The first property under IHG to make its debut in Bintan, Hotel Indigo Bintan Lagoi Beach is a luxurious, authentic getaway with distinctive Indonesian hospitality amid untouched natural surroundings
Location
Just a speedy 10-minute drive from the Bandar Bintan Telani Ferry Terminal, Hotel Indigo Bintan Lagoi Beach occupies a prime spot along the resort stretch, facing the white sandy beach and crystal clear waters of the sea.
It is also a quick five-minute drive to the Lagoi Bay plaza which the resort provides a free shuttle service to.
Accommodation
The resort features 121 rooms and suites, all of which boast unblocked sea views. I had the privilege of staying in the Premium Ocean View room on the sixth floor.
Walking into the spacious room, it was the sheer size and glass doors that open to the balcony and glistening ocean in varying shades of turquoise and azure beyond that gave the wow factor. To top it off, the balcony has a little cosy sofa area and a giant bathtub shielded from the outside – perfect for a relaxing nightcap.
Two sliding doors lead into the long bathroom, which is complete with separate shower and toilet stalls, designed for guest convenience.
The room is tastefully decorated in warm, wooden accents with rattan furniture, providing a relaxing atmosphere. In a nod to Bintan’s history as a trading post and seafaring tradition, the wallpaper depicts a subtle illustrative map of Bintan and its surrounding islands.
F&B
The resort’s signature restaurant SugarBEATS is aptly located for beach and pool-front dining, letting guests soak in the view and enjoy the sea breeze. The menu offers a variety of Indonesian and western options, including dishes such as ayam bakar (grilled chicken), beef rendang, sop buntot (braised oxtail soup), and bebek betutu (Balinese-style duck). While the restaurant is not halal certified, there are no pork dishes. The menu also offers a selection of non-alcoholic cocktails with interesting concoctions using local ingredients such as lemongrass and coconut.
Also worth mentioning is the chill house music, which creates a beach club vibe. Michael Beechey, cluster general manager at IHG and experienced in running beachfront establishments, explained that he ensured the music was evenly distributed throughout the restaurant at comfortable levels, so it wouldn’t overpower conversations.
For dinner, Stix Satay Bar is a must. Offering traditional Indonesian satay (grilled meat skewers), it provides an intimate setting where guests sit at high bar tops and watch the grilling in action. While waiting for the food, enjoy cocktails mixed by the friendly bartender right in front of you. We thoroughly enjoyed the various satays – chicken, duck, rib eye, fish snapper, squid, prawn, and a vegetarian jackfruit option – all grilled to perfection for a smoky char and accompanied by garnishes that enhanced the flavour.
Breakfast at SugarBEATS is a buffet offering a wide selection of items, encouraging you to try a little of everything. The spread includes nasi lemak, porridge, Indonesian-style fish, vegetables, and eggs, along with freshly cut fruit, breads, and pastries.
There is also a small menu of brunch dishes, including Eggs Benedict in various styles. I was pleasantly surprised by the flat white, which was similar to what you’d find in a café. Also worth mentioning is the taro latte, with its delightful purple colour and mild, sweet, earthy notes.
Facilities
The facilities are modern and stylish, with the resort designed to resemble an upscale traditional village. It features a stream, abundant greenery, and comfortable cabanas and swing chairs throughout.
Lining the main pool are cabanas that offer each person their own nook for guests to lounge at while enjoying views of the sea.
I particularly liked the fitness centre which had a barbell rack, cable weights machine, a few treadmills and stationary bikes, and a small selection of weights.
The Sunjivva Spa, located at the neighbouring Holiday Inn hotel (also part of IHG), is a must-visit for those seeking a massage. The private massage room, though spacious, features rattan wooden accents that creates a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Service
The service was seamless from the moment you pass through customs at Bintan, with a private waiting room at the terminal. Upon arrival at the resort, friendly staff greet you with a small cup of iced tea – perfect for the hot weather. A thoughtful touch is the umbrellas provided at each block and facility, allowing guests to stay shaded from the sun or rain.
The resort also offers a variety of activities, including fitness options like aqua stretching, beach volleyball, soccer, and a power walk around the island, as well as traditional tanjak (male headgear) souvenir making and origami workshops.
Verdict
Hotel Indigo Bintan Lagoi Beach is an ideal getaway for those in the region or those seeking a peaceful island escape without the crowds. Whether you’re a multigenerational family, a group of friends, or a couple, the resort offers all the facilities and comfort needed. Groups may want to consider the suite, which features a private pool, spacious living area, a bedroom with an indoor tub, and a bathroom with a dressing area.
Contact details
Website: www.ihg.com/hotelindigo/hotels/us/en/bintan/bnibb/hoteldetail
