Ratua Private Island

"This 146-acre private island resort is an away-from-it-all hideout. The former coconut plantation was created by a wealthy Frenchman who sees the 15-villa complex, facing a quiet shady beach, as a way to preserve a natural treasure while supporting surrounding communities. The villas are lovely, if simply furnished, 200-year-old Indonesian and Sumatran farmhouses then rebuilt on Ratua—a concept to give pause but that in reality goes well with the island’s lush landscape. Similarly, while most of the food is produced on the island or purchased locally, the goal of a minimum carbon footprint has been relaxed in the matter of wine—the resort is, after all, a Gallic inspiration—with a glass of the best French or California going well after an afternoon of horseback riding, canoeing, or snorkeling."