Nikoi Island

Rooms

A scattering of 18 Zen-like stilted wooden beach houses, each with 1 or 2 bedrooms (a few also have bunkrooms), lines the coast. There are also a few 2- and 3-bedroom villas with private pools for those looking for an even more exclusive space. They're generously spread across 5 hectares – and the island's remaining 10 hectares are a wildlife sanctuary – so the place doesn't feel overly crowded.

Each house is open to the elements and has been created using driftwood collected over many years, and thatched grass alang alang roofs which help them blend into the trees. The larger beach houses have a bunkroom for kids and split-level wooden walkways between the bedrooms and bathrooms.

Décor is cream and white with polished wooden floors. Rooms are enhanced with daybeds, cosy sofas and wooden deckchairs on the verandas, which face the ocean. Ceilings are high and vaulted with silent fans; windows are open and unglassed. Downstairs is an open sand-floored lounge area complete with sunbeds and a massage balé. Outside, you get alfresco showers and direct access to the beach.

The bedrooms are all on the upper floor and feature kingsize four-poster beds draped with mosquito nets and dressed with luxurious white cotton linen; this is changed every other day. Bathrooms are artfully crafted from natural stone and wood; you get a shower and toiletries including shampoo, conditioner, body wash and a lemongrass lotion which doubles as mosquito repellent.

Sustainability is the overall focus. The houses were designed to not need air con, using fans, elevated bedrooms and open windows to allow for natural ventilation (the houses are all sea facing for that breeze). Minimal concrete, glass, paint and plastic were deployed in construction: the wood has been left unfinished and all furniture and carpentry was made on site.

Features include:

• Fan
• In-room treatments available
• Mosquito net
• Safe box
• WiFi

Eating

Meals are created proudly using fresh, seasonal and organic ingredients, much from their farm; the rest sourced from local markets and small traders. Menus change on a day-to-day basis and the set three-course meals can be tailored to suit any dietary needs or preferences.

Guests get 3 tasty and simple meals a day (in generous portions), which are taken at a communal table in the open-sided, sand-floor restaurant overlooking the beach - dreamy at sunset. Lunch and dinners feature sharing plates of local fare served family-style, so you can try a bit of everything. Dishes include beef rendang, deep fried ayam bacem (sweet and spicy chicken), and grilled duck satay. Kids can choose from a western menu if preferred.

There is also a poolside restaurant with a Mediterranean theme – think small plates of falafel, lamb skewers and sumptuous salads – and a pizza oven for those after something more substantial. Those staying in the Pool Villas nearby get priority booking in this restaurant, however there will always be tables set aside for other guests. If you want more privacy, secluded picnics can be arranged on the beach or a candlelit table set up on the jetty.

The service is slick and attentive. The highlight of our stay was a seafood lunch: generous portions of juicy baked snapper, steamed bok choi with soy and garlic, fresh Niçoise salad and vivid saffron rice, followed by a warm, rich chocolate torte.

Breakfasts are simple yet satisfying: tropical fruit, cereal, and eggs on toast with optional extras like mushrooms, bacon, sausages and tomatoes. And there's always a local dish to try, too.

Cocktails at Nikoi are the order of the day -– and priced very reasonably for a private island. You'll find the classics on the menu along with some inventive creations by the bar manager. The favourite – his ‘Island Colada’ – was creamy (fresh coconut cream) and fruity with a nice kick. All drinks can be served in either of the bars, or taken back to your villa.

Features include:

• Bar
• Communal dining
• Kids' meals
• Restaurant
• Vegetarian options

Activities

• If you're a watersports fan you're in luck. Swimming, sailing, island hopping, windsurfing, diving, kayaking, fishing – you name it
  
• The snorkelling is first rate thanks in no small part to the resident marine biologist and the Foundations Nikoi set up to protect the Marine Protected Area, and remove plastic from coastal areas – the sea is teeming with fish. Diving is available when conditions allow, but only for those already certified. Best to go diving and snorkelling between March and November
  
• Zone out on your daybed with a good book, or indulge in a deep-tissue Balinese massage in the tented spa
  
• Soak up the natural attractions: we saw lizards, tropical butterflies, golden orb spiders and geckos during our stay; dolphins can also be spotted
  
• Take a dip in one of the 2 swimming pools located to the right of the villas. The pool bar and loungers overlooking the crisp ocean are perfect for sundowners. Beach volleyball and boules are available, and inland there's lawn tennis and a croquet court
  
• Artists and researchers regularly host workshops, while Nikoi's team lead sustainability tours, permaculture harvesting sessions, and cooking classes using local ingredients
  
• Keen bird lovers should look out for the resident white bellied eagle on the hill. Bright yellow golden orioles and stork billed kingfishers can occasionally be spotted in the mangroves
  
• Thrill seekers of all ages will love rock climbing on Nikoi’s impressive granite boulders and the 3-stage zipline which flies through the jungle
  
• Send the kids off on an island adventure with the informally run Kids Club. We saw the staff taking children on treasure hunts, going on nature trails and searching rock pools with gusto

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Birdwatching
• Boat trips
• Croquet
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Kayaking
• Kitesurfing
• Plantlife / flora
• Private guided tours
• Sailing
• Scuba diving
• Snorkelling
• Spa treatments
• Swimming
• Tennis
• Wildlife
• Windsurfing
• Zip-wiring

Kids

This is a great place for kids - the staff are very attentive towards children and are genuinely delighted to take them on walks and adventures. They can take care of kids of any age, and babysitters are always available.

Best for:

Children (4-12 years), Teens (over 12)

Family friendly accommodation:

All houses can sleep at least 1 child, and many have additional rooms with bunkbeds, ideal for kids. The Pool Villas are great for families, offering a bit more space and private pools.

Cots Available, Extra Beds Available

Distances:

• Airport: 2+ hours

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

Nikoi Island is located just 15 minutes (8km) by boat from Bintan Island, Indonesia. It's about 2.5 hours from Singapore.

By Air
Singapore's Changi (85km away) is the nearest airport. It's served by a huge range of international airlines - please click on the links below for further information.

From Singapore
It's a 45-minute high-speed catamaran ferry ride from Singapore’s Tanah Merah ferry terminal to Bintan. You'll then take a 1-hour private transfer across Bintan, followed by a further 15-minute launch ride to Nikoi. It's essential to book the ferry in advance if travelling at weekends or holidays. The resort can arrange transfers from the ferry terminal in Bintan for you. It can also provide an information sheet before arrival and advise on travel to Bintan from Singapore.

More on getting to Singapore and getting around