Bawah, A Private Paradise

A SCHOOL OF ANTHIAS DANCES right before your eyes; marine butterflies of gold and magenta darting, flitting, rising and falling with the gentle currents like a beautifully choreographed underwater ballet.

Imaginary music plays as you lose yourself in this watery paradise, 23 metres below sea level. A black tip reef shark hovers a short distance away, pulling away as soon as it sees human activity. It's not likely to run into anyone else that moment - for, as far as you can see, you and your dive guide have the honour of being the only Homo sapiens in this Technicolor world of fish and coral.

Such is the solitude offered by the waters off Bawah Reserve, an eco-luxury resort that accommodates just 70 guests at any given time. The entire property is comprised of six forested islands, three lagoons and 13 beaches and is closer to home than you expect. Located at the lower end of Indonesia's Anambas in the Riau Archipelago, 300 kilometres northeast of Singapore, Bawah Reserve is a hop and a skip away from Batam. In fact, the easiest way to get there is by ferry, followed by an 80-minute…