Former Sydney investment banker Andrew Dixon reflects on the complex journey of creating Nikoi Private Island, an exclusive getaway located just 8km off Indonesia's Bintan Island coast. Despite admitting to numerous mistakes along the way and navigating the financial turmoil of the global COVID pandemic, Dixon now enjoys the fruits of his labour with cold beer in hand and white sand between his toes.
The Genesis of an Island Paradise
Dixon moved to Singapore in 1998 following the Asian financial crisis, where he previously specialized in buying troubled companies and trading distressed debt. His island dream began when he and friends started exploring the Riau Archipelago, discovering the tiny Pangkil Island first. "I turned up there and it was like, 'Oh my God, this is just fantastic'," Dixon recalled, describing the simple pleasures of sand, cold beers, and good food that sparked his vision.
In December 2001, Dixon abandoned one island option for another visible across the water, setting the pathway to what would become Nikoi. "The biggest thing we couldn't believe was that it was so close to Singapore and hadn't been developed," he said of the unexpected opportunity that would ultimately transform his life.
Building Differently: The Nikoi Philosophy
Dixon and three partners, all lacking hospitality experience, established the resort through an Indonesian company, overcoming significant regulatory hurdles. They implemented several non-negotiable features that challenged industry norms: bungalows with no closed walls (including bathrooms), no air conditioning, no mini bars, and bed nets for protection against island wildlife.
The resort features a three-times-daily fixed menu instead of buffets, with the local food option near the main bar area proving particularly spectacular. Dixon's approach focused on guest perspective rather than industry conventions: "I hate all the formality of things — you just focus on getting the food right, keep the service simple and don't interrupt your guests."
Conservation and Community Legacy
Nikoi demonstrates a strong conservation commitment, with staff diligently removing plastics from beaches and a marine biology program led by resident expert Amandine Vuylsteke to support local sea turtle populations. The island also implements mosquito control by cleaning up old coconuts left by fishermen.
The Island Foundation, registered as a charity in 2010, represents Nikoi's most significant legacy according to Dixon. The foundation builds connections with Bintan and neighbouring island communities, creating education and employment opportunities. Almost all of the resort's 250 staff are local people, with foundation alumni like senior receptionist Mey, Kids' Club manager Pipin, and operations manager Yudi now working in key roles.
Yudi, who has worked at Nikoi for 16 years, expressed his passion for the island: "I love this place so much … a lot. I've learned so much here and The Island Foundation has helped the local people so much." He noted that one regular guest even supported his children's education separately from the foundation.
Island Experiences and Sustainable Operations
Nikoi boasts white sandy beaches, colourful coral reefs, and a rainforest featuring colossal native Banyan trees that shelter diverse bird species. Adventure seekers can zip through the canopy on three ziplines, while wildlife enthusiasts regularly spot fruit bats, monitor lizards, playful resident otters, and numerous hermit crabs after dark.
The resort maintains sustainable operations with bar manager Baltasar creating cocktails using homemade natural syrups from pineapple, rosella, tamarind, ginger, butterfly pea, and nutmeg. Staff grow fresh produce including papayas, lemongrass, and aromatic lemon basil on-site. The island receives 20-30 gallons of drinking water daily from the mainland, with attentive staff committed to fulfilling any visitor request.
Dixon, who also operates the more adult-focused Cempedak Island nearby, takes pride in Nikoi's ability to attract "lovely guests" who regularly return. "Somehow, we just seem to be able to get rid all of that snooty, I'm-better-than-you attitude and that's really nice," he observed.
Despite the challenges and mistakes acknowledged along the way, Dixon's island vision has ultimately exceeded his expectations, creating both a personal sanctuary and a transformative community project that continues to evolve.
