Couples searching for a breathtaking yet responsible destination wedding should look no further than Bawah Reserve, where they can create an everlasting bond without negatively impacting the environment. New for 2024, couples can tie the knot with Bawah Reserve’s Zero-Waste Wedding offered in the picture-perfect backdrop of the remote Anamabas Islands, Indonesia. Recent wedding trends across the globe have resulted in more extravagant celebrations, which in turn has caused them to become increasingly wasteful – from reckless carbon emissions to overuse of single-use paper and plastic and excessive food waste. As we attempt to tackle the world’s ever-evolving environmental crisis, Bawah’s Zero-Waste Wedding offering presents its solution in a small yet meaningful way.
Located on the Anambas Islands in the Riau Archipelago of Indonesia, Bawah Reserve’s private islands blend high-end island design with its “back-to-nature” concept, perfect for newlyweds-to-be dreaming of barefoot luxury and ultimate privacy without compromising on their earth-conscious lifestyles. Since its opening in 2018, Bawah Reserve has partnered with the Anambas Foundation to execute a strong sustainability mission that aims to protect and preserve all 255 of the Anambas Islands through its three main pillars: Above (wildlife and forest conservation), Below (marine conservation), and Beyond (community education initiatives, women’s empowerment, and integrated waste management systems). Bawah’s ambitious sustainability goals are constantly met and exceeded as a result of the resort staff’s tireless efforts to source local produce and materials, uplift its surrounding island village communities, and invite guests to partake in initiatives such as turtle tagging, beach cleanups, and reef rehabilitation dives. All of Bawah Reserve’s six islands – only two occupied by resort accommodations and facilities – are powered by a renewable micro-grid, a first of its kind in Indonesia, and the reserve is proud to be entirely plastic-free.
On the day of the Zero-Waste Wedding ceremony, Bawah staff delicately handcraft bespoke bouquets and natural floral decor that adorn the idyllic beach as the backdrop for the nuptials – all made from the island’s native flora. Then, by relying on 100% fresh, local ingredients, such as daikon, prawns, jackfruit and snapper, Bawah Reserve offers wedding weekend menus that produce zero food waste, courtesy of the skilled culinary team. All leftover food is carefully composted through its onsite waste management center, while leftover glass is repurposed for use in the island’s water purification system. Built using recycled natural materials, Bawah’s signature TreeTops restaurant blends into the jungle and serves delightful Asian fusion dishes. In contrast, the Jules Verne bar, aptly named for the legendary adventure novelist, serves garden-to-glass cocktails with sweeping lagoon views.
For the utmost private wedding experience, couples can invite their guests to share in their inclusive celebrations by renting the entire resort and its 36 villas, plus the newly unveiled Elang Private Residences for the closest loved ones in their wedding party. Elang Private Residence is available exclusively for groups of 10 to 20 guests. Following the nuptials, honeymooners looking to disconnect and experience true island living can embrace Bawah’s once-in-a-lifetime castaway adventures, including paddle boarding, kayaking, sailing, boat trips, hiking, star gazing, birdwatching, beachside cinema viewings, diving, snorkeling, turtle tagging, yoga, and daily spa treatments. Upon departure from Bawah, couples will leave with a special wedding gift from Bawah Reserve – their very own traditional Indonesian batik robe to remind them of where they celebrated their love for many anniversaries to come.
