Nirwana Resort Hotel

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.

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 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.

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.