BAWAH RESERVE PUTS ANAMBAS ISLANDS ON THE LUXURY MAP
In the remote waters of Indonesia’s Anambas Islands, Bawah Reserve is redefining what it means to blend barefoot luxury with environmental stewardship.
2 min
Until recently, the Anambas Islands were barely a blip on the radar of international travellers. Scattered between Singapore and Borneo, this little-known archipelago has become an emerging hotspot for high-net-worth travellers seeking privacy, nature and sustainable luxury. At the centre of this rise is Bawah Reserve, a secluded six-island retreat that can only be reached by private seaplane.
The Reserve is set within a marine conservation zone that protects coral reefs, lagoons and rainforest. With just 36 villas and bungalows, Bawah was never designed to be a mass tourism destination. Instead, it is positioned as a model of low-impact development: activities are curated to connect guests to their surroundings while ensuring the fragile ecosystem remains intact.
Nature as the main attraction
Days at Bawah revolve around the landscape. Guests can dive and snorkel in reef systems still teeming with marine life, trek through rainforest to elevated lookouts, or simply swim off one of the Reserve’s 13 beaches. Those after a slower pace gravitate towards the Aura Wellbeing Deck for sunrise yoga or the spa, where treatments use botanicals sourced from the islands.
Food and culture also form part of the experience. The resort runs Indonesian coffee workshops and even a “scent bar” where visitors can create perfumes using tropical ingredients. One of the most talked-about experiences is the Castaway Picnic, which ranges from a white-tablecloth meal prepared by a private chef to a stripped-back family beach outing.
Evenings are more communal, with stargazing, cinema screenings beneath the open sky, or traditional Indonesian beach barbecues.
A growing profile
Paul Robinson, COO of Bawah Reserve, frames the philosophy around connection. “Bawah isn’t just a place you visit – it’s a place that stays with you. Our activities are crafted to connect guests to the spirit of the islands, whether through adventure, creativity, or quiet moments of reflection”.
That approach appears to be working. In recent years, the Anambas Islands have gained attention among Asia’s luxury travellers, partly due to their proximity to Singapore and partly because of properties like Bawah that position sustainability as part of the drawcard. The Reserve’s ultra-private Elang Residence, available only for exclusive group stays, has further lifted its profile.
The bigger picture
Bawah is part of a broader trend in high-end travel: ultra-remote destinations that sell not just luxury but the sense of being among the last to experience an untouched landscape. Unlike the Maldives or Phuket, the Anambas remain largely under the radar — a fact that gives Bawah an advantage with travellers tired of crowded hotspots.
The challenge, as with many eco-luxury projects, will be balancing exclusivity and environmental responsibility as demand grows. For now, Bawah Reserve stands as both a sanctuary for travellers and a statement about the future direction of Southeast Asian luxury tourism.
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Luxury Swiss watchmaker Zenith has unveiled the Chronomaster Sport Skeleton, a striking new timepiece that showcases the legendary El Primero movement through an open-worked design.
2 min
For collectors, the appeal of a great watch often lies in what cannot be seen.
The intricate movement, the engineering precision and the craftsmanship hidden beneath the dial are what separate fine watchmaking from mere timekeeping.
Now, luxury Swiss watchmaker Zenith is bringing those elements into full view.
The brand has unveiled the Chronomaster Sport Skeleton, a new interpretation of one of its most recognisable collections, combining contemporary design with the technical heritage that has defined Zenith for more than 160 years.
At the centre of the story is the legendary El Primero calibre, the movement that helped establish Zenith as one of the most respected names in Swiss watchmaking.
When Zenith introduced El Primero in 1969, it was recognised as the world’s first automatic integrated high-frequency chronograph.
Operating at 5Hz, or 36,000 vibrations per hour, the movement could measure time to one-tenth of a second, setting a new benchmark for precision.
More than five decades later, that same pursuit of accuracy remains central to the brand’s identity.
The Chronomaster Sport Skeleton takes that legacy and presents it through an open-worked architecture that allows wearers to appreciate the complexity of the movement beneath. Rather than concealing the mechanics, Zenith has chosen to celebrate them.
The result is a watch that offers a rare glimpse into the intricate world of Swiss horology while retaining the sporting character that has made the Chronomaster collection a favourite among enthusiasts.
Beyond the visual drama of the skeletonised design, the watch also incorporates a new folding clasp and ergonomic refinements that reflect Zenith’s focus on wearability alongside performance.
Powering the watch is the El Primero 3600 movement, a modern evolution of the original calibre.
The high-frequency architecture allows the central chronograph hand to complete a full rotation every 10 seconds, enabling the direct measurement of one-tenth of a second against the graduated bezel.
It is a technical solution that remains distinctive in contemporary watchmaking and a reminder of Zenith’s longstanding commitment to innovation.
For collectors, the Zenith Chronomaster Sport Skeleton represents more than a new release.
It is an opportunity to own a piece of a watchmaking story that stretches back more than 160 years while embracing a modern aesthetic that showcases the artistry normally hidden from view.
In a luxury market increasingly drawn to authenticity and craftsmanship, the Chronomaster Sport Skeleton offers both.
It is a watch that celebrates not only the passing of time but also the engineering mastery behind it.
The Chronomaster Sport Skeleton collection is available in stainless steel from AUD$26,100, with the rose gold model priced at AUD$49,000.
To discover more about Zenith and the Chronomaster Sport Skeleton collection, visit the Zenith website here.
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