Misool Eco Resort

This private island resort, hidden deep within a pristine archipelago of jungle-covered, uninhabited islands, is 20km by boat from the nearest village. Given its remote location and delicate natural surroundings, this tropical hideaway, home to white sandy beaches and 300,000 acres of coral reefs, created the Misool Private Marine Reserve to protect its precious marine life in 2005.

The eco-mindset carries on into the luxurious accommodation, constructed entirely out of reclaimed tropical hardwoods. Eight overwater cottages are built on stilts over the north lagoon, just steps away from the dive centre and restaurant. In the same area, there’re four slightly larger villas. On the powder-white beach on the other side of the island, you’ll find seven villas, overlooking a blue swimming hole. All the rooms feature Balinese-style open-air bathrooms, air-conditioning and handcrafted furniture.

A maximum of 40 guests can stay at Misool Eco Resort at any one time, and with three staff to every guest, you can be assured of exclusivity and excellent service. A stay here not only directly supports numerous conservation initiatives but also provides sustainable employment opportunities to the local people.

Diving and snorkelling on the reef are perhaps the most rewarding activities here, and the dive centre is truly world-class. You can also swim with stingless jellyfish in a marine lake, discover the island’s flora and fauna, spend the afternoon on your very own beach, visit a local fishing village, see 5000-year-old petroglyphs on Misool Island, take a traditional Indonesian cooking class or explore the archipelago on stand-up paddleboards.