Nikoi Island

Eco-friendly luxury on a serene private island in Indonesia - just 2 hours from Singapore

Nikoi Island is barefoot luxury writ large; this laid-back, secluded getaway offers an abundance of pristine natural wonders and wildlife encounters. Ringed with white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters and coral reefs, and blessed with a rainforest teeming with birds, this tiny island offers the ultimate Robinson Crusoe experience.

Situated just off Bintan Island, and a degree north of the equator, Nikoi Island is so unspoilt you feel you've rented the whole thing for yourself. The only buildings on the island are the resort's 15 beautiful Indonesian beach houses, each with a stunning seafront location and perfect sunset view. Affordable and far from pretentious, the resort has 2 pools, affable staff and eco-friendly principles (solar-powered hot water, sustainable buildings, sea turtle conservation). The clientèle are honeymooners, young couples or families whose kids can enjoy treasure hunts, pirate adventures and nature trails. You'll not be short of things to do - snorkelling, island hopping, fishing, sailing, beachcombing, wildlife spotting - or just reclining on a daybed, cocktail in hand.

Highs

• Super-friendly, dedicated staff make the experience complete - they called us by name and remembered our favourite things
• Beachfront massages in your private sala, where the only soundtrack is the sea
• Yummy food using locally sourced, fresh products
• Spacious, Zen-like beach houses that can accommodate 2-6 people
• Abundant wildlife including sea turtles, monitor lizards, komodo dragons, butterflies, monkeys, eagles and geckos
• The most fantastic carpet of stars at night time

Lows

• Expect to see creepy crawlies, though each house has mosquito nets and coils to keep them at bay
• The food is delicious, but set meals are the only option (though special dietary requirements can be catered for)
• Bit of a schlepp to get to: a ferry from Singapore to Bintan, then a taxi and a private launch - all up, a journey of 2 hours
• No phones or TVs in the rooms - but there's mobile reception, limited WiFi, movie projectors, iPod docks, and you can borrow books, mags and board games