Misool Resort, lies in remote Raja Ampat, Indonesia, is an exclusive private island sanctuary offering unparalleled marine adventures. Located just south of the equator within an archipelago of pristine islands, this intimate eco-resort accommodates only 40 guests with a remarkable 4:1 staff ratio.
The resort sits within its own 300,000-acre marine reserve, home to the world’s richest reefs teeming with extraordinary biodiversity. Powder-white beaches and crystal-clear waters surround the property, while carefully designed accommodations blend seamlessly with the natural environment, each crafted from reclaimed tropical hardwoods. Misool Resort represents the perfect fusion of luxury, conservation, and transformative experiences in one of Earth’s last untouched marine paradises.
Their story
Founded in 2005 by Andrew and Marit Miners, Misool Resort transformed a former shark-finning camp into a pioneering eco-resort in Raja Ampat, Indonesia. After discovering the site during a diving trip, the couple secured permission from local clans to build a conservation-focused retreat. Despite having no prior experience in conservation or construction, they persevered through challenges to create a sustainable sanctuary.
The resort opened in 2008 and now protects a 300,000-acre marine reserve, where fish biomass has increased by 250% over six years. Today, Misool is recognized as one of the world’s most pristine reef systems, featuring unparalleled marine biodiversity and providing sustainable employment to local communities. The resort continues to demonstrate how tourism can support both environmental conservation and community development. Read more about them.
Sustainability actions
Lowest impact construction and operation
- The resort was meticulously constructed with environmental conservation at its core, built entirely from reclaimed tropical hardwoods milled on-site. The resort’s sustainable design includes wastewater gardens for water treatment, rainwater harvesting systems, and solar panels providing 66% of operational energy.
- Marine protection is paramount, with strict no-touch policies for reefs, ban on harmful sunscreens, and management of a 300,000-acre marine reserve.
- The eco-lodge maintains responsible practices through biodegradable amenities, waste recycling programs, and locally-sourced materials like alang-alang grass roofing.
Highest level of energy efficiency
- The resort achieves 66% of its operational power needs through renewable energy during peak season, scaling up to 100% during maintenance periods.
- Their sustainable energy infrastructure includes low-power appliances and air conditioners, maintaining a minimal power demand under 40 KVA.
- Solar photovoltaic panels combined with Li-ion batteries work alongside existing diesel systems, showcasing their commitment to reducing fossil fuel dependency while maintaining luxury resort operations.
Pioneer in waste management
- All organic waste is composted on-site and utilized in their gardens. Recyclable materials are channeled through their Community Recycling Project, Bank Sampah Sorong Raya.
- The facility enforces a strict no single-use plastic policy. They provide reusable aluminum water bottles to guests, and manage battery disposal through a take-home program.
- Wastewater is treated through artificial wetland gardens using natural bacterial processes, while grey and black water undergoes eco-friendly treatment.
Using organic and chemical-free products
- Their organic hydroponics lab produces fresh vegetables including rucola, kale, lettuce, mint, and basil. The resort exclusively uses locally-sourced fruits and ingredients, avoiding imported produce to minimize carbon footprint.
- They consciously avoid palm oil products to protect rainforests and wildlife.
- Their kitchen prioritizes plant-based meals, utilizing traditional Indonesian ingredients like tempeh and tofu prepared with natural spices.
- The resort makes its own fresh plant milk daily and only serves sustainably-caught local fish from outside their marine reserve.
- They’ve banned harmful products containing chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate to protect coral reefs.
Actively protects nature and community
- Misool Resort champions marine conservation through its 300,000-acre protected reserve, safeguarding the world’s richest coral reefs. Their marine rangers actively patrol waters to prevent illegal fishing, resulting in a 250% increase in marine biomass.
- The resort collaborates with local communities, providing sustainable employment and education initiatives.
Most Popular Activities Near Misool Resort
- World-class diving and snorkeling at over 60 dive sites within 1-hour radius.
- Traditional Indonesian spa treatments and wellness programs.
- Kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and beach exploration across 41 beaches.
- Guided reef tours, manta ray encounters and night diving excursions.
- Indonesian cooking classes and cultural experiences.
Best Time To Visit Misool Resort
- The best time to visit Misool Resort is from October to April, when the weather is most stable for diving and snorkeling. September and October bring massive schools of baitfish, attracting bigger hunting fish and Mobula rays.
- The south winds in May and June attract more sharks and pelagics, while visibility peaks in November and February/March, reaching up to 25+ meters.
- July, August and early September experience rough weather, with June and September being variable shoulder seasons.
- Water temperatures remain consistent at 26-28°C (78-82°F) year-round. The resort’s location near the equator ensures warm tropical conditions throughout most of the year.