Nikoi Island: Where Barefoot Luxury Meets Conscious Living
Just two and a half hours from Singapore lies a sanctuary of natural beauty, community spirit, and conscious luxury: Nikoi Island. Tucked within Indonesia’s serene Riau Archipelago, this 37-acre private island isn’t just a getaway—it’s a living, breathing example of how tourism can tread lightly while giving back deeply.
Since opening in 2007, Nikoi has redefined what it means to holiday sustainably. Co-founder Andrew Dixon and his small group of nature-loving co-owners set out to create something rare: an escape that didn’t compromise the environment or culture it resided in. The result is an island where two-thirds of the rainforest and coastline remain untouched, where coral reefs shimmer just offshore, and where native banyan trees still tower above.
What truly sets Nikoi apart is not just its scenery, but its soul.
This is a place built with intention. From architecture crafted with driftwood and alang alang grass, to the thoughtful removal of non-native plant species that now allows indigenous flora to thrive, every decision on Nikoi is rooted in regeneration. Rather than imposing itself on the island, Nikoi folds into it—echoing the rhythms of the sea, the forest, and the lives of those who’ve called these waters home for generations.
Nikoi’s commitment to the local community runs just as deep. With over 200 local staff trained and employed across the island, and a passionate investment in children's education via The Island Foundation, the resort doesn’t just support the community—it helps shape its future. Guests often leave with more than just tan lines—they leave inspired by what tourism can be.
Even the smallest details whisper this philosophy. Throughout the villas, you’ll find Ecolinen sheets— our certified organic cotton bedding that reflects Nikoi’s values in both feel and function. Ethically made and chemical-free, these sheets align with the island’s ethos of sustainability and comfort, giving guests the kind of night’s sleep only nature—and good conscience—can provide.
Nikoi is the very definition of barefoot luxury. Think stargazing from your beachfront deck, snorkelling in kaleidoscopic reefs, or enjoying seasonal, locally sourced meals as sea breezes drift through open-air pavilions. There’s no greenwashing here—just genuine, joyful hospitality done the right way.
Nikoi has never advertised. It hasn’t needed to. Those who visit tend to return—drawn not just to the beauty, but to the feeling. The rare sense that you’ve stepped into something meaningful, restorative, and quietly revolutionary.
In a world that often forgets its connection to nature, Nikoi Island gently reminds you—with every barefoot step, every soft linen sheet, and every warm-hearted interaction—that a better way is not only possible, but profoundly beautiful.