Cover These beautiful resorts in Bintan offer a quick getaway for us in Singapore (Photo: The Sanchaya)
These beautiful resorts in Bintan offer a quick getaway for us in Singapore (Photo: The Sanchaya)
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Just a short crossing from Tanah Merah, Bintan offers Indonesian charm and world-class hospitality tailored for the Singapore set
Time is the ultimate currency for many in Singapore, and the complexities of long-haul travel—the congested airports and inevitable jet lag—often compromise a valuable weekend. This is why Bintan, Indonesia, has established itself as a practical solution for travellers here. The island has quietly matured beyond its weekend-warrior reputation, developing a collection of properties that now merit consideration on quality rather than mere proximity. Which means you can finally stop pretending that “nearby” automatically equals “good enough”.
What follows isn’t every property on the island, but rather five establishments that stand out in unique ways—from exceptional service standards to championing sustainability.
The Sanchaya
Above Each of the 30 suites and villas at The Sanchaya features handpicked antiques and custom furnishings (Photo: The Sanchaya)
Each of the 30 suites and villas at The Sanchaya features handpicked antiques and custom furnishings (Photo: The Sanchaya)
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The only choice for travellers who refuse to compromise on service or surroundings. The Sanchaya spans nine acres of beachfront and it includes 30 suites and villas featuring handpicked antiques and custom furnishings.
The resort’s restaurants serve contemporary European and Indonesian cuisine, though the real draw is the Great House’s afternoon tea service overlooking the South China Sea. Request villa 11 if it’s available—the ocean views are remarkable and the private plunge pool is a nice touch.
Banyan Tree Bintan
This property understands that genuine privacy matters more than proclaimed exclusivity. Banyan Tree Bintan occupies an elevated hillside position with panoramic views across the South China Sea, where all 64 villas come with private pools and outdoor pavilions. Each villa features traditional Balinese-style decoration and is raised on stilts, creating that satisfying sense of seclusion.
The resort’s Banyan Tree Spa offers signature treatments using indigenous ingredients, and actually delivers on the promise of invigorating massages and wellness experiences. Its three dining venues include Saffron for Thai cuisine and Treetops for international selections. An 18-hole championship golf course designed by Ian Baker-Finch provides a credible reason to pack clubs alongside swimwear.
The resort sits a 45-minute ferry ride from Singapore, and the elevated location means you’ll encounter wildlife—monkeys, monitor lizards, the occasional otter—which children will find delightful.
The Residence by Cenizaro
Above Each accommodation includes a private balcony or terrace, with select beachfront villas offering private pools (Photo: The Residence by Cenizaro)
Each accommodation includes a private balcony or terrace, with select beachfront villas offering private pools (Photo: The Residence by Cenizaro)
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The Residence Bintan features 127 suites and villas set amongst tropical gardens, where each accommodation includes a private balcony or terrace, with select beachfront villas offering private pools.
The resort provides three swimming pools, a kids’ club, and multiple dining options ranging from beachfront casual to fine dining. This property also offers a kids’ club that operates with structured programming and complimentary water sports. In addition, it provides complimentary bicycles for exploring the expansive grounds.
Hotel Indigo Bintan Lagoi Beach
Above The resort features two outdoor pools, a 24-hour fitness centre, and an infinity pool overlooking the beach (Photo: Hotel Indigo Bintan Lagoi Beach)
The resort features two outdoor pools, a 24-hour fitness centre, and an infinity pool overlooking the beach (Photo: Hotel Indigo Bintan Lagoi Beach)
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Proof that contemporary design needn’t sacrifice warmth for style. Hotel Indigo presents 120 thoughtfully designed rooms and suites with ocean or garden views, incorporating local heritage into its design narrative through art installations and architectural details.
Dining options span three venues: Ocean Kitchen, Tiki Bar, and Stix Satay Bar, with kitchens that demonstrate proper respect for regional ingredients. The beachfront location provides direct access to white sandy beaches, whilst sitting just 10 minutes from the ferry terminal means you’ll spend less time in transit and more time horizontal on a sun lounger.
The resort features two outdoor pools, a 24-hour fitness centre, and an infinity pool overlooking the beach.
Natra Bintan, a Tribute Portfolio Resort
Above The property overlooks Southeast Asia’s first and largest man-made seawater lagoon (Photo: Natra Bintan, a Tribute Portfolio Resort)
The property overlooks Southeast Asia’s first and largest man-made seawater lagoon (Photo: Natra Bintan, a Tribute Portfolio Resort)
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The intelligent option for travellers who’ve realised that sustainability and luxury needn’t contradict each other. Natra Bintan is designed as a glamping resort with 100 safari-inspired tents, which could sound like marketing speak until you discover each tent spans over 40 square metres with four-poster beds and air-conditioning. Accommodations feature outdoor rainforest showers, sofa beds, mini-refrigerators, and private patios with views of either lush gardens or the adjacent Crystal Lagoon.
The property overlooks Southeast Asia’s first and largest man-made seawater lagoon, providing direct access to water sports, bumper boats, and wakeboarding. The Patio Restaurant and Bar serves cuisine from Indonesian to Western, with sunset cocktails overlooking the lagoon. Activities include guided kayak tours through private mangroves, golfing at Bintan Golf Club, or hiking in the rainforest.
Natra Bintan provides complimentary shuttle service to and from Bandar Bentan Telani Ferry Terminal, along with free entry to Treasure Bay Bintan.
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Andrea Saadan is the Senior Digital Editor of Tatler Singapore. She oversees all digital content for the website and currently leads the Beauty and Lifestyle verticals. As a child, she had always enjoyed reading and writing but it was only after she joined her college newspaper, The Spectrum, in Buffalo, New York, that she considered a career in journalism. Her love for all things beauty started from the age of two—when she was caught playing with (and damaging) her mother’s YSL lipstick. On top of her day job, she is also an unpaid beauty consultant for friends and family. Besides make-up, her obsessions include the wizarding world of Harry Potter, podcasts, ice-cream, her walking pad and watching endless re-runs of The Office (US).
