Jl. Panglima Pantar, Bintan Resorts, Lagoi, Indonesia | (618) 248-8274
Part of a hotel complex on sprawling beachfront grounds
Clean, spacious rooms have flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and tea/coffee facilities
Suites have separate living rooms, private balconies, and both tubs and walk-in showers
Seven restaurants and four bars, plus free breakfast
Large outdoor pool with rock islands and fountains
Mini-zoo and elephant garden
Various activities include archery, paintball, zip-lining, diving, and a bowling alley
Full spa and large fitness center
Kids' club provides organized activities and games
12 meeting/event rooms, and free Wi-Fi throughout
Several shops sell clothes, souvenirs, and sundries
Lackluster decor throughout
Only some rooms have been more recently renovated -- most are dated
Bathrooms could use an update (only some have been renovated)
Reports of inconsistent Wi-Fi signal
Some complaints about overpriced food, drink, and activities
One of five hotels within the sprawling Nirwana Gardens complex, this upper-middle-range resort mainly attracts families. There are tons of features and activities offered, including a bowling alley, mini-zoo, zip-line, and an elephant garden, plus there are spa facilities, a pretty beach, and an outdoor pool. Seven restaurants and four bars offer varied dining options, but guests complain that they're overpriced. The 241 guest rooms vary -- many are dated and lackluster in terms of decor, plus bathrooms could use a refurb, but some have been more recently renovated and offer nicer, sleeker accommodation. Those seeking a more tranquil holiday might want to take a look at some of the other options within Nirwana Gardens, such as the Mayang Sari Beach Resort, which offers private beachfront chalets.
Scene
One of five hotels in large Nirwana Gardens complex
Part of the Nirwana Gardens complex that comprises five hotels, the Nirwana Resort Hotel is a fun option that attracts many families. The beachfront grounds are lovely, studded with tall palms that loom over well maintained green lawns and water features like lotus leaf-dotted ponds. Architecture consists of three-story buildings with peaked roofs. The functional interiors are lackluster, though the partially open-air nature of most public spaces makes them feel breezy and pleasant. The resort is a solid choice for vacationers seeking a beachy getaway, especially families with kids -- though couples stay here as well. Tourists in search of something more tranquil might want to take a look at the other properties in the Nirwana Gardens complex, some of which offer villas and a more private feel.
Location
Sprawling beachfront grounds on Bintan Island
The hotel occupies sprawling beachfront grounds in Lagoi on the northwestern coast of Bintan Island. Due to the size of the property, the hotel offers a regular shuttle service that ferries guests to the various features and facilities across the large complex. The hotel can be accessed via a 55-minute catamaran ride that departs from Singapore's Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, and then a coach transfer to the resort grounds. Alternatively, travelers can fly into Tanjung Pinang, which is about a 90-minute drive from the resort.
Rooms
Clean, but dated, rooms have flat-screen TVs, tea/coffee facilities, and mini-fridges
Rooms are spacious and clean, with lackluster and slightly dated decor, that's nonetheless pleasant. Clad in beige, brown, and white hues, rooms have tile floors and large dark wooden headboards that frame beds topped in crisp white linens. Sleek and simple dark wood furniture includes nightstands and desks, plus all rooms have armchairs. Some of the rooms have been more recently updated and feature nicer, more polished decor, such as hand-carved leaf motifs on the headboards. Suites have the best wow factor with a sophisticated color palette of cream and black/dark brown hues, as well as four-poster beds, separate living rooms with dining areas, and private balconies.Standard amenities across the board include flat-screen TVs, electric kettles, mini-fridges, electronic safes, hairdryers, ironing facilities, bottled water, and free Wi-Fi (but guests report that it's slow). Bathrooms are simple and a bit dated, but clean, and are equipped with shower/tub combos or walk-in showers. Suites have larger bathrooms with tubs and separate walk-in showers.
Features
Family-friendly activities, including a mini-zoo, bowling alley, dive center, seven restaurants and four bars, and elephants
Guests have access to all facilities throughout the Nirwana Gardens complex, which is chockfull of features, activities, and entertainment -- and there are shuttle buses to ferry guests across the expansive grounds. The hotel has an attractive outdoor pool adorned with rock features and bordered by loungers and palm trees. There's also a beautiful white sanded beach with loungers and a beach volleyball court. The grounds even contain a mini-zoo and elephant garden, while a myriad of activities include archery, paintball, air rifles, a bowling alley, a zip-line, and a dive center.There are seven restaurants to choose from across Nirwana Gardens, including options that serve Asian fare, seafood, and East meets West fusion, plus four bars (including beach and pool bars, and a karaoke lounge). A daily breakfast buffet is included in all rates. Room service is available. Note that many guest complain that the food and drinks are overpriced.Wellness facilities include a spa that offers a variety of features, as well as a fitness center that offers a large range of cardio and strength-training equipment. Other amenities include a kids' club (for ages four and up), 12 meeting/event rooms, and a couple of shops that sell all sorts of souvenirs, clothes, crafts, and sundries. Wi-Fi is free throughout, though guests complain it's slow and spotty, plus it's limited to two devices. High-speed internet is available for an additional fee.