Nikoi Island Resort

Indonesia

Nikoi is a private resort island with beachfront villas owned by a small group of friends who have lived in Asia for most of their working lives and share a passion for the outdoors, nature, food and wine.

The inspiration to develop Nikoi came through disenchantment with the standard of holiday accommodation on offer within easy reach of Singapore. It was either flea-ridden shacks or opulently garish five-star hotels; cultural sensitivity, vernacular design and simple luxuries were seemingly unheard of. With that in mind, the concept of Nikoi was born.

WHAT

Nikoi is a 15-hectare private island resort 8km off the east coast of Bintan, Indonesia.

HOW

Through the work they do with their own The Island Foundation (TIF). TIF works with the local community on Bintan and neighbouring islands to help them to help themselves. Initially the focus of the Foundation’s efforts was the creation of libraries but TIF has since grown to become an International Charitable Organisation, operating out of 8 Learning Centres, from which it delivers an education program with the aim of transforming education for Riau’s island communities.

Through Construction & Food sustainability: Nikoi used local driftwood in the building of the accommodation, bars and dining areas. Local materials, labour and techniques where followed, and villas have been designed to reduce energy-guzzling norms such as air conditioning. A fixed menu reduces food waste, and 90 per cent of ingredients are sourced from Nikoi’s 7-hectare permaculture farm on Bintan or local markets.

WHY

They are commited to Sustainability and helping the local community. Together with its sister property, Cempedak Island, Nikoi employs 250 people (only a few are expatriates – senior management is Indonesian); training opportunities guarantee staff satisfaction and progress.

In 2016 they created The Island Foundation that now operates out of 8 Learning Centres, from which it delivers an education program with the aim of transforming education for Riau’s island communities training over 2,300 students and 1,100 teachers.