Banyan Tree has become a byword for award-winning spa treatments in its luxurious villa resorts all over the world but reasons to visit this tropical haven don’t stop there. The latest addition to its wide array of exotic dining destinations at Banyan Tree Bintan is an authentic boathouse, also known as “kelong” that rests in the middle of the vast ocean. Sounds pretty exotic, huh?
Unwind at the infinity beach pool in Banyan Tree Bintan that overlooks a boundless view of the South China Sea and the talcum-white sand private beach.
Equally enchanting at dusk, the lit-up beach pool makes a nigh swim all the more alluring.
Touted as a sanctuary away from frantic pace of city life, Banyan Tree Bintan is replete with dense foliage and picturesque views that are calming to the senses. The signature villa-styled luxury resort also brings you spectacular seafront views of the beautiful South China Sea right from your villa.
Signature Balinese-styled villa with a spectacular seafront view
A breathtaking view of the sunset can be easily seen in the side porch of a Rainforest Seaview villa perched atop the trees in Banyan Tree Bintan.
The quintessential canopy bed for a fitful sleep as you rest for the night in your own private villa.
If you have a soft spot for rooms with a sea view, the villas at Banyan Tree Bintan wouldn’t disappoint. The quintessential canopy bed with translucent curtains found in the room also makes for a bona fide Balinese-styled and ethereal resort stay, amidst the surrounding lush greenery.
The impeccable service and warm hospitality at Banyan Tree Bintan made my day, especially with two of its service staff – Erwin and Kasir – who left an indelible impression on me. I have never come across such welcoming and attentive staff.
Be greeted with a stunning view that overlooks the South China Sea at this infinity pool once you step out of your bedroom in the Oceanview Infinity Pool villa.
Look over a body of glistening water under the sun, as you soak yourself in a warm and fuzzy Jacuzzi bath next to your bedroom.
Think about nothing but the oscillatory motion of waves hitting against each other and onto the shore as you let your mind wander completely.
Banyan Tree Bintan has an aromatherapy kit in every villa to soothe your mind as you relax in your room.
Receive royalty treatment at the spa villa
Have a relaxing and exfoliating foot scrub for your legs and feet with natural scrub made of cinnamon powder and honey, upon entering the spa villa. Photo courtesy of Banyan Tree Bintan.
I felt like royalty the moment I stepped into the spa villa as the meticulous spa therapist gave me her undivided attention. Also, I could take my pick from a diverse array of massage styles, amongst which the most popular is Balinese – an oil massage for that added body-moisturing effect. For the best spa experience, request for the intensity of strength – light to medium to strong – that befits your level of tolerance.
Choose your desired aromatic scent with options like rose, lavender and mint, before you leave yourself in the hands of seasoned spa therapist for a therapeutic and muscle-relaxing massage. Photo courtesy of Banyan Tree Bintan.
After the massage, there is also a wipe down service for guests to wash off the excess oil. I was told that it is however advised for individuals with dry skin to keep the oil on for approximately two hours for the most optimal moisturising effect.
The spa villa faces towards the sea with a magnificent view for guests to admire as they take a shower after the massage.
Fresh yoghurt and assorted cut fruits are served as part of the refreshment during the 30-minute relaxation after an hour of massage.
Gastronomic experience at Treetops, The Cove and Saffron
Outdoor dining at Treetops offers a feast not only for your palate but your eyes as well with a splendid view of the South China Sea. Photo courtesy of Banyan Tree Bintan.
I kick-started my day with a hearty breakfast at the Treetops indoor or outdoor with a beachfront view as I enjoyed my meal. There was also a well-balanced variety of international and local delights – think Nasi Lemak, beef sausages and more – available at the buffet spread.
The Home Cured Salmon Gravlax creamy scrambled eggs (an ala-carte dish) was hands-down my favourite as it hit all the right notes.
The Eggs Benedict at Treetops wouldn’t go wrong for an egg-lover who can’t live without eggs in their breakfast.
Ask for a glass of Mimosa (fresh orange juice with three parts champagne) if you need that bubbly kick bright and early in the morning.
Take a swig out of a glass of Chardonnay while you enjoy the chef’s recommended Surf and Turf burger at The Cove, with a soothing view of the private beach and sea.
What’s a Thai meal without some spicy and zesty Tom Yum Goong?
A beautifully plated and delectable Pla Nueng Manao, or Steamed Seabass Filet with Chill-Lime Sauce and Steamed Cabbage.
The chef at Saffron takes much pride in the presentation of the food, which whets your appetite even more. The dish here is Gaeng Kuaa Subparod Hoi Shell, or grilled scallop and pineapple curry served alongside grilled pineapple and crispy fish salad.
This southern Thai style dish, also known as Massaman Neua, is essentially braised beef curry cooked with candle nut, lotus seed and accompanied alongside pickled vegetables and several pieces of roti.
Saffron is an upscale Thai restaurant found above The Cove, which is another Mediterranean dining spot for guests residing in Banyan Tree Bintan. Nonetheless, both posh restaurants offer an unobstructed view of the sea and impeccable service with servers checking in to ensure that you have a good time. The first spoonful of the piping hot bowl of Tom Yum Goong marks just the beginning of our voracious appetite because the food is just that good.
Latest destination dining at Kelong for that extra oomph
A private chef preparing a sumptuous dinner for just you and your company on this idyllic fishermen’s abode isn’t just a figment of your imagination at Banyan Tree Bintan. Photo courtesy of Banyan Tree Bintan.
A private dinner on the boathouse, or “kelong”, can be easily arranged with the resort in advance for the best dates.
This newest dining destination promises a truly experiential dinner that brings the guest from riding off into the beautiful sunset on a Pompong boat to a private “kelong” for an unforgettable dinner. While having a scrumptious feast of authentic and local delights prepared by Chef Eddy at Banyan Tree Bintan, we were being serenaded with Hotel California, which is one of the greatest all-time classics.
Who doesn’t like having a dining spot all to themselves with live and convivial music playing in the background?
If you’re feeling for a more contemporary vibe, the live band can easily croon to the likes of Top 40s such as Jason Mraz’s “I’m Yours” and even “Moonlight Represents My Heart” (a Mandarin classic) to reminisce about the good old times under the enchanting moonlight.
Another dining destination much raved about is on the rocks – or naturally hewn boulders by the private beach – with a mesmerizing sunset view of the beach and sea as evening approaches.
Golfers’ paradise at Laguna Golf Bintan (next to Banyan Tree Bintan)
A scenic view of the ocean awaits golfers who are ready to strike a golf ball on the teeing ground, only at Laguna Golf Bay. Photo courtesy of Banyan Tree Bintan.
The newly revamped golf course Laguna Golf Bintan – part of integrated resort Laguna Bintan under the Banyan Tree Group (comprising Banyan Tree Bintan, Angsana Bintan, the golf course and the new Cassia Bintan hotel-apartment, which will be completed in Q2 2017) – has the touches of Greg Norman, the world renowned and Australian professional golfer. His name would ring a bell even amongst the most amateur golfers. At the golf course, golfers can play 18 holes in a par 72 course, set within 60 hectares of a tropical haven.
Apart from golf, Banyan Tree Bintan also runs a gamut of activities from yoga to wind-surfing, snorkeling and also ATV (All Terrain Vehicle). There is no lack of exhilarating and exciting activities that cater to various demographics such as family, friends and couples too.
Come the second quarter of 2017, a currently ongoing project by Banyan Tree Group, Cassia – a part apartment and part serviced residence – would be unveiled to the delight of investors and tourists alike. Budget-conscious guests would be able to enjoy quality service and a comfortable stay at Cassia, which proves to be an opportune investment for the owner of a unit to rent it via the hotel management.
I’m not painting a rosy picture but Banyan Tree Bintan is in reality a haven for those who covet a reprieve from the city life.
Banyan Tree Bintan
Jalan Teluk Berembang,
Laguna Bintan Resort, Lagoi 29155,
Bintan Resorts, Indonesia
Tel: +62 770 693 100
Email: [email protected]
For more investment details on Cassia Bintan (or other locations), please visit http://cassiaresidences.com/
To mark the reopening of the full 18 holes, Banyan Tree Bintan and Angsana Bintan have launched exclusive Stay and Play golf packages, available until 30 September 2016. For more details, visit lagunagolf.com/bintan.
