A short hop from Singapore, this island resort combines quiet luxury and kid-friendly activities for a relaxing weekend getaway or more.

A beach villa at The Residence Bintan. (Photo courtesy of the resort)

While Bintan has long been known for its congregation of north-coast resorts, newer developments on the eastern side of the Indonesian island are changing the perception of this destination from a cheap family getaway to a place for luxurious relaxation. That doesn’t mean the communal element is gone. Instead, hotels like The Residence Bintan are perfecting their family offerings while still ensuring that adults get a chance to relax at the same time.

For this trip I brought with me the most discerning of reviewers, my four-year-old daughter who, while she loves a good hotel, has only begun to discover the potential of a beach resort. My mother also joined us for the trip (to provide both moral and physical support). We made our way to Bintan via the one-hour ferry from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal to Bandar Bentan Telani ferry terminal on Emerald Class, with booking assistance from the hotel. As a relatively seasoned traveler, I’m used to the usual discomforts that travel can entail (standing-room only, seats amidst strangers etc.), but my four-year-old is not. Emerald Class ensures a ticketed seat and a great view from the upper deck, plus a lounge on either side and executive check-in facilities in Bintan. This undoubtedly made the beginning of the journey easier as there was a lot less waiting around and queueing (anyone with a toddler will understand that’s never ideal). There’s even a small playground and cafe on the Bintan side (exclusive to Emerald Class travelers) that she enjoyed both on arrival and at departure.

From the get-go, there are many touches designed with families in mind. For parents worried about the 80-minute drive from the ferry terminal to the resort, The Residence Bintan provides Urban Kanga car seats for the little ones, plus freshly-baked cookies, cold water and cool towels. Transfers also come equipped with wifi in case you need to break out the big guns to entertain the kids or yourself. Upon check-in, the hotel will take down your number and WhatsApp you all their menus and reservation information, making it easy to check your phone for everything you might need during your stay.

The resort is a nature-inspired tropical escape offering plenty of opportunities for pampering and more active pursuits. Its 127 Garden Terraces, suites, and villas allow you to enjoy the beach at your doorstep or to lounge in a hammock on your balcony. Of these, 47 come with their own pools—perfect for a private soak or a quick plunge with the little ones. We stayed in a Deluxe Beach villa with separate living room and bedroom, and my daughter was immediately excited by both the private pool that led out to the beach, and the children’s tent set up indoors where she happily played for a couple hours when the sun got too hot mid-day. The accompanying kit of coloring pencils, papers, treats, and very large stuffed animals did not go to waste. Parents with younger children will also appreciate how the resort can provide a baby cot, baby bathtub, and even a bottle sterilizer as needed.

*Left to right:* The writer’s four-year-old feeding rabbits at Earth Basket; enjoying a floating breakfast. (Photos: Karen Fong)

Families will have lots to explore on the grounds. We spent a very educational afternoon at the resort’s organic farm, Earth Basket, where we fed rabbits, chickens, and fish and toured the garden plots brimming with chilies, mangos, and tomatoes with the garden’s knowledgeable caretakers. A short stroll away is the Kakatu Kids Club, where children aged three to 12 can partake in both free and paid-for activities such as making cookies and tie-dyeing T-shirts. The fact that the accompanying playground outside is shaded is definitely a bonus as the sun can get quite hot. Once the tide goes out on the beach, you can investigate the sea creatures trapped in their tidal pools—the daily guided marine walks are fascinating and easy for young children to handle.

While the kids play, The Spa beckons with therapies inspired by Indonesian and Ayurvedic remedies. Treatments can be enjoyed in one of eight spa villas kitted out with their own reflexology rooms and bathtubs. If you can’t leave your little one while you go for a treatment, bring them along, the spa also caters to younger guests offering pedicures, manicures and face treatments they can enjoy, which can make for a nice bonding experience with mom (or dad).

The resort’s culinary offerings include four dining outlets and private dining experiences. Not to be missed is Rimbun down by the beach with lanterns and fairy lights to guide your meal of freshly caught lobster, other seafood delights, and meats. There, my daughter made friends with another four-year-old and played happily in the sand while my mother and I had a nice meal and a chat. At all-day restaurant The Dining Room, the menu encompasses excellent Indonesian and Western cuisine and is very accommodating should you have a picky eater, like I do (go for the butter pasta). Also worth trying is the floating breakfast, which allows you to enjoy a beautiful spread in the privacy of your own pool. It’s both a visual treat and a delicious one.

Guests can dine at Rimbun, an alfresco venue by the beach. (Photo courtesy of The Residence Bintan)

Inside the bedroom of a spacious Garden Terrace at the resort. (Photo courtesy of The Residence Bintan)

*Left to right:* Wandering the tidal flats beyond the beach; arts and crafts activities at Kakatu Kids Club. (Photos: Karen Fong)

There is a natural charm to The Residence Bintan, not least in part due to the welcoming and accommodating staff who are genuinely kind and helpful with kids. My shy four-year old definitely opened up, confidently interacting with staff and thanking them with a terima kasih in Bahasa Indonesia. There’s so much for children to see and experience, that on our part we spent minimal time at the kids’ club and more time exploring the grounds, soaking in the infinity pool and watching the tide go out. Exploring Bintan itself is also made easy as the resort can arrange excursions to the capital Tanjung Pinang or out for a sunset mangrove tour, a great reason to stay longer than a weekend.

Traveling with kids can be a lot of work, from worrying about what they’re going to eat to wondering if activities will be appropriate for their age group. The Residence Bintan removes a good portion of that stress with plenty to keep the family occupied on their grounds, and it’s always nice to be able to introduce new experiences to your children in a safe, comfortable environment. Even the simplest activities can entertain and intrigue a child, my daughter loved the daily “towel animals” we got in the room and could have spent every waking moment in the pool or under the fairy lights. The best part? She was so tired after a long day of play that she slept easily, leaving time for me and my mom to enjoy a chat in the comfort of our villa in the evenings—and nothing is better for a parent, than a child who is well-rested, fed and having a good time.

cenizaro.com/theresidence/bintan

A bird’s-eye view of The Residence Bintan and its private beach. (Photo courtesy of the resort)

Families will Love The Residence Bintan—Here’s Why

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