GBA Lifestyle News
Adventure, Outdoors, Wellness Travel 
Asia, Indonesia, The Philippines Sure, any sun-and-beach vacation spot could provide a change of scenery and pace — but to truly get away from it all, head off to one of these off-the-beaten-path private islands for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We guarantee you’ll feel far from the maddening Hong Kong crowds.
At the recently unveiled Cempedak in Indonesia, sustainability, conservation, and the environment are key themes. The more-than-dozen handcrafted bamboo villas incorporate locally sourced materials in exquisitely spacious duplex living areas that include private decks and gardens, plunge pools, and direct beach access. With no TVs and a strict adults only policy, this is escapism at its best. Drink and dine among the treetops in the unique, suspended bar and dining room; enjoy massages in the privacy of your own villa; and spend your days feasting on locally-inspired menus, exploring the waters, and getting up-close-and-personal with the local wildlife.
Air Gelubi, Bintan Pesisir, Bintan Regency, Riau Islands, Indonesia.
Just three hours from Singapore, you’ll have full run of this exclusive tropical island resort, which includes the dining room and fully stocked bar at the Main House; the pool which is only accessible through a Zen-like tunnel; and the surrounding waters which you can explore with kayaks, snorkels, and speedboat. When you’ve had enough, kick back in one of nine Driftwood Palaces: simple, Balinese-style houses of salvaged wood and timber decked out in Indonesian style.
Kelong, Air Gelubi, Bintan Pesisir, Kelong, Bintan Pesisir, Kabupaten Bintan, Kepulauan Riau 29151, Indonesia.
A private island 30 miles from Singapore, Telunas houses guests in 15 expansive, overwater villas built from ethically sourced materials. Stroll along the wooden jetty to the duplex Grand Lodge, where you’ll indulge in western and Asian specials and sip decadent, handcrafted cocktails. This lavish island experience also includes massages on your villa deck, kayaking, an infinity pool, jungle waterfall hikes and the island’s own observatory.
Pulau Sugi, Desa Mentangun, Kecamatan Moro, Sugie, Karimun, Kabupaten Karimun, Kepulauan Riau 29462, Indonesia.
Barefoot luxury is the theme at Nikoi, a charmingly natural private island resort off the coast of Bintan. Spend your days snoozing on the beach, taking to the waters with a range of water sports, and discovering the untamed rainforest that covers two-thirds of the island. By night, feast on exquisite local cuisine, unwind at the island’s three bars, then head back to one of the 15 driftwood beach houses, decked out with mosquito net-draped beds, beach-facing balconies, tropical granite bathrooms, and wood-decked lounge areas.
Pulau Nikoi, Teluk Bakau, Gunung Kijang, Bintan Regency, Riau Islands, Indonesia.
Design your own private island adventure at Ariara where, along with having the whole Filipino island to yourself, you can design your own menus and arrange all manner of spa treatments and activities – the only limit is your imagination. Spend your days lounging on the beach, exploring the private reef, or island-hopping, then return to fresh local food and spacious beach cottages decked out with vaulted ceilings, four-poster beds, and expansive marble bathrooms.
