Combining innovative accommodation and sensational settings, escaping from Singapore to a private island resort has never been easier.
Let’s be honest – while we all love Singapore, with its eclectic foodscape and rich heritage, when it comes to fun under the sun nothing really compares to a private island, a little citadel of respite you only have to share with a select few. Fortunately, private islands have never been more popular, and you might be surprised how many of these idyllic locales are easily accessible from Singapore.
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Telunas
Sail out of Singapore to your island paradise and enjoy encounters with pink dolphins and flying fish on a three-hour journey to the private island of Telunas (above), the ultimate escape, where jungle and sea frames a deserted cove. Relax with a massage on the veranda of your overwater sea villa as you admire stunning views of enchanting Sugi Island nearby.
Take a swim in the freshwater infinity pool or plunge into clear aquamarine waters from the island’s 10-meter-high diving platform. Jungle treks will break up endless days of sun-worshipping, although there’s always the chance to cliff dive the local waterfall if you need a fix of adrenaline. Kayak or SUP on Kallang Basin’s Indonesian currents or join one of the cooking classes offered by the island’s culinary team, where you can make your own sambal.
Nikoi Island
An hour ferry ride from Singapore, just off the coast of Bintan, Nikoi Island (above) was stumbled upon by Australian expats Andrew and Julia Dixon, who bought it and developed an ultimate ecological, food, wine, and restorative getaway––a down-to-earth outdoor paradise for city dwellers.
Beach volleyball and tide pool exploration lead to mountain biking, rock climbing, and trekking or simply fish off the jetty at sunset. Come between February and September to spot nesting turtles. Your host, Yogi, is as equally excited about introducing you to a huge tropical spider as he is mixing a tall cool one at his namesake’s bar. Granite boulders hug the bars, pool, and restaurant – home to menus that include the day’s catch and the joy of dining barefoot in the sand – in a gorgeous setting of jungle and white sand beaches, but you might find the most respite in your spacious villa, complete with stunning views of the South China Sea and.
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Cempedak Island
Just like its exotic namesake fruit, Cempedak Island reveals the most delicious morsels. Find romance, adventure, and wellness in barefoot luxury that thumbs its nose at tech and high-fives elemental luxury––privacy, spaciousness, and natural beauty. Welcoming guests sixteen years old and over, this intimate island hideaway features 20 exquisite, bamboo-clad one-bedroom villas, all with stunning views of the South China Sea.
Spend your days sailing, kayaking, snorkelling, and diving around the island before returning to gourmet dining, complete with an excellent wine selection and imported beers that provide exciting pairings for the restaurant’s Indonesian specialities. Be sure to leave time for a massage at the spa, which helps fund classes in everything from soil management to IT and nutrition for local villagers.
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Bawah
We’re also rather fond of the Indonesian island of Bawah, which we’ve covered before. An untouched retreat in the Anambas archipelago, a clutch of idyllic, pristine coral-wreathed islands a short ferry and 75-minute seaplane ride from Singapore, Bawah has already welcomed more than its fair share of regional celebs looking for the ultimate in privacy.
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