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Are These the Most Remote Overwater Bungalows on Earth?

Go behind the scenes at this new luxury resort marooned 160 nautical miles from civilization.
  • Updated: October 2, 2018
overwater bungalows
The overwater bungalows at Bawah Reserve Courtesy Bawah Reserve

Debuted January 2018, Bawah Reserve lives and breathes seclusion. Reachable only by a private 80-minute flight from Singapore, the destination comprises six unspoiled islands that were previously uninhabited. Be among the first to explore this privately owned paradise, where no more than 70 guests at a time enjoy the sublime beauty of places like Bali and Boracay, sans any signs of tourism.

Anambas Archipelago

Scene

The retreat is the first true resort in Indonesia’s largely untouristed Anambas Archipelago, an Eden of white sand, turquoise sea, thriving reefs and jungled hills. Now designated a marine conservation area, the reserve features 13 beaches and only 35 suites, which blend delicately into the natural surroundings. Guests arrive by seaplane, splashing down onto one of three sheltered lagoons. Courtesy Bawah Reserve
Suites and Overwater Bungalows
Bawah’s string of overwater bungalows represent the highest room category: All 11 feature ocean views and direct lagoon access. Or pick from safari-tented garden and beach suites. Handcrafted with sustainable materials like bamboo and recycled teak, each room is adorned with frills: Think copper bathtubs, private verandas, canopied beds and outdoor showers. Handy extras also include beach bags, sun hats and snorkeling gear. Courtesy Bawah Reserve
Treetops restaurant

Food and Drink

Take your seat at a raw-edged wood-slab table at Treetops restaurant, tucked into the rainforest canopy. Overhead, a thatched roof and woven jellyfish chandeliers set the mood, along with sunset views over the lagoon. On your plate, local ingredients from the onsite organic garden elevate Asian-fusion dishes. Courtesy Bawah Reserve
Treetops restaurant
Three boho-chic bars also fleck the property. Set by the crescent-shaped infinity pool, Grouper is an art installation of fishnets and driftwood. The Jules Verne bar pays tribute to its Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea-penning namesake with a nautical vibe and a wildlife-viewing platform: Spy fruit bats and pied imperial pigeons as you sip custom cocktails. Or dig your toes into the sand at the Boat House, complete with rustic swing chairs. Beach picnics and private, lantern-lit dinners for two are also available. Best of all, breakfast, lunch, dinner and soft drinks are all included in the room rate. Courtesy Bawah Reserve
snorkler diving in the water

Adventures

Don a snorkel to commune with teeming marine life, from parrotfish, clownfish and trumpetfish to turtles, reef sharks and giant clams. Learn to dive or sail. Hike past butterflies, lizards and ancient trees in the rainforest. Gawk at the coastline and neighboring islands from lofty lookouts. Paddle board over coral reefs and colorful fish. Island-hop to deserted beaches in a see-through kayak. Cruise around the reserve while sipping champagne. And, when night falls, watch a movie on the beach, or gaze at the heavens through the resort’s telescope. Courtesy Bawah Reserve
Bawah Aura Spa

Spa and Wellness

Many guests opt for an in-room massage, but Bawah’s Aura Spa also features five treatment suites, a yoga pavilion, meditation sessions, and a reflexology area, all surrounded by foliage. Unlock relaxation with a full-body oil massage, or experiment with therapies like a cream bath for your hair or a skin-smoothing salt scrub. Courtesy Bawah Reserve
Bawah Island Reserve

Sustainability

Bawah Reserve is as green as it is dreamy. The property uses eco-friendly sunscreen and laundry detergent, as well as electric vehicles and solar-powered boats. Rainwater is collected for use, and waste is recycled, composted or mulched. Fishing, pesticides and plastic bottles are banned. And, as a supporter of the Bawah Anambas Foundation, the resort contributes to the benefit of the ocean and local community. The upshot? Stays here are both over-the-top and guilt-free. Courtesy Bawah Reserve
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