The Sanchaya
Colonial Asian estate — think explorers' club bar with 19th-century trappings, Thai-inspired villas, Balinese spa, and rattan chairs in the dining room. Grown-up, unhurried, and just slightly theatrical.
Book direct for the best rate and added benefits including estate credit and sunset hour at The Bar.
Why It Matters
2 Michelin Keys (2025). One of only a handful of ultra-luxury properties in Indonesia with British Butler Institute-trained staff. Conde Nast Traveler Top Resorts in Asia two consecutive years (2017–2018). The private VIP lounge at the ferry terminal is a genuinely nice touch — no queuing with the crowds.
The Sanchaya is a 9.6-hectare beachfront estate on Lagoi Bay, Bintan Island — 29 villas and suites plus one private residence, all looking out over the South China Sea. Getting here takes effort: ferry from Singapore's Tanah Merah Terminal, a private VIP lounge at the Bintan arrival terminal, and a 10-minute chauffeured drive. But that's by design. The remoteness is the point. Colonial-meets-Southeast-Asian design, Butler Institute-trained staff, a 50-metre infinity pool, and a wine cellar that seats 10 — this is the kind of place people book when they actually want to disappear for a few days.
Where You'll Stay
7 room types available
Junior Suite
Upper floor of The Great House with a large balcony overlooking the 50-metre pool and ocean. Curated artefacts from around Southeast Asia throughout. Good entry-level option for pool and ocean views.
57 sqmLawan Thai Villas
Seven one-bedroom Thai-inspired villas spread across the estate. Each has a spacious verandah overlooking the serene lagoon, curated art pieces, and a free-standing Lefroy Brooks bathtub. Intimate and unhurried — good for couples who want their own space within the estate.
54 sqm
Leelawadee
A private compound of three one-bedroom villas arranged around a 17-metre swimming pool. Each villa has a generous living area and a verandah looking onto the estate gardens and lagoon. The pool deck can be turned into a private dining venue. Good for groups of up to six who want their own world within the estate.
165 sqm
Sanchaya Suite
Either on the upper floor of The Great House — the estate's central hub — or as a standalone suite tucked into the grounds for more privacy. Both configurations include a separate living room with armchairs and sofas, a private veranda for catching ocean breezes, and a desk for anyone who can't fully switch off.
94 sqmTwo Bedroom Villa
Spacious beach residences designed for families or two couples travelling together. Central living and dining room, two bedrooms with luxurious bathrooms, and roomy verandahs with direct beach access. Some overlook tropical gardens, others face the ocean.
Two bedrooms · 136 sqmVanda Villa
The flagship. A standalone beachfront residence inspired by Singapore's classic black-and-white colonial houses with a modern twist. A 90 sqm wraparound upstairs verandah, a 12-metre private infinity pool, a private kitchen and dining room that seats eight, and a guest cottage. Dedicated service around the clock. For milestone birthdays, family reunions, or anyone who needs a truly private estate within an estate.
287 sqmVerandah Suite
On the upper floor of The Great House. The balcony looks directly over the 50-metre infinity pool and the South China Sea beyond. Adorned with fine art sourced from across Southeast Asia. Two available.
68 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
6 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Archery on the manicured lawn with ocean views.
Land sailing karts on the estate grounds. Genuinely good fun and a talking point — most guests discover them by chance.
Croquet on a manicured lawn overlooking the ocean. A proper court — one of the more unusual amenities you'll find at a beach resort.
A real pétanque court on the beach. Not a common find at beach resorts — and much more enjoyable with a sundowner in hand.
House bicycles available for exploring the 9.6-hectare estate and its tropical gardens.
The 9.6-hectare tropical garden estate is designed to be walked and jogged through. A proper circuit is available.
A nine-course beach dinner under the stars with a sky lantern release — based on the Chinese Kong Ming lantern tradition. Must be arranged in advance.
An off-estate tour exploring the mangrove ecosystem and diverse wildlife of Bintan Island. Can be combined with visits to the heritage areas of Senggarang and Penyengat Islands.
SUP boards available for use on the calm waters of Lagoi Bay.
Sessions with the estate's in-house yoga instructor, practised to the sound of the ocean. Typically held outdoors.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
The Sanchaya operates its own private arrival and departure lounge at Bandar Bentan Telani (BBT) Ferry Terminal. Guests get express immigration and customs clearance — no queuing with other passengers.
A reading room in The Great House, the estate's central manor building.
Estate-wide complimentary Wi-Fi.
The estate accommodates weddings, corporate events, and celebratory occasions. Multiple private dining venues including The Decanter (10 guests), pool deck at Leelawadee, and beach.
The entire estate spans 9.6 hectares of landscaped tropical gardens — large enough for a proper morning jog or evening walk.
All villas and suites have a complimentary maxi-bar stocked with snacks, soft drinks, fresh juices, local beers, and curated Janice Wong chocolates — replenished daily under the Essential Hideaway package.
iPad with a wide selection of movies and Apple TV in all accommodations.
High-quality Bang & Olufsen television and sound systems in all villas and suites.
The estate's centrepiece — a 50m infinity pool overlooking Lagoi Bay and the South China Sea. Flanked by the Tasanee Grill on one side.
All attendants — called 'companions' and 'artisans' — are trained at the British Butler Institute and available around the clock.
A 10-minute private chauffeured car transfer between BBT Ferry Terminal and the estate, included with most packages.
BUILD YOUR THE SANCHAYA PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
Start Planning