The Sanchaya

We had a wonderful second stay at the Sanchaya. We were kindly granted an upgrade to a Sanchaya suite, which was decadently sized (comfortable living room with large bedroom and bathroom). One small downside that if you value privacy, the Lawan Thai Villas are more private (facing a lake) rather than the villa suites which face the open estate grounds. There was a rather amusing incident when a local resident, most likely a tree squirrel, raided the villa and devoured a pack of nuts and a few sugar cubes. (We didn't recall leaving any doors and windows open, but note of caution to be careful about that if you're not a fan of uninvited guests.) The service was impeccable as usual from Greg and his team of artisans. Elma at the main dining room was brilliant (a joy to see her again), and always so warm and considerate. Our thanks to our driver (to Sanchaya) Juhi (apologies if I got his name wrong) for his valuable recommendations. The Sanchaya is certainly a lovely escape, and yet also a home away from home.

The Sanchaya is quite simply the best resort we have experienced, and it is the team and the attention to detail that make it. From arrival at the boat terminal onwards the whole visit was seamless. We were welcomed and minded from the moment we set foot on Bintan to the moment we left. The service was second to none. Our preferences were remembered from the very first meal - my daughter doesn't take citrus in her drinks, noted on day one and maintained faultlessly for the rest of the stay. That was the level of attention to detail throughout: personal and genuinely warm, but never intrusive. A hard line to walk, and they walk it perfectly. The food was incredible from breakfast through to dinner, and between that, the service and the atmosphere we never felt the need to leave the property. There was always somewhere to go or something to do depending on the mood, whether we wanted quiet or something a bit more social. For a family with two teenagers there was plenty to do — 2 padel courts, a very well-equipped gym, bikes along the lake, walks on the beach, swimming, yoga every morning and archery. A trip to the fireflies and a round of golf topped off the experience. We had a ball. We genuinely didn't want to leave and can't wait to come back. Thank you to Greg and all the team for such a wonderful stay.

Our stay at Sanchaya was on point - it was decadent, relaxing, intimate and recharging. We still can't believe it's in Bintan, just an hour's ferry from Singapore! The beach where The Sanchaya is situated is pristine. Soft white sand, clear blue/green water, added to the luxury of the place. The pool is beautiful and of a good length for laps and privacy. We love that the hotel only has 30 rooms which gives it that extra seclusion and exclusivity. The colonial decor inside and on the facade exudes an elegance and islandish serenity. The interiors in the salon and restaurants, give it a masculine, old gentlemen's vibe which is exquisite. The staff are warm, personable and attentive. We felt very well taken care of. We also enjoyed a few games of padel and cycling around the nearby lagoon (7.2km!). Highly recommend for a weekend getaway to reconnect, recharge. You will feel like you are further than just 1 hour from Singapore! And if you are not living in Singapore, this is a treasure for rest and tranquility.

This resort is exceptional. Our lagoon suite was large, clean and comfortable. Complimentary beer, soft drinks and snacks. Public areas, including the beach, restaurants and bar were first rate. Little wonder that this place has Michelin Stars. Of very special note was how all staff remembered our names and addressed us using them throughout our complete stay. When on the beach, staff delivered baskets to us full of drinking water and sunscreens. They were attentive to anything we needed. We would go back to this Sanchaya in a flash.

For those who seek an exceptional luxury hotel experience, I feel you owe it to yourself to research this hotel fully. I recently completed a month-long journey through Southeast Asia with my family, during which I stayed exclusively at top-rated five-star hotels. While every property on our itinerary was excellent, The Sanchaya Hotel stood out as truly exceptional and was, without a doubt, the absolute highlight of our travels. Every aspect of our stay surpassed the traditional five-star standard: • The Culinary Experience: The food was extraordinary, showcasing incredible flavor, presentation, and creativity at every single meal. Do not miss the private BBQ on the beach. • Flawless Service: The attention to detail, warmth, and proactive care demonstrated by the staff made us feel welcome and valued. • Breathtaking Grounds: The beachfront property itself is stunning, meticulously maintained, and provides a perfect, serene escape. • Impeccable Rooms: Our accommodations were pristine, beautifully designed, and offered the highest level of comfort. The entire team was dedicated to hospitality: this is a very low-density property, so we often encountered the hotel manager, the F&B manager, or the hotel supervisor going about and dedicating themselves to making our experience exceptional. Our family extends warm thanks to Greg, Dian and Nawa: your efforts create a high benchmark for what a luxury hotel experience should be. Warm regards, Kakek dari cucu