There’s a class of folk who fully embrace the frigid temperatures by donning ski suits and hugging the powdery curves just to justify the raclette and copious amount of Savoie wines they will be knocking back later that night. Then there’s the go-getters, the beach people, that’s us. If you ever thought that heading to a sun-soaked beach destination with kids will be a relaxing affair, you must not have ventured into that realm yet (lucky you). It’s not.
Travelling with kids can be both gratifying — and extremely humbling. Thank goodness for ‘family friendly’ resorts, a ‘get-out-of-jail-free-card’ for the overstimulated and exhausted parent.
And since we’re well aware that not all family resorts are created equal, here’s a front runner for when you’ve decided to visit Bintan, Indonesia. Or if you’re looking for a accessible beach from Singapore, well, whatever the reason is. The Sanchaya, Bintan’s only 2 Michelin Key property, may have first gotten picked out by my husband for its potential to rekindle romance, but after schlepping my toddler and 3 month old son through it, I can safely attest that this resort rolls out the red carpet for its littlest guests. That’s not to say that us, adults didn’t enjoy it as much.
The Sanchaya may be modest in height, but makes up for it in the form of sprawling manicured lawns that hug the colonial mansion and its surrounding villas. Palm trees that resemble starbursts in the azure blue skies lay parallel to the property, acting as a divide between the infinity pool and the sandy beaches as if to ward off prying eyes.
The luxury property is committed to delivering exclusivity, and this begins at the ferry terminal where you are whisked away from the floundering plebeians into a cushy private lounge. Here, you’re served nibbles as staff handled paperwork (visas). It’s seamless travel right through to your suite which is kitted out with a fridge (that magically refills itself with soft drinks, Bintang beer and local snacks), a crib and blackout curtains even before you set foot inside.
The Sanchaya Suite
Between the options for cozy suites for two, and supersize villas fit for curious permutations of travelling parties/families, we were granted with the handsome Sanchaya suite. An intimate 114m2 space perched on the upper floor of The Great House, owning a private patio that overlooks the South China Sea.
Flourishes are understated elegance, from the Aesop toiletries adorning the Lefroy Brooks clawfoot bathtub, to the Egyptian cotton sheets, then to the mix of timber, wicker and marble in shades of off-white, beige and cream.
It’s effortlessly chic, reminiscent of the black and white bungalows in Singapore; legacy of the island’s British Colonial past. It’s really hard to outdo swinging upon doors to access a breezy verandah with views of a stranger enjoying a martini at noon, with what we suspect might be a good read.
What got us out of bed
If I’m being honest, the unhurried breakfast service at The Dining Room just a hop and a skip away. Lemon curd as a flamboyant extra to the in-house-made pastries, scrambled eggs flanked by delicate avocado fans, and one too many cappuccinos.
One morning, I tried my hand at biking around the manmade lagoon which proved to be a little too warm for my liking given the lack of foliage. The next, we picked up a kite at the lobby and attempted reliving childhood memories with our oldest on the beach. The wind is a paid contributor this time of year and really comes in handy if you’re up for a spot of blokart as evening approaches.
Given the sparse nature of Bintan, a key attraction is the abundance of activities on site, from stand up paddle, croquet, yoga, to the hype sport — padel (yes, Sanchaya have two padel courts folded into their estate), there’s plenty to keep you busy. If not, the 50m Olympic sized infinity pool is always a good idea. It’s a fairy tale for winter guests.
For the little ones
It’s easy to want to sequester yourself away for the duration of the holiday, but the kids will not allow that. Rightfully so as The Sanchaya hosts a bevy of activities that will keep those little hands busy — think family cooking classes, biking, archery classes and even introduction to pétanque. For fun in the sun, staff will rock up with a selection of toys and sun protection gear the moment your kid starts prodding in the white sandy beaches.
The food and drink
Meals during the duration of your stay at The Sanchaya can be enjoyed at their two restaurants — The Dining Room or Thai Tasanee Grill. We prefer the latter, its presence spilling out poolside more befitting of the tropical landscape.
Lunch can be kept a minimal affair, or you can set yourself up for a gastronomical feast with feisty Thai dishes such as Larb Gai Sub and Naam Tok Moo Yang washed down with cold Bintang beer. The Dining Room is cosier but its European menu can prove to be hit-and-miss. Instead, turn your attention to the foot page, a roster of Indonesian dishes that have better reverence for place.
Sunset hour cocktails are a God-sent — a stiff negroni made of rosella hibiscus gin? Why not. After a day of wearing out your sweet offspring on the beach, the alcohol fuelled hour earns the superlative.
But after that, everything was gravy
I had by the end of my stay — developed a really affinity for the members of the staff. Their endearing disposition and attention to detail really takes it to a whole new level. Be warned that turn-down service takes a surprisingly long time, but varnished floors that maintain whiter than white socks after trailing over; I’ll be an idiot to complain.
The Sanchaya
Address: Lagoi Bay, Jl. Gurindam Duabelas No.Plot 5, Sebong Lagoi, Kec. Tlk. Sebong, Kabupaten Bintan, Kepulauan Riau 29155, Indonesia
Instagram: @thesanchaya
Text: Sihan Lee
Photo courtesy: Sihan Lee
