Ten years ago, Andre Dixon and his partner opened a resort on a personal island within the Riau archipelago, specifically on the private island of Nikoi. Now the Australian banker-turned-hotelier has unveiled one other big project – a second private island near Nikoi, a brief train ride away. Debuting in March, Cempedak Island is emerging from greater than 42 acres of rainforest and secluded white-sand beaches as a brand new private island. There are only 20 villas, each hidden among the many densest green villas, ensuring complete privacy.
It was designed by Miles Humphrey, who also designed Mandapa, the Ritz-Carlton reserve with a temple in Bali. The houses are built entirely from sustainable bamboo, recycled teak and rubberwood, and have a thatched roof. With amenities akin to eco-friendly bedding, private saltwater pools and expansive terraces overlooking the sand.
Cempedak also offers many reasons to depart your villa. Only half-hour from the private island of Nikoi, this tropical resort will resemble a cocoon, providing you with the unique architectural feeling of being in a lush tropical paradise. And like Nikoi, he despises all but essentially the most needed technology and luxury. Who needs air con where the ocean breeze blows and who watches TV in such an idyllic setting?
Guests can enjoy a grass tennis court and a wide selection of water activities, including scuba diving and snorkeling within the crystal-clear waters. The cocktail bar, perched high above the jungle treetops, provides a fantastic front row seat to the sunset, while the Indonesian restaurant serves regional dishes akin to mie goreng and gado-gado with impeccable precision.
No matter where you spend your time, you are sure to seek out the corporate of untamed inhabitants – sea otters swirl within the shallow coastal waters, rare silverleaf monkeys swing from the trees, and even the critically endangered pangolin makes a rare appearance. If you like nature, unique architecture, soft white sand, gentle ocean breeze and sparkling azure waters, this island will pamper all of your senses.
Source : robreport.com || telegraph.co.uk || cempedak.com
