So, a vacation at Richard Branson's Necker Island may seem a little too indulgent given the current economic clime, but keep those boater hats on - you don't have to rule out all private islands when choosing your next travel destination.

Another option closer to home offers guests a chance to get closer to nature, too, and it's nearly as comfortable as ultra-luxurious Necker.

Nikoi (why, it even sounds alike) Island is a private island off the east coast of Bintan that's owned by six expatriates who 'share a passion for the outdoors, nature, food and wine'.

Presumably used as a trading post outside the port of Tanjung Pinang at the turn of the 20th century, it began operation as a holiday destination last May with six Robinson Crusoe-inspired beach houses that can accommodate 22 guests, with another nine to be completed next May.

The new owners acquired the title to the island in 2004 because 'we were tired of run-of-the-mill destinations that were on offer within a short distance of Singapore', explains partner Andrew Dixon, an Australian who moved to Asia 10 years ago.

He adds: 'We wanted to offer spacious accommodation that was sensitive to the environment using a vernacular design, and local building materials and workers.'

As such, the beach houses (from $300 a night) on Nikoi are built from local driftwood and have alang-alang grass roofs. Sea breezes sweep through the large open windows (there is no air-conditioning here, although 21st-century comforts make their presence felt in the form of hand-made electric fans and iPod speaker systems) and the floors are of sand and wood.

The toiletries have been blended specifically for the island ('we have shunned the use of designer labels and brands,' says Mr Dixon) and the island is staffed by trained locals who offer friendly service along with freshly-cooked gourmet meals.

All this, set against a backdrop of white sandy beaches, clear waters, coral reefs teeming with marine life and stately granite boulders overlooking the sea.

Everything is open to guests' exploration, while activities such as sailing, kayaking, windsurfing, snorkelling and rock climbing - along with treasure hunts and movie nights for the kids - are available too.

'Nikoi was built by us, to suit our requirements, and hence has a genuinely personal feel that is more akin to a club on a private island than a predictable international resort. It is a place where craftsmanship, good food and personal service come together in a spectacular natural setting,' Mr Dixon asserts.

It is concepts like these, he feels, that will really take off this year, with 'lavish holidays to far-flung destinations replaced by better-value holidays closer to home'. In fact, according to Mr Dixon, Nikoi has already seen a particular increase in demand over the last three months of 2008.

If that is the case, holiday makers who want to experience Nikoi's 'simple barefoot luxury' would do well to make their reservations early, as the island is fully booked this month, and a price increase is planned for March. 

Nikoi Island
Off the east coast of Bintan, Indonesia
Tel 9635-1950
www.nikoi.com

This article was first published in The Business Times, on Jan 3, 2009.