Ideal for couples and honeymooners, the private island resort of Nayara offers exclusive all-adult and all-inclusive overwater villas and treehouses in a jaw-droppingly beautiful natural setting. Inspired by Indonesian architecture, this stunning resort on a mangrove covered island, faces the turquoise Caribbean waters of Dolphin Bay and the Bastimentos National Marine Park. The service is equally as impressive as the views. Warm, friendly, and genuine, nothing is too much trouble for the staff.
Sustainability has played a central role in Nayara’s development. Entirely off-grid, the resort is powered by sun and rainwater ensuring there is no negative impact on the island’s flora and fauna. Other eco-initiatives include an elevated beach (the world’s first), walkways built on stilts that traverse the glorious tropical gardens, a drive to be plastic-free and a wastewater management system specifically developed for a mangrove island.
The Bali-inspired villas and treehouses offer indoor/outdoor living and were handcrafted by artisans in Indonesia, including the tupong saria the feature wooden canopy which hangs over each bed. Choose from a villa with a private saltwater pool or inlaid glass floor for viewing the marine life at all hours of the day and night. Light and airy, with elegant and stylish Balinese décor, lavish four-poster beds overlook floor-to-ceiling windows and French doors onto a spacious terrace area with loungers and firepit. Bathrooms are colourfully tiled with an open shower. Amenities include climate control, reef-friendly bathing products, Wi-Fi, tablet with an in-room dining app, Smart TV, daily replenished mini fridge, Nespresso machine, safety deposit box and hairdryer. All villas provide access to the warm waters of the bay from the swim-up steps on the terrace and there’s a snorkel kit provided.
Alternatively, the fairy-tale treehouses are crafted from local bamboo and hover 50-feet above the ground with sweeping views of the forest, mangroves, and ocean. Enjoy an outdoor soak in a Javanese hand hammered copper bathtub, before relaxing on the private ocean view terrace.
Housed in a magnificent 100-year-old Balinese building, the Elephant House is Nayara’s fine dining restaurant, serving international cuisine with local flavors. Or head to the Coral Café by the pool for a relaxed breakfast, lunch, snack, or cocktail. To ensure all produce is sourced as locally as possible, the resort is working towards a ‘zero kilometer’ ambition for the kitchens.
This is a lovely spot to explore the immense natural beauty of the area while enjoying paddleboarding, kayaking, snorkeling the coral reefs, as well as diving and fishing expeditions. There are also plenty of trails through the rainforest where the wildlife includes sloths, bats, exotic birds, and red frogs. For lazy days, there’s the aerial beach and onsite pool for relaxation or massages can be booked in the tranquil spa or on your private villa terrace. The resort also has a private boat and captain for island-hopping, and sunset cruising accompanied by playful dolphins. A definite highlight is the chance to enjoy a guided night swim lit by the water’s bioluminescent plankton.
