This place is like a cruise,” laughs my dinner companion. I couldn’t agree more. Club Med Resort in Bintan, Indonesia, is like one big party that has something for everyone and more. An hour-long ferry ride from Singapore, Bintan Island is being developed into a major tourist attraction and Club Med, with its 25 years of experience, hits all the right spots. While June and July are two of the busiest months, with the luxury resort packed with families and honeymooners alike, it’s not tough to find your own spot in the all-inclusive resort. And that’s where it’s charm lies.
With a sprawling pool against the perfect seaside backdrop, the resort has over 20 daily activities–from land sports to water adventures–that promise to keep you occupied. In fact, Club Med’s in-resort app is perfect for keeping track of all the activities, and it’s a great starting point to plan your day. From aqua yoga in the morning to setting out for sailing and trying out the flying trapeze, you will be spoilt for choice. Club Med is also known for its proximity to the award-winning Ria Bintan Golf Club, which has fantastic ocean views.
Apart from hourly activities, Club Med also encourages a dress code. While it is entirely voluntary, it was interesting to see all the guests and staff dress in all-white as we sat down for dinner in the garden, with a professional circus crew and a singer to amp up the mood on a Saturday. The best part? The staff joins in both as entertainment for the night and as your dinner companions, should you choose to open your table for conversations (there’s a block with a red and green marker on each table giving the staff an idea of whether or not you want them to join in).
The food offerings at Bintan are a good mix of local and international cuisines. The Waterfall, a buffet restaurant, is one of the busiest spots in the resort. Affording a stunning view of the sea, the food includes Japanese, Indian, Chinese, Italian, American and French and also low-calorie dishes. The Terrasse is a great option to enjoy a romantic dinner in a breezy outdoor spot against the South China Sea. The place has three different bars, with The Panorama and The Santaï being close to the pool, allowing you to enjoy a scenic dip as you sip on a cocktail. The Matahari is more accessible, and you could grab a drink on the way to your room before you settle in for the night.
Each dinner is followed by a party either inside the resort or by the poolside, ensuring that you get the best of your holiday experiences: adventure, great food and the perfect party.
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