Naya Matahora Island Resort

Naya Matahora Island Resort (NMIR) now has the prefix "Paradise" on the sign out front. It's about 5 minutes (Rp 100k) by resort shuttle from Matahora airport, the only public airport in the Wakatobi islands. This new property is by far the most upscale in Wakatobi Regency except for the US$5000/week Wakatobi Dive Resort offshore Tomia Island. Construction of NMIR began in 2015 and I'm guessing is about 75% complete. It's a great concept in an idyllic, peaceful location on the Northeast coast of Wangi-Wangi Island, gentle breeze, and a variety of birds. Matahora Island itself is about 500 m offshore. My newly finished deluxe room was immaculate, well-designed and equipped, with tasteful lighting and reliable electricity. Bedlinen, pillows, and towels were high quality and very comfortable. The outdoor shower and toilet had a rough-surfaced floor composed of coarse bonded sand and imbedded seashells. No chance of a catastrophic slip and crash here. An important feature of the main building that housed reception, restaurant, bar, and lounge was the extensive use of repurposed timber from one or more old wooden ships, complete with marine borer drillings, old nail holes, and other imperfections. Most wall panels, floorboards, tables, chairs, and the bar were constructed from these materials. As an environmental and conservation researcher and consultant for 45 years of my working life I strongly endorse the principles and practices used in the resort's construction. The restaurant menu is typical in terms of food and prices for Wakatobi. Local staff were respectful, unobtrusive, and helpful when requested.

The resort is quite isolated, about 30 minutes by road from the nearest town (Wanci) or restaurant - a Rp 100k local taxi ride each way (every trip appears to be Rp 100k). My view of the sea from my villa was restricted by vegetation in front of a small verandah area, which was the case for all "waterfront" villas. Access to the water from the shore was not practical due to low water level and near-shore rocks, coral rubble, seagrass, and surface algae. A dock/jetty is evidently planned but consists only of some concrete pilings at present. What appears to be a future infinity pool adjoining the bar and lounge and facing the sea was about half completed. Construction was underway at a very leisurely pace by one or two workers. There was no wifi, cellphone reception was unstable, and there were just four TV channels - all Indonesian. In other words, it's a great escape from the workaday grind. The bar was stocked with five bottles - two Tanqueray gin, two Bacardi rum, and one of something else. Breakfast served each day was small and basic. My villa had no cups at the sink, and the in-room safe needed new batteries to operate. However, contrary to information on the Booking.com website, there was no extra charge for use of the safe, or for bottled water, and I paid by credit card - cash was not required. A planned snorkeling trip was cut short when the boat booked by the resort failed to show up. I still had to pay Rp 100k each way for the taxi. Instead I snorkeled from a jetty alone, except for about 20 local high-school students on their first SCUBA diving class. And I suppose that sums up my main beef about NMIR; they are charging full-service rates for facilities that are still under construction and incomplete. I wish them success realising their vision and initiatives.