The Residence is a new resort in Bintan, an Indonesian island near Singapore. Getting to Bintan from Singapore is very easy and it makes it a very popular weekend getaway for expats and locals. Most of the resorts are located in Laguna area, while The Residence is in an isolated location, about 1.30hr by car from Laguna and main ferry terminal.

The ferry from Singapore takes 1.40min and one needs to arrive at least an hour before to clear customs. Once you arrive in Bintan the transfer takes another hour, so all up the journey from Singapore took us approximately 4 hours. Ferries operate every few hours and if you arrive late on Friday night after work, you could still enjoy a full Saturday and Sunday and leave on the last ferry after an early dinner.

If you are looking for a quiet weekend getaway Bintan is a great choice. I liked the jungle feel of the Residence – it feels very rugged, almost as if the resort was dropped seamlessly in the middle of Indonesian jungle, far away from civilization. There are no locals or tourists on the beach – it is completely private only for the resort guests.

Accommodation

Accommodation varies between beach or garden view rooms and suites. We would suggest a beachfront suite for couples or two-bedroom beach suite for families. These villas come with a living room and a private pool on the beachfront. They are also more private as vegetation between the villas creates a little separation between them.

Villa design is typically Indonesian with dark teak furniture, floorboards, spacious bathrooms with double vanities, living rooms with built in daybeds and pretty outdoor setting by the pool.

Garden suites are located in the second row off the beach and don’t offer as much privacy, views or swimming pools.

The resort has a huge territory and every villa comes with bikes, to enable guests to move around the resort with ease. But if you are feeling lazy, there is always a buggy service at your call.

 Facilities

Even though The Residence is a beachfront resort, the beach isn’t very swimmable – it’s shallow and tidal, which means the water goes away at certain times of the day. So most guests prefer the pool or retreat to the spa with wonderful Balinese massages and facial treatments. The spa is very well priced and the therapists are excellent  – I fell asleep during my massage, it was just so relaxing.

There is also a small gym and daily yoga classes. Beach has a selection of water sports too to keep you entertained on water – jet skis, paddle boards and kayaks.

Dining

The Residence has two restaurants, all day dining at Dining Room and Indonesian Rica Rica. Breakfast is served buffet style until 10.30am every morning and even though not luxurious, it offers all the necessities like tropical fruit, eggs, pancakes and Indonesian dishes.  A’la carte lunch and dinner have truly international expansive menu with predominantly Italian, Indonesian, Thai dishes. I very much enjoyed lobster bisque and burrata salad. Don’t forget to order a fresh coconut – they arrive every morning from the local palm trees.

Rica Rica dinner is a must –traditional Indonesian favourites like chicken noodle soup and Beef Rendang are served in a pretty setting beachside. The quality and the service are excellent.

The Lux Traveller Loves

Jungle setting

New pool villas

Friendly stuff

Rica Rica Indonesian restaurant

Excellent Balinese massage in the spa

Splitting Hairs

Stuff even though friendly, are not responsive to important requests. They seem to function on island time. Resort could also benefit from installing a fast wifi; at the moment it is almost non-existent.

All In All

Pretty, new resort, that still requires a little polishing. However it is well priced which makes it a very attractive weekender for those looking to get away.

If beach is important to you, explore Banyan Tree, it has the best beach on the island. If new villas, pretty setting, spa is all you are looking for, The Residence is a good choice.