Five-star, 21 villas and nine suites
Jalan Gurindam Duabelas,
Plot 5, Lagoi Bay, Bintan
Tel: (62) 770 692 200
www.thesanchaya.com
Sitting on a powder-white sandy beach that leads into a sparkling, blue sea, and framed by swaying coconut trees and neat shrubs, The Sanchaya could trick its guests into thinking they are somewhere in the Maldives.
With its elegant colonial-style architecture and handsome interior decor that features stylish custom-made furniture and countless beautiful artefacts from around the world, The Sanchaya lends a glamorous touch to business events involving high profile guests.
Meeting facilities With polished timber floors, beautiful black and woodgrain lattices on its walls, and shelves that hold South-east Asian art pieces, The Dahlia resembles the living room of a well-travelled master. It is the hotel’s only meeting room and can host up to 75 people theatre-style or 48 for a banquet.
When the meeting is done, delegates can enjoy a tipple or two on the terrace or manicured lawn right outside.
Planners, however, are not restricted to just The Dahlia. The Salon and Library, boasting a selection of rare books and offering tantalising sea views, is an impressive venue for coffee breaks and breakouts. Tucked within this venue is the Decanter, the estate’s wine cellar and wine and cheese tasting area. Private dinner parties for 10 are welcomed here and wine pairing dinners can be arranged.
The Sanchaya’s private, pristine beach welcomes social functions for up to 50 guests, and the hotel will happily arrange a themed dinner with exquisite table setting and butler service. At the end of the event, guests can write their hopes for the company on a small card and attach it to a kongming lantern before releasing it into the starry sky.
Rooms While The Sanchaya sits on more than 9.6ha of land, it only has 21 villas and nine suites. Guests are therefore promised the luxury of space and serenity while at the same time, prompt attention from the service staff when that is needed.
Guests can choose to stay in suites within The Great House (the main building where guests facilities are) or in a villa. There is a selection of colonial-style villas with one- and two-bedroom options, and one-bedroom Thai-styled villas. The 240m2 two-storey beachfront Vanda Villa is the most luxurious option.
My one-bedroom seaview villa was sublime and I particularly loved the idea of having more than 1,000 movies to watch on the Apple TV, in the comfort of my super king size bed. Alas, with several meetings to attend during my stay, I was only able to watch half a movie.
Also charming is the complimentary selection of snacks and beverages, and a generous pot of rich hot chocolate that come one evening.
F&B The all-day dining outlet, Dining Room, offers a semi-buffet breakfast which allows me to pick fresh fruits and cereal off a line and order my main course from a menu of various egg dishes and other things. What enchanted me most was a lady in traditional dress who came by to offer me a drink from her basket of jamu concoctions.
The poolside Tasanee Grill serves Thai cuisine while The Bar is the perfect place for a nightcap.
Other facilities There is a 50-metre infinity pool, a gym, the Sanchaya Spa with indoor and outdoor treatment rooms, a croquet lawn and an archery field.
