Less than an hour by ferry from Singapore lies this stunning colonial-chic estate, billed as Bintan Island’s leading luxury resort. Gable roofed, with white plantation shutters and dramatic dark-wood floors, it’s a tropical fantasy of a boutique hotel, complete with a 50m infinity pool overlooking palm-fringed white sands. If you’re looking for a special-occasion stay, there is simply no better. Inside, you’ll find layer upon layer of breathtaking design, blended from the influence of several Southeast Asian countries. An Indonesian-influenced spa offers Reiki and Thai massages, and waiters deliver pool snacks in hanging baskets suspended from a pole, as is the Vietnamese tradition. The extravagant detail throughout is incredible – especially where guests are concerned. From the moment we boarded the ferry, we were treated like VIPs.
All 29 suites and villas combine space with flawless style and comfort: claw-foot tubs and herbal bath salts, sarongs for the beach, personalised stationary for missives home. And in the airy-light Dining Room and cosy-dark Bar, even the food and drink is creative. Start your day with truffle-scented eggs and a visit by the jamu-wallah for a shot of traditional Indonesian tonic; end it with pink margharitas and Thai street food under the stars, followed by liquid-nitrogen ice cream. Mind-blowing all round.
Highs
- Sunrise yoga in an open-sided garden pavilion
- Immaculate bedrooms with complimentary minibars and an iPad of movies
- Staff are a delight; as friendly or unobtrusive as you need
- Thrilling activities include blokarting on the beach and night mangrove tours to watch iridescent fireflies
- Hugely romantic, but surprisingly family friendly too, with lots of space for everyone
Lows
- Hardly a low, but this is such a haven it’s hard not to just ferry-and-flop and miss the island’s activities and culture
- Mosquitos and sand flies – bring repellent with DEET
Best time to go
If you want a beautifully quiet escape, stay during the week; weekends tend to bring an influx of guests from Singapore. Being so close to the equator, the weather tends to be warm year-round, and relatively humid with plenty of sunshine and occasional tropical rains.
Our top tips
Owner Natalya Pavchinskaya brings her stylish influence to every corner of The Sanchaya; check out her eclectic fashion and collectables in the boutique, and her personal art collection, peppered through the hotel.
Every third Sunday of the month, the estate opens up to non-residents for a 'House Party' - a fabulous day of Bloody Marys and Pimms, with amazing food prepared by Chef Giacomo Turzo.
Every third Sunday of the month, the estate opens up to non-residents for a 'House Party' - a fabulous day of Bloody Marys and Pimms, with amazing food prepared by Chef Giacomo Turzo.
Location
The Sanchaya is set on Bintan Island in Indonesia, a 50-minute boat ride from Singapore.
By Air:
Changi Airport in Singapore (8km away) is the nearest airport, served by a huge range of international airlines.
From Singapore:
It's a 50-minute high-speed catamaran ferry ride from Singapore’s Tanah Merah ferry terminal to Bintan. Ferries operate up to 5 times a day. It's essential to book the ferry in advance if travelling at weekends or holidays. The hotel offers free transfers from the ferry port.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.
More on getting to Singapore and getting around
Airports:
- Singapore Changi 8.0 km SIN
Other:
- Beach 0.1 km
- Shops 2.0 km
- Restaurant 2.0 km