Banyan Tree Bintan

The vibe here is refreshingly more peaceful than a typical, bustling resort and the rain forest setting also provides many opportunities to spot wildlife. The lobby's bamboo roof, teak wood carved chairs, and Indonesian runner leading to the front desk are beautiful traditional details, and there are several outdoor decks and dining areas to take in gorgeous sea views. Some of the infrastructure does look dated, though. Grounds are beautiful, with greenery winding through the individual villas, and a long boardwalk leading to the beach, which the hotel shares with its sister hotel next door. The property is rarely crowded, so it’s perfect for tourists (both families and couples) looking for a quiet respite. 

The hotel’s location on a hilly slope offers stunning panoramic views of the rain forest and sea. Walking on the steep slope can get tiring, but that doesn’t seem to discourage guests who want to go to the Laguna Bintan Golf Club, a 17-minute walk away. The Nirwana Beach Club is 11 minutes away by car. The Bintan Mangroves are a 13-minute drive away. The Bandar Bentan Telani Ferry Terminal for ferries to Singapore is a 16-minute ride away and the hotel does offer pick-up and drop-off service at the terminal.

Spacious sea-facing villas with bamboo roofs are spread throughout the property. Some can be far from the common areas, and although buggies are available for transport throughout the property, service can be slow. Many villas are tucked right into the rain forest, and some are perched on the oceanfront rocks. Others have their own private infinity pools. Private balconies have small relaxation pools. Flowing canopies on the four-poster beds feel luxurious, but do little to keep out the rather high volume of bugs that manage to sneak in.  

All rooms also come with desks, flat-screen TVs (with patchy reception), safes, and free, though often weak, Wi-Fi. Air-conditioning units are distractingly loud. Minibars thoughtfully include family-friendly items like milk. A non-refrigerated section of snacks and drinks includes a fresh fruit basket. Coffeemakers and electric kettles are provided. 

Large bathrooms have walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads, along with a soaking bathtub. Spacious sink areas are set with large mirrors, toiletries, and hairdryers. 

Features are luxurious and focused on convenience and relaxation. There are four on-site restaurants, plus a 24-hour room service menu. Saffron's Thai cuisine uses locally sourced ingredients, served in a dining room swathed in orange canopies that’s especially romantic at night. Mediterranean and Italian fare is available for lunch and dinner at The Cove, which offers seating indoors or outdoors on a beautiful deck overlooking the sea. Treetops restaurant also has indoor and outdoor seating, and offers Indonesian favorites for lunch and dinner. Its gourmet buffet breakfast (included with room rates) ranges from Nutella waffles to fried rice and mimosas. The Beach Pool Bar's casual daytime menu includes salads, satays, and fresh juices. Food everywhere gets raves, but guests do complain about sky-high prices. 

There is one beachside pool, and another pool with its own rock edge near Treetops restaurant. Neither is huge, but they're rarely crowded and are relaxing places to lounge. The beautiful white-sand beach, shared with the neighboring Angsana Bintan hotel offers eco-conservation activities as well as a Marine Centre with a variety of water sports. 

Guests can use the sister hotel’s kids’ club, which organizes daily activities for kids under age the age of 10. For adults, the Banyan Tree Spa is a highlight, offering couples' and individual massages and treatments using traditional Indonesian herbs and local ingredients like coconut milk and avocado. Although there’s no gym on-site, guided bike tours, aqua aerobics, and nature walks are organized by the resort for guests wanting to work up a sweat. Mosquito repellent and creams are provided by hotel staff.

Other features include the Banyan Tree Gallery, which sells a fantastic array of local handicrafts and clothing, plus a book and DVD library. There is also a meeting room with a lovely sea-view backdrop. A computer is available in the lobby for guest use and Wi-Fi is free throughout.