From The Straits Times    |
bintan_residence_honeymoon_singapore_villa

Nestled along a sandy beach on the largest island of the Riau Archipelago, The Residence Bintan is a modern haven of calm and serenity that’s created for romance!

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

I loved the beautifully landscaped spaces, lush greenery, swaying palms and wide sandy beach – a beach paradise and an Instagrammer’s dream.

On my first stroll exploring the resort, all I heard were the soft rustling of leaves amid the sea breeze and the gentle lapping of waves – it was like an immediate balm that calmed all my senses, and hyper swirling thoughts!


The resort truly was an ideal hideaway from all the stresses and tensions of urban life: idyllic, languid and evoking a dreamy, romantic ambience for lovers.


WED HERE

Photo: Terralogical

With such inspiring scenery, The Residence Bintan is really well suited for a pretty and joyous wedding celebration and blissful honeymoon.

Photo: Terralogical

Beach Ceremonies
I love attending informal beach weddings – there’s something endearing about the relaxed and casual setting. Couples seem more at ease and guests can be more expressive during the celebrations.

And the private beach at the resort is just perfect for such memorable experiences: it can be dressed up with pretty floral decor and an arch for your sunset solemnisation ceremony.

Also read: PAIGE CHUA’S THOUGHTS ON MARRIAGE AND A GORGEOUS BRIDAL SHOOT IN THE RESIDENCE BINTAN

Pool Parties
Prefer something less sandy? The resort’s infinity pool and spacious deck which faces the shimmering blue sea, is ideal for ceremonies and small celebrations, breezy cocktail receptions as well or for partying the night away.

The sandy beach below the infinity pool is also lit up in the evenings and is a scenic spot for celebratory gatherings with your loved ones.

The Dining Room
Private Spaces
If you prefer something more intimate and private, there’s a sandy alcove just below The Dining Room that’s sheltered by dense palm trees and fringed by sculptural boulders and rocks. The space can be lit up with fairy lights, Arabian lamps and candles for a bespoke dinner for two, or for receptions and after – dinner parties for up to 30 people.
For the wedding dinner, there are the resort’s green spaces nearby which can host al fresco events under fairy lights and twinkly stars.

DELICIOUS EXPERIENCES

If there’s one thing that would make or break a wonderful resort experience (beside the locale and scenery) it’s the food! If you’re going to be staying at a resort miles away from the crowds, you will want to have exquisite dining experiences amidst beautiful surroundings. And for couples planning their wedding, food is always a priority.

At The Residence Bintan, the cuisine and dining experience is spot-on! The food at the resort will please both your palate and visual aesthetics – your guests will be whipping out their phones to snap pictures!

Couples on their honeymoon can have their meals at The Dining Room which offers a different menu of delicious local fare and Pan-Asian cuisine throughout the day. It also has 360-degree views and has wide balconies for pre- and post-wedding receptions.

And if you have special dietary restrictions or preferences, the chef can whip up mouth-watering dishes that are tailored to your requirements.

Savour authentic Indonesian flavours at Rica Rica. 

For a more unique dining experience, the resort’s signature restaurant, Rica Rica, serves modern interpretations of traditional local dishes that are not only delicious but Instagram-worthy too! Overlooking the beach, the restaurant has a more elegant setting and decor, which makes it ideal for formal wedding dinners.

FALL IN LOVE AGAIN

The Upper Sea View Terrace

I wish I had someone special to enjoy the resort with because it had all the elements and ambience for a dream honeymoon destination!

You can feel your senses awaken to the subtle sounds of nature the minute you arrive at the resort: Spend relaxing hours lounging by the resort’s beachfront infinity pool and watch the balmy, humid days fade seamlessly into cool, golden evenings, lit by clusters of sparkling stars above.

(In fact, the resort’s gotten the nod of approval from our COVERBRIDES 2019 finalists and their significant others, whom we whisked away to the resort for their shoot! Watch the video below)

Video: Her World Brides


Let your cares fade away while you stroll barefoot and hand in hand with your lover along the beach with the sand and sea caressing your feet. Let your experiences, not time, dictate your schedule.


Also read: 7 WAYS NEWLYWEDS CAN KEEP THE HONEYMOON BLISS GOING AFTER THE WEDDING

WEDDING NOTES:

Bespoke Affairs
To ensure your entire celebration is worry and stress-free, the resort also provides an on-site personal wedding coordinator to help you plan your island destination wedding celebration. Whether it’s an outdoor alfresco soiree or a more formal indoor event, various packages allow you to customise the decor, menu, and pre- and post-wedding activities.

Celebration Spaces
If you’re planning a celebration for up to 200 people, the resort has wide lawns and spaces that can accommodate them. These are landscaped with towering palms and tropical plants, and have views of the South China Sea – ideal for breezy alfresco events under the stars! You can also erect a white marquee if you prefer your event to be sheltered.


RESORT NOTES:

Luxe Accommodations
Lining the resort’s coastline are 127 terrace rooms and standalone villas. Every room opens to stunning views of the South China Sea or tropical gardens. You can choose from 28 one-bedroom Beachfront villas, including 12 Deluxe villas with expansive verandas and panoramic sea views. Or you may prefer one of the 80 one-bedroom Garden Terraces, or Upper Sea View Terraces with private outdoor decks nestled within lush foliage.

For more privacy, you can opt for one of the 15 private one-bedroom Deluxe Sea View Villa, or any of the four two-bedroom Beachfront Villas that offer magnificent ocean views, their own private infinity pools, and direct access to the beach. Families and friends can ask for interconnecting units.

Enjoy creature comforts with spectacular vistas when you check into this One Bedroom Beachfront Villa.

Wake up to gorgeous vistas at The One-Bedroom Deluxe Sea View Villa.

The One-Bedroom Beachfront Villa.

Rejuvenate yourself
Besides a well-equipped gym, the resort has scheduled yoga classes throughout the day. You can practise your moves in the padded, air-conditioned yoga room, or try your poses on the deck area near the main lobby, immersing yourself in the natural beauty around you. Next to the fitness rooms is the spa, which has eight private treatment villas for single or couple massages.

After a consultation with the spa consultant, you start your treatment with a foot bath, followed by a body massage of your choice.

IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE
‘Forever Thine’ is a 180 minutes treatment that is created specially for brides to experience before their big day; it restores your emotional wellbeing with a rejuvenating bath and soothing massage using essential oils to nurture your feminine spirit. There is also kidney packs and a facial that will leave you looking radiant and feeling totally refreshed.

Couples can look forward to specially tailored treatments to get themselves mentally, physical and spiritually in the mood for love! The 120 minutes ‘I Do’ treatment uses rose (love), orange blossom (bliss) and jasmine (stimulating the flow of love) oil for your massage, and there is also a post-session meal featuring a menu to encourage vitality!

The spa treatments and wellness programs are crafted exclusively for the resort by British spa brand ila, which is known for using indigenous, organic ingredients and drawing on Ayurvedic and modern techniques.


TRAVEL NOTES:

Hassle-free travel
It only takes 55 minutes at most to travel from Singapore’s Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal to Bintan’s Bandar Bentan Telani ferry terminal. Once you clear immigration, a representative from the resort will be on hand to welcome you and help you with your luggage. The trip to the resort takes another 75 minutes through winding roads and scenic landscapes. It will be an easy and fuss-free journey for your guests if you’re planning to hold your wedding celebration there.

For more information, visit www.cenizaro.com/theresidence/bintan, call: +62 778 6000 888 or e-mail reservation-bintan@theresidence.com.

This article was brought to you by Her World Brides in partnership with The Residence Bintan.