The Indra Maya Villas, Bintan

Private. Heavenly. An extravagant and luxurious respite away from city urban life. Bintan in Indonesia is but 45 minutes away from Singapore by high-speed catamaran.

The 350sq m 2-bedroom sea front Indra Maya villa my family had was spacious, tastefully furnished, clean and tidy. More than the usual coffee and tea amenities at the very private villa, the Indra Maya provides more - scented candles, incense and water features within each villa itself. This thoughtful gesture made one feel at home and pampered. Our suite had a sizeable pool and across the pool is the open sea. Absolutely enchanting and picturesque, just like a picture out of the "rich and famous" lifestyle magazines. But only this time it was real for my family and I. We were in such a heavenly surrounding.

The bedrooms and bathrooms are huge. For choice, the master bedroom even boasts of a private open-air bath, like the ones we see in spa advertisements. The open-air bath is shielded from prying eyes by tall trees and shrubs. Neighbours are a distance away and privacy is guarded. At the time I was there, the price of a 2-bedroom suite was Singapore Dollars 550++ per night but it was money worth spending. We were treated to spaciousness, luxury and privacy. It was a family getaway and with the pool fronting the hall, we felt safe to leave the children on their own at the pool.

The hall has big sofas that could easily double as a bed. Even though it was stipulated that each such villa can accommodate 4-5 people, my view is that I could double this number easily, that is, if guests do not mind sleeping on the big sofas or on the floor in the hall and also if the management of the Indra Maya does not mind (you bet they do!).

The exclusive Indra Maya estate has only 14 villas. Access from each suite to the main hotel lobby and elsewhere within the Nirwana Gardens Resort is by buggy. Individual buggy is parked outside each suite, so getting around the estate is not a problem at all.

The Indra Maya is part of the Nirwana Garden chain of hotels that also comprise the Nirwana Resort Hotel, Mayang Sari Beach Resort, and the Banyan Biru Resort. Inter-hotel charging is allowed and this means you get a wider choice of food outlets.

The main hotel lobby serves the guests of the Mayang Sari. Check-in for guests of the Indra Maya is in a separate room that doubles as a lounge. Free coffee and tea are available all day long at the lounge.

The sea fronts the South China Sea and sitting at the Verandah at the Mayang Sari for a meal or snack, one can take in the activities of sun-lovers and tanners. For more adventurous sports activities, you can visit the Mana Mana Beach Club.

A heavenly and relaxing stay such as this is not complete without a rub-down and pampering of the body. The Asmara Tropical Spas provides a wide range of spa treatments. My husband and I were pampered in a room for two. In between treatments, I was shepherded to an open-air bath similar to the one in our suite. Here I washed off my earlier treatment with milk bath from a jug. I was reminded of the Egyptian princess in the story of Moses. After the treatment, hubby and I were given a refreshing health drink that we had chosen earlier. We sipped our drinks in a quaintly-styled waiting area where all was quiet. It was definitely reminiscent of things Indonesian, Balinese, Thai and of well-organized spas. Quiet, peaceful and private with the sound of trickling water, I can almost feel the coolness of the place as I write this.

The Indra Maya. Ah - one of the extravagant luxuries in life. I will be back.

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Fact File

Room Rates

The rate mentioned above is exclusive of 10% Government Tax and 10% Service Charge. The accommodation rate is inclusive of land transfer from Bintan Beach International Resort ferry terminal to the hotel, breakfast (for 4 passengers), and a welcome drink upon arrival.

Currency

Indonesian Rupiah (Rp) is the official currency but Singapore Dollar (SGD) is generally acceptable.

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