This Little Season

April 2025

We weren’t expecting much from a Holiday Inn, to be honest. It’s one of those brands that feels familiar, maybe even a little dated — but from the moment we arrived at Holiday Inn Resort Bintan, it was clear this property was different.

Tucked away in a peaceful corner of Lagoi, the resort greeted us with a beautifully landscaped pond, tranquil surroundings, and a sense of space and calm we didn’t expect from a family resort.

Even more impressive: though we arrived much earlier than check-in time, the reception staff graciously allowed us to check in early, seeing that we had two young and very tired kids in tow (one even needed to poop, like NOW!). That small gesture set the tone for the rest of our stay — thoughtful, warm service that consistently went the extra mile.

The room: Pool access with practical design

We stayed in a pool access room on the ground floor, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions of the trip. The room was spanking new, beautifully clean, and clearly designed with both style and practicality in mind. One detail I particularly appreciated was the tall counter that cleverly combined the sink, pantry and mini fridge — a smart setup that gave off service apartment vibes. It worked perfectly for our needs, whether it was brushing teeth or whipping up a quick Indomie with the kids.

The real highlight, though, was the direct pool access. Our terrace opened out straight into the water, and the kids could barely contain themselves—they were in the pool within minutes of arrival, still half in their travel clothes. It almost felt like we had our own private pool, with just enough separation from the main shared pool to feel peaceful, but still close enough to enjoy the energy around us. The best part? Even when the resort got busier, it never felt crowded.

Later in the day, the staff helped us set up an extra bed for our eldest, and the room still felt spacious and uncluttered. It was one of those rare stays where everything just felt right — and surprisingly generous for a family of four.

The pool & water play: A splashin’ good time

The pool was easily the heart of our stay, and having direct access from our room made it all the more special. The kids could literally roll out of bed and into the water — and they did, again and again. There was a constant rotation of float races, mermaid games and new little friendships made in the water.

We also discovered that the main pool connects to a water play area just outside the Mangrove House, the resort’s kids’ club (more on that later!). One afternoon, we swam over and found ourselves at a small but fun water park with slides, which the kids absolutely loved. It was such a great surprise — seamlessly integrated and easily accessible, without needing to plan a separate outing.

Nearby, there’s a second pool that felt more suited for grown-ups, complete with Strawbella, a swim-up bar that we would’ve loved to try if we had a moment to ourselves. Still, just knowing it was there added to the sense that this resort catered well to both families and adults looking for a relaxing time.

The kids club: The Mangrove House

One of the reasons we booked Holiday Inn Resort Bintan was because of the kids’ club — and it didn’t disappoint. The Mangrove House is located near the water play area, and from the moment we stepped in, it felt cheerful, clean and thoughtfully designed.

There are two distinct play zones: one with soft flooring and padded walls for toddlers, and another with climbing structures and slides for older kids. What really impressed us, though, was the daily activity schedule — not just colouring sheets and cartoons, but engaging activities like bracelet making, kite decorating and kids’ yoga. There’s also a dedicated space for movie sessions, and plenty of space for storytelling, pretend play and downtime.

We loved that the space was new and well-maintained, especially compared to some other kids’ clubs we’ve seen elsewhere, which can feel dated or under-utilised. While kids aged 4 and above can be dropped off, we ended up staying close by — partly because our youngest was under 4, and partly because we noticed some older children playing quite roughly. Our eldest did take a tumble at one point, and while the staff were kind and did help clean the wound, they didn’t have a standard plaster on hand, which caught us off guard. A plaster was eventually found, but it did take a while.

That said, the staff were always warm and encouraging, and the overall experience still felt safe, happy and packed with variety. With just a few small improvements, this kids’ club could easily be one of the best we’ve seen in a resort setting.

Food & dining: Local touches & kids’ buffet

We ate most of our meals at Warung Pak Lagoi, the resort’s main restaurant — and it pleasantly surprised us, especially given how underwhelming hotel buffets can sometimes be.

Breakfast offered a rotating menu, so we never felt like we were eating the same thing twice. On our second morning, for example, there was a delightful selection of local kueh, including kueh dar dar and putu ayu, alongside the usual crowd-pleasers like eggs, toast, cereal, and pastries. The noodle and congee stations were a hit too, and there was even turmeric rice, beef rendang, sayur lodeh and free-flow crackers for those craving something more substantial.

For dinner, we returned to Warung Pak Lagoi again, and were happy to discover a kids’ buffet set up with gummies, marshmallows, fruit skewers, mac and cheese, chicken and broccoli. The kids helped themselves enthusiastically, and we managed to balance out their sugar haul with some proper food.

On one night, there were also two traditional food kiosks (gerobak-style) offering local favourites like bakso and tahu telor, which were very on point — flavourful, nostalgic, and well-executed.

Overall, the food was well-prepared, varied, and presented with care. It struck a good balance between comforting Western fare and authentic local touches, which is exactly what we needed when dining with young kids but still wanting something more than spaghetti bolognese.

Sunjivva Spa: A hidden sanctuary for adults (and kids!)

Tucked away in a quiet corner of the resort is Sunjivva Spa — a surprisingly beautiful sanctuary that feels worlds away from the usual hotel spa setup. The compound is surrounded by earthy, sun-warmed terracotta walls, with a gentle hush and a breezy calm that instantly invites you to slow down.

We booked the 60-minute hot stone massage, and it was one of the best decisions of the trip. At just approx S$50 per session, it was not only affordable, but far more polished and peaceful than many of the spa experiences we’ve had in JB or even more premium resorts. The massage rooms were clean, spacious, and tastefully styled with subtle touches that made it feel special without being overdone.

What made it even more memorable was that Sunjivva Spa also offers a dedicated kids’ spa menu — something we hadn’t seen very often. Our daughter got to enjoy her birthday treat here: a Mini Facial and Mini Massage, complete with cucumber slices over her eyes (which made her giggle at first, before she settled into full bliss mode). She left absolutely glowing and feeling so grown-up!

We ended up squeezing in one more adult massage on our final morning, and the staff kindly accommodated us with last-minute bookings before check-out. It was the perfect send-off — relaxed muscles, quiet minds and just enough time to savour that last hour of calm before the ferry ride home.

The service: A thoughtfully-run resort

Although Holiday Inn Resort Bintan only opened in March 2025, you honestly wouldn’t have guessed it. The entire resort felt well-run, smoothly managed and staffed by people who genuinely seemed to care about making guests feel welcome and comfortable.

What stood out most to us was how every request we made was thoughtfully considered — never a flat “no,” but always a sincere effort to find a solution. We were especially grateful for the early check-in and late check-out, which made a huge difference with young kids in tow. Without those, we would have been left wandering aimlessly in the heat with nowhere to go, especially with the ferry terminal being so small and the area lacking nearby shops or indoor spaces to pass the time.

On our third day, we had some free time in the morning and casually mentioned our plan to stroll from the resort to the beach and onwards to Plaza Lagoi. Instead of a vague answer, the hotel staff actually gathered to discuss it, and one of them kindly explained that the walking route wasn’t ideal — it was too hot, and we’d be blocked by a private beach belonging to another resort. The shuttle service technically only started at 12pm, but they activated it early just for us.

That same level of care showed up in small but meaningful ways too. At Warung Pak Lagoi, a friendly and articulate staff member personally walked us through the buffet spread, describing the day’s offerings so we could decide whether to dine in. And during check-out, we were surprised (and touched) to see a hotel staff member make his way all the way to our room just to help us with the luggage, unprompted.

We came expecting something basic and familiar — and left genuinely impressed. For a brand that often flies under the radar, Holiday Inn Resort Bintan really delivers. It’s a property that feels new but already confident, with a team that knows how to make families feel seen, supported and just a little bit spoiled. We’d go back in a heartbeat.

Read more about our Bintan family trip!

3D2N Bintan Easter Weekend Getaway Part 1 – From Poolside Joy to Firefly Magic

3D2N Bintan Easter Weekend Getaway Part 2 – A Wild Day Out & One Happy Birthday Girl

3D2N Bintan Easter Weekend Getaway Part 3 – Sweet, Sunny Start & Slow Goodbyes