The Sanchaya

The Sanchaya is a luxurious beachfront resort with an elegant colonial style. It's well laid out with secluded bungalows and villas arranged around the main building and beach. A glass-like lagoon and pretty water features sit between the manicured lawns and lush foliage, connected by pretty wooden bridges and pebble-edged paths. The two-story Villas are whitewashed with wide striped shades, and the pagoda-style bungalows nestle beside the water's edge. Though it's a fairly large resort, there's an air of serenity and it never feels crowded. There are plenty of places to chill: by the pool, on the pristine beach, and inside in the cool air-conditioned, sophisticated lounge and bar areas. The resort is popular with well-heeled tourists, and weekenders from Singapore, in particular couples and young families. 

Located on the northern coast of Pulau Bintan on Lagoi Bay, The Sanchaya is accessed by ferry from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal in Singapore (15 minutes from Changi Airport). The hotel has its own VIP lounge in the ferry terminal, so it's a comfortable place to wait for the boat. It's about a 45-minute ferry trip, followed by a 15-minute drive to reach the hotel, and guests are greeted and helped through Indonesian customs by hotel staff. It's a self-contained resort, so there's not much in the local area, though there's a new shopping mall next door. There's plenty to do around the island though: the Elephant Sanctuary is a 20-minute drive, and Santa Maria Cave is about an hour by car, and 500 Lohan Temple is about a 90-minute drive to the south. 

There are three types of accommodation at The Sanchaya. Bungalows in the Lawan Village have verandas on the lagoon, and an elegant rustic style with wood and shutters. (Three exclusive Lawadee Bungalows are set around a private pool.) One- or Two-Bedroom Villas (plus the vast four-bedroom beachfront Vanda Villa) have a sleek monochrome decor, and separate living areas and small kitchenettes with toasters and fridges. Suites are located in the Great House, with balconies, some with sea views. They have a blend of two decors with contemporary gray colors and warm wood furniture. The finish is slick and high-end throughout, with premium amenities too. All units feature "maxi-bars" with free soft drinks and snacks, free Wi-Fi, pod coffee machines, Bang & Olufsen TVs with Apple TVs, iPad Minis loaded with movies, wine coolers, air-conditioning, safes, pillow menus, and yoga mats. Sleek bathrooms have beautiful tiling, claw-foot tubs, separate rainfall showers, bathrobes and slippers, countertop sinks, and an extensive range of upscale toiletries.

The Sanchaya's features are all about relaxing. It has a large 50-meter outdoor pool, with cooling partially-submerged loungers, plus other chairs out of the water. The pool has uninterrupted views of the white sandy beach, where there are more loungers, and cabanas to chill out in. There's a shaded pool bar, with a light menu of Thai street food and fresh fish -- available at tables, by the pool, or on the beach. Guest appreciate the many little touches, like chilled pool towels and bottled water, and kids' beach toys. A gym has modern Precor cardio and weight machines, and the spa offers a range of treatments in an open-air massage room. Yoga classes are led in the beachfront pagoda. There are a variety of activities on-site -- from croquet and archery on the lawn, to bike rentals, mangrove trips, and even rides in a seaplane, all at extra cost. The main restaurant serves a gourmet menu for all meals including breakfast, with both local and international dishes, though prices are high. The club-style bar has excellent cocktails, and hookah pipes on the terrace. The laid-back library and salon has a collection of rare books and tasty wine and cheese offerings. There are meeting spaces, wedding packages, and free Wi-Fi across the resort, including on the beach.