We hopped on a boat for thirty minutes for a stunning spa break at the swish Indonesian retreat
We’ve all done it; excitedly knocked back vino with the girls, while promising each other we will get around to booking that relaxing short break from Singapore. Next time, we say, we will sit down and find somewhere that’s A) beautiful B) convenient C) affordable and D) has a cracking spa.
What tends to happen after this is, well, very little. While Singapore is absolutely surrounded by unbelievable holiday destinations, finding an itinerary that suits five busy women – plus their budgets and expectations – ain’t easy.
Until now! Eager to transform our girls’ holiday into a reality, we painstakingly researched vacation options that ticked every box; seaside setting, minimal travel time, luxury accommodation, spa facilities and, the biggie, an affordable price tag.
They couldn’t quite believe it when I presented a getaway to Batam in Indonesia as an outstanding holiday option. But, upon discovering that Montigo Resorts is a gorgeous,high-end resort (the only one of its kind on Batam island), with a 30-minute ferry transfer, incredible spa and swanky pool villa, they were IN.
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The 30-minute ferry was easy peasy, and super cheap (more on that below). The seaside resort is a pleasure to roll into – tucked into a lush corner of Batam, its assortment of sleek, white villas are built into the sloping hillside, which opens out into the sparkly bay. After a stare out across the flat, Grecian-style rooftops, we let out a few girly ‘whoops’ and skipped off (that is a lie; we hailed a posh buggy) to check out our digs.
We were seriously impressed by our villa’s size – the two-bedroom palace was decked out with a large, stylish living room and kitchenette, which merged into a sea-facing outdoor patio and private infinity pool. On the middle floor, two big bedrooms with softer-than-soft beds and gorgeous en-suites also offered amazing views of the lagoon. Up top, a fantastic Santorini-inspired roof terrace with open views and oodles of space cried out for sunset cocktails (and endless selfies). It’s no surprise that a number of the villas are privately owned, with some families renting theirs out to guests, while others prefer to use theirs as weekend bolt-holes.
Girly ‘ooh’s and bed bouncing out of the way, it was time to get serious about relaxing. The Spa at Montigo Resorts has a wonderfully-authentic Indonesian vibe, with higgledy piggledy bamboo paths and charming treatment rooms arranged around two serene pools. The Spa’s affordable menu offers a series of lovely treatments – from massages and wraps to facials and manicures. There are also offers for couples enjoying a romantic break, men after a spot of pampering and children who are keen to copy mum and dad. Saying that, we’d recommend sending the blokes to the golf course (right next door) and the little ones to Montigo’s uh-may-zing Olo Kids’ Club, before booking a 90-minute Indonesian massage, followed a firming wrap. Heaven.
If you can’t take a dip at your villa, there are two statement pools at Montigo, each boasting stylish decor, quirky sunning platforms and, of course, picture-perfect views. It’s worth enjoying a splash before having a bite to eat at the pools’ neighbouring restaurants. Tiigo is a chilled-out bar next to the adult pool, which serves up comforting grub (try the satay) and over 50 cocktails (not all at once). Alongside the family pool is Tadd’s, a casual all-day dining hub with a tempting menu of Asian fusion dishes; from an array of delicious local curries to hearty Western faves. Tadd’s is also the spot for Montigo’s exciting breakfast buffet – an all-you-can-eat affair with a variety of popular live stations; don’t miss the fresh bakery or Nongsa noodles.
Following an evening of bubbles at Montigo’s third restaurant – Pantai, perched atop the jungley hill – we decided to opt for a private ‘surf ‘n’ turf’ BBQ at our villa. In love with our huge pad and in need of a good chinwag, the poolside dining experience was the perfect opportunity to kick back, eat awesome food and chuckle all night.
While we could have done more with our weekday excursion to Batam – enjoyed a boat trip, hit the golf course or yoga’d our hearts out – our main priority was to rest up in fabulous surrounds while doing heaps of girly bonding. And that’s exactly what we achieved (with zero travelling stress, for a wicked price!). It was so convenient that we even stayed on for an extra weeknight and headed into the office from the ferry terminal. All I need to do now is convince the Honeycombers team that this is the ideal location for all-day workshops (it really is, they have amazing meeting rooms and business packages). Either that, or I can talk the girls into a team-building excursion at Montigo’s second resort in Seminyak, Bali (opening at the end of 2015, so I have a few months to nurture this seed).
All the deets
– The fastest way to get to Montigo Resorts is by catching a Batam Fast ferry from Tanah Merah in Singapore to Nongsa in Batam, with return journeys currently coming in at under 50 SGD per person. Montigo Resorts is a five-minute drive from Nongsa and the hotel operates free shuttles from the terminal to the resort.
– Montigo’s accommodation is made up of two-bedroom villas, which start at 344 SGD a night (405 SGD with a pool) and three-bedroom residences which are now available from 1080 SGD a night. Psst…! Studio apartments are currently underway and expected to be finished in 2016.
Exclusive for Honeycombers readers!
Take 15% off Montigo Resorts’ best available rates and enjoy complimentary high tea for all guests when you book a stay from 1 July 2015 to 30 September 2015 via this link (or the ‘Book Now’ button below). This promotion is not applicable for public holidays, eve of public holidays, and other offers. Reservations are subject to availability.
This article is sponsored by Montigo Resorts.