Indonesia, Bintan Island – The Sanchaya: A Bespoke Getaway

Just 45 minutes away by ferry from Singapore lies The Sanchaya, a newly-opened luxury beachfront retreat set across 23 acres in the northern Lagoi Bay development of Bintan Island. With twenty one private villas and nine suites, the private estate is filled with hand-picked treasures and artefacts that gives an insight to the varied cultures of South-east Asia. Everything at The Sanchaya (which means ‘collection’ in Sanskrit) is bespoke and well thought-through, from the custom-made furniture, freshest produce cuisine, personalized activities to detailed attention from the ever-smiling staff, offering guests the ultimate pampering. A weekend getaway option to Bintan Island never seemed sexier ;) The Sanchaya is the only property on Bintan Island with its own VIP Lounge at the Bandar Bentan Telani Ferry Terminal. Express immigration and customs clearance is handled by the estate staff. All you need to do is to chill at the lounge upon arrival while awaiting your personal transport to the private estate. A look at the huge VIP lounge. The Sanchaya is just a short 15-minute drive away. All their drivers are native Bintan Island residents, so feel free to ask them about any places you would like to visit. We were warmly received at the estate with a welcome drink and bright smiles from The Sanchaya’s Estate Companions who remembered our names. Impressed. The Estate Companions are trained by The British Butler Institute which is recognized as the leader in butler and hospitality training worldwide. Check-in to a blissful stay! The decor of the estate is tasteful and every detail is taken into consideration.There are more than 175 unique styles of custom designed furniture at The Sanchaya fabricated by more than 250 Indonesian artisans. Look at those amazing-looking floor tiles, custom-made for the estate. Majestic-looking The Great House which forms the main part of the estate. The estate’s all-day dining let guests eat whenever they feel hungry instead of allocated mealtimes, serving à la carte breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner as you wish – a big PLUS point for a sleepyhead and forever-hungry piggy like me :p Fancy a delicious-looking yoghurt for breakfast? The Dining Room uses the freshest market produce of the day, and the restaurant aims to satisfy all cravings whether on or off-menu. During breakfast, the traditional Jamu Gendong lady will visit your table offering a healthy and refreshing Jamu drink, an Indonesian natural medicine based on ancient tradition which uses local spices and root-tubers unique to this area. After breakfast, relax on these inviting rattan rocking chairs and take in the beauty of the beachfront estate. Located in The Great House overlooking the pool and beach , The Salon and Library has the feel of European salons in the 18^th and 19^th centuries. Check out its selection of rare books or simply relax over drinks with the rest. By the way, those intricate leaf-shaped ceiling fans are custom-made too. I can’t wait to sink into the grand-looking leather couches. Elegance and grandeur permeates every corner of The Sanchaya. Awesome for a profile photo too :p The estates also houses a huge wine cellar of old and new world wines to rival a respectable restaurant. I was impressed with their super well-stocked cheese and charcuterie selection. Am I really on Bintan Island?!? Admiring the lovely scenery outside while enjoying a glass of wine. That’s what I call a real holiday :) The Sanchaya fronts an ivory-coloured beach with views of the sea where I am told you can spot dolphins and turtles. Forgot to bring your swimwear? Simply stop by the well-stocked retail shop carrying international labels. I might just get a new outfit to do a Look of the Day ;) All the villas at The Sanchaya are named after tropical flowers. Villas have separate bedrooms and living rooms furnished with art and luxurious furnishings sourced from across South East Asia, reflecting the romantic colonial style of the residence. A kitchenette great for in-room dining Modern amenities such as Bang & Olufsen TVs are available in both the living room and bedroom. An iPad mini which connects to both TVs is preloaded with movies and music easily accessible via Airpush. I can’t wait to sink into the bed rightaway, and call me when it’s dinnertime? ;) Even the bathroom is an epitome of luxury living, from the claw-feet bathtub, custom bathroom amenities and fluffy bathrobes. I felt like I just walked into a movie set. And I can now shower sitting down :D Welcome to my walk-in closet, I’m all ready for a colonial holiday! :p I can imagine spending the whole day lazing at the private backyard, sipping tea and reading a book like a European lady in the 19th century would. Or throw off my shoes and have a leisurely stroll on the soft grass. And maybe run around the coconut trees lol. You can also request your butler to arrange for off-site activities such as a mangrove discovery tour, visit a traditional Indonesian ‘kampung’ village or go island hopping to Senggarang and Penyengat Islands to see ancient temples, palace ruins and tombs. Lawan Village’s seven Thai-style villas are built around a beautiful man-made lagoon to create a relaxing atmosphere. The décor reflects Thai influences, using elegant furnishings accented with dark wood, soft neutral tones and high vaulted ceilings to create the serene ambiance of a private residence. A well-stocked all-inclusive minibar. We totally dig the blue-white floral kettle (which can be purchased at the retail shop). Even drinking water is a luxury affair here. View of the entrance of the estate from The Great House where the suites are located. The Great House Junior Suite feels like entering someone’s living room. A rich someone with good taste.
Rooms are tastefully done with personalized stationery and a pillow menu too.
I love the sea view from the private balcony.  Custom amenities are available, so feel free to come without your toiletries bag ;) The Sanchaya Spa offers a choice of indoor and outdoor treatment rooms to experience Thai, Balinese and Swedish massage therapies. They also grow their own herbs for the treatments. Outdoor treatment room. Perfect for a Thai massage.  What I found interesting is the range of essential oils that reflect the body’s seven sacred chakras that were exclusively created for the estate. The Signature Sanchaya Oil smelt heavenly, and I was amused by the Root Chakra Oil (is that particularly good for men lol?). Indoor treatment room. See you in two hours’ time ;) It’s mealtime! Food always has that smiley effect on people :) The Dining Room features international cuisine as well as a refined style of Southeast Asian food. A colourful medley of freshly-blended juices to prepare the palate for the feast ahead.  The appetizer was a balsamic vinegar reduction with raspberry sauce. I was more interested in the crystal food cover. Such indulgence. Goatcheese served with beetroot and mango which went well with the freshly-baked warm bread and their home-churned butter. Yumz. A fiery-looking Ketam Bumbu Kuning, which is Kepri stone crab cooked in light yellow sambal, carrot, cucumber and local fresh paddy herbs. In the background is the chef who came out to greet us. The tender beef rendang which we enjoyed. For those craving Japanese food, a sumptuous bento box is available. I enjoyed the Ikan Asam Pedas, a spicy and sour red snapper fillet cooked with tamarind, ginger flower and pineapple. The fish was springy to the bite, and the gravy didn’t overpower the fresh taste of the fish. Be sure to indulge in the Estate’s tea offering an extensive selection from Ronnefeldt teas including their own Sanchaya Blend. This blend is collected from small scale farmers who pluck the healthy, green leaves at an altitude of 1500 meters in the Ilam province of Eastern Nepal and is exclusively available at the estate. The Pave of Egyptian Date Molotove (date cream incased in meringue paired with sun ripe mango sorbet) was my favorite dish of all. It was so unique I am still thinking about it. No girl can resist a Molten Bitter Sweet Chocolate Fondant with Madagascar Vanilla ice cream. Or anyone with a sweet tooth. :)A tasty Soft Nougat Praline Sensation (pistachio ganache served with caramelized sapodilla & hazelnut foam) This dessert has a grand name of Lavish Lavender (lavender parfait and almond dacquoise with black mission fig and foamed cream) The Gourmet coffee menu features blends that are hand-ground in front of each guest and brewed in a French press. I opted for The Sanchaya custom blend coffee made of four types of Arabica beans sourced from Estates in West Java, Central Java, Lombok and Flores and cultivated at 1100 meters above sea level. I knew coffee drinking was an art, but this was the first time I saw it as a performance, paying homage to a traditional preparation technique rarely seen today. The notion of time is forgotten when you are at The Sanchaya, with no effort spared to make you feel right at home and pampered like a princess or prince. I can’t remember when I am suppoused to go home :)
The Sanchaya
Address: Jalan Gurindam Duabelas, Plot 5 Lagoi Bay, P. Bintan, Kep. Riau 29155, Indonesia
Tel: +62 770 692 200
Email: welcome@thesanchaya.com
Website: http://www.thesanchaya.com/