especially like the ones that look like they've been soaked in gasoline and glow with a bright, shiny color. And I love other kinds of coral, pretty prints on the wallpaper, giant chunks that look like brains or cauliflower, oyster mushrooms or tiny anemones... No wonder people buy them. aquariums
The lovely staff refer to everyone by name and clearly want you to have a good time. While the sea surrounding these islands is a pure turquoise color and food is sourced directly from the surrounding waters, the velvety night sky shows an endless array of the brightest stars you'll ever see. ? When the day of our flight arrived, I almost hid the keys to the pilot, Captain Mike. Bava, there was a (pleasant) explosion; I will throw my coconut at you every day.
Visit Indonesia for yourself
The Abercrombie & Kent itinerary offers four-day cruises to the Indonesian Bawa Game Reserve and two nights in Singapore. They also organize your flights and transfers. abercrombiekent.co.uk. For more information visit bawahreserve.com
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