The Sanchaya Bintan review you’re about to read is based on my first-hand stay at this exclusive luxury beachfront estate on Lagoi Bay. Nestled on a private stretch of white sand overlooking the South China Sea, The Sanchaya offers refined villas, exceptional service, and a serene atmosphere just under an hour from Singapore.
In this detailed review, I’ll cover everything from the suites and dining to the spa, wellness facilities, activities, and practical tips so you can decide if this high-end escape is right for you.
Why I Choose The Sanchaya
I chose The Sanchaya for a quiet luxury escape from Singapore, looking for a private beachfront stay where I could fully switch off. In the review I’ll share my honest experience — from the moment I stepped off the ferry to the final checkout — so you can decide whether this exclusive Lagoi Bay resort is the right fit for your next getaway.
My journey began at Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal. After the short crossing to Bandar Bintan Telani, I was welcomed into The Sanchaya’s private lounge before a quick 10-minute transfer to the estate. From the first moment, the sense of calm and polished service set the tone for the entire stay.
Getting There: International and Domestic Access
International: Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal in Singapore —— 10 minutes from Changi Airport (Singapore)
- 50 minutes to Bandar Bentan Telani (BBT), Bintan
- 10 minutes chauffeured drive to The Sanchaya
Domestic by air: 60 minutes chauffeured private car transfer from Tanjung Pinang 6TNJ Airport (Jakarta)
Domestic by sea: 35 minutes chauffeured private car transfer from Tanjung Uban Jetty (Batam)
The Setting: Logoi Bay & The Atmosphere
The Sanchaya sits on a beautiful stretch of white sand on Lagoi Bay, overlooking the South China Sea and framed by calm tropical waters and lush gardens. The atmosphere is peaceful, upscale, and intentionally low-key — ideal for couples, honeymooners, and anyone seeking a true escape rather than a lively resort scene.
In this review, it’s worth noting that the focus is very much on the estate itself. The surrounding area is quiet, so guests who want nightlife or easy access to local attractions may find it too secluded. For pure relaxation, however, the setting is hard to beat.
Tip: Weekdays offer even more privacy and a calmer atmosphere.
First Impression
Walking into The Sanchaya feels more like arriving at a private tropical estate than a hotel. The architecture blends heritage-inspired elegance with tropical design, featuring antiques, manicured gardens, and thoughtful details that create a warm, refined atmosphere.
Staff are attentive without being intrusive, and small touches — fresh flowers, cold towels, and personalized greetings — make every interaction feel seamless. This sense of quiet luxury and genuine hospitality is one of the strongest impressions I carried throughout my stay.
Rooms & Suites
The Sanchaya is a low-density beachfront estate with just 29 villas and suites, plus the impressive four-bedroom Vanda Villa. I stayed in an upper-floor Sanchaya Suite, which offered generous space, privacy, and elevated views over the gardens and pool.
The suite featured a large bedroom, comfortable seating area, work desk, and a spacious bathroom with a deep soaking tub and quality fixtures. Modern touches such as iPad-controlled lighting, Apple TV, and a fully complimentary minibar added convenience without disrupting the elegant, heritage-inspired design. The rooms stood out as one of the strongest points of the property.
Which Suite Should You Book
Who Each Is Best For
| Type | Ideal Guest |
|---|---|
| Junior Suite | Couples & solo travelers who want ocean views |
| Verandah Suite | Those wanting classic beachfront suite elegance |
| Sanchaya Suite | Guests wanting more space & veranda/sea views |
| Lawan Thai Villa | Travelers who prefer privacy & garden/lagoon setting |
| Two‑Bedroom Villa | Families or small groups |
| Leelawadee | Groups wanting private pool and shared space |
| Vanda Villa | Big families, celebrations, ultra‑luxury seekers |
Dining: Restaurants, Bars & Must-Try Dishes
Dining at The Sanchaya is refined yet relaxed, with a focus on quality rather than quantity of options. The main venues include The Dining Room for all-day refined regional and European dishes, Tasanee Thai Grill for vibrant poolside Thai cuisine, and The Bar for cocktails, wines, and afternoon tea.
Breakfast at The Dining Room was particularly enjoyable, with fresh tropical fruits, pastries, and made-to-order hot dishes. For dinner, I highly recommend reserving a table at Tasanee Thai Grill around sunset — the setting and flavours make it one of the highlights of this visit.
- The Dining Room serves refined regional and European dishes. Breakfast included fresh tropical fruits, pastries, and made-to-order hot options.
- Tasanee Thai Grill offers casual, vibrant Thai dishes poolside — perfect for lunch or dinner.
- The Bar serves cocktails, wines, and afternoon tea in a relaxed setting.
Must-try dishes: Balinese seafood specialties and locally inspired desserts.
Tip: Reserve dinner at Tasanee Thai Grill for the best poolside experience, especially at sunset.
Quick Summary
| Outlet | Style | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| The Dining Room | Fine casual all‑day dining | Breakfast, lunch, dinner with views |
| Tasanee Thai Grill | Al fresco Thai‑inspired cuisine | Poolside lunches & dinners |
| The Bar | Elegant lounge | Cocktails, afternoon tea, cigars |
| The Decanter | Wine cellar experience | Wine tasting & private dinners |
| In‑Villa Dining | Private service | Beach dinners, villa meals |
Meetings & Events
Although most guests visit for leisure, The Sanchaya also offers well-designed spaces for small meetings, retreats, and intimate celebrations. The main venue is the Dahlia Function Room, which can accommodate around 48 guests banquet-style or 75 theatre-style, and comes equipped with AV facilities and natural light.
Additional breakout options include the Library, The Bar, The Decanter, and the outdoor lawns. For corporate groups or couples planning a small wedding, these flexible spaces add another layer of appeal that is worth mentioning in any thorough this review.
Ideal for:
- Corporate retreats
- Small conferences or workshops
- Intimate weddings
Staff available to customize layouts, menus, and décor.
Quick Reference: Event & Meeting Facilities
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Main event space | Dahlia function room (indoor) |
| Capacities | ~48 banquet / ~75 theatre |
| Breakout spaces | Library, Bar, Decanter, gardens |
| Event types | Meetings, workshops, retreats, weddings, parties |
| Customization | Fully tailored layouts & menus |
| Exclusive use options | Estate buyouts available |
Spa, Pool & Wellness Activities
Wellness is clearly a priority at The Sanchaya. The estate offers a wide range of in-house activities including morning yoga by the sea, spa treatments, a 24/7 gym, stand-up paddleboarding, cycling, archery, and croquet.
The 50-metre infinity pool overlooking the beach is a real centrepiece — perfect for both lazy afternoons and proper swimming. The spa, set within the tropical gardens, offers Balinese, Thai, and signature treatments in indoor rooms or outdoor cabanas. These wellness options significantly enhanced my stay.
- Spa: Set within tropical gardens, offering Balinese, Thai, and signature treatments indoors or in cabanas.
- Gym: A 24/7 facility with modern cardio and strength equipment. Personal training is available.
- Pool: A 50-meter infinity pool overlooking the beach, ideal for laps or lounging.
- Yoga & Outdoor Activities: Beachfront yoga, croquet, paddleboarding, and cycling around the estate.
Tip: Complimentary morning yoga classes are offered at an open‑sided Yoga Pavilion facing the sea — great for stretching, balance, and mindfulness before or after your spa treatments.
Things To Do Beyond The Sanchaya Estate
While many guests are content never to leave the property, The Sanchaya also arranges a selection of curated off-site experiences. Popular options include a guided hike up Gunung Bintan, a mangrove river cruise, a night firefly tour, and golf at the nearby Ria Bintan Golf Club.
These activities are best booked at least a day in advance, and weekdays tend to be quieter. Including a few of these excursions can add variety to your trip without taking away from the peaceful atmosphere.
- Bintan Mountain Hike – ~IDR 1,115 / Resident (~SGD 100)
Trek to the 340m Gunung Bintan summit with wildlife and 360° views.
Best for: Active travelers and nature lovers - Mangrove Discovery – ~IDR 810 / Resident (~SGD 75)
Private boat cruise along Sebung River, spotting monkeys, lizards, and tropical birds.
Best for: Families and wildlife enthusiasts - Night Discovery (Fireflies) – ~IDR 675 / Resident (~SGD 63)
Moonlight mangrove cruise with fireflies dancing along the riverbanks.
Best for: Couples and evening explorers - Golf at Ria Bintan Golf Club – Weekend: ~IDR 2,071 / Weekday: ~IDR 1,704 (~SGD 160–195)
18-hole championship course by Gary Player, with buggy, caddy, and transfers included.
Best for: Golf enthusiasts and scenic course lovers
Practical Tip: Book activities at least a day in advance; weekdays offer quieter experiences.
The Sanchaya’s Community Impact: Mr Morris Foundation
Beyond the luxury experience, The Sanchaya supports local communities through the Mr Morris Foundation. Named after the resort’s black-and-white mascot, the foundation focuses on education scholarships, an orphanage, a home for the elderly, and environmental projects on Bintan.
Guests can contribute by purchasing Mr Morris merchandise. This thoughtful approach to responsible tourism adds an extra layer of meaning to a stay and is worth highlighting in this review.
Final Verdict: Is The Sanchaya Worth It?
In this review, my overall takeaway is clear: The Sanchaya delivers a private, serene, and genuinely luxurious experience. The service, design, and attention to detail are consistently excellent, and the beachfront setting feels exclusive without being pretentious.
It is a premium-priced property, but the privacy, quality of the suites, and curated atmosphere make it worthwhile for couples, honeymooners, and small groups seeking a high-end escape. If you prioritise nightlife or constant activity, it may feel too quiet — but for pure relaxation, it is one of the strongest options near Singapore.
Frequently Asked Question
- How long is the ferry from Singapore? About 55 minutes via Bintan Resort Ferries.
- Does the resort have a private beach? Yes, complete with loungers and cabanas.
- Are spa treatments included? No, but they are highly recommended.
- Is Wi-Fi available? Yes, throughout the resort.
- Can I host meetings here? Yes, with Dahlia Function Room and outdoor/indoor breakout spaces.
- Are children allowed? Yes, young residents never get bored. Neither do older ones!
- How far is the resort from the ferry terminal? About 10 minutes by transfer.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re planning a romantic escape, a quiet reset from Singapore, or a special celebration, I hope this The Sanchaya Bintan review has given you a clear and honest picture of what to expect. From the private beach and spacious suites to the attentive service and serene atmosphere, The Sanchaya delivers a refined luxury experience that feels both exclusive and genuinely welcoming. If a peaceful beachfront stay with exceptional attention to detail sounds like your kind of getaway, it’s well worth considering for your next trip.
Tel: +62 770 692200
Lagoi Bay, Bintan, Riau Islands, Indoensia (50 minutes from Singapore)
Check Availability
Travelers interested in staying at The Sanchaya can check current room rates and availability through major booking platforms.
- Compare hotel prices on Trip.com
- Explore tours and travel experiences on Agoda
- Disclosure: Affiliate links included. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Related Coverage
Interview with The Sanchaya General Manager
Conrad Singapore Orchard Review: Insider Tips, Dining & Luxury Stays in the Heart of Singapore
Banyan Tree Bintan to Host Italian Chef Maurizio Bombini in November 2026
Mövenpick Resort & Spa Bintan Lagoon Opens on Bintan’s Northern Coast
