Under the Banyan Tree
Miracles don’t happen overnight. Sometimes, they take an entire weekend.
A recent trip to this paradise called Banyan Tree Bintan in Indonesia with my gregarious sisters Jaqui, Michelle (and her precocious son Vincent) was meant to be an immaculate dream. Basking in a tropical sojourn replete with a healthy dose of sun, sea and sand: the highlight for spa worshippers like ourselves would be the kind of resort that perfectly blends island living with ultimate luxury.
Banyan Tree Bintan, nestled above a secluded bay on the northern corner of Bintan, is a remarkable sanctuary utilizing a fusion of indigenous materials from the East and West, while respecting the local vernacular. According to Ho Kwoncjan, managing director of Architrave Design & Planning, design arm of Banyan Tree, in creating these resorts, designers ingenuously added a modern twist. The result — a spectacular haven on a supreme location, 62 enchanting villas perched on hill slopes embraced by verdant foliage with a characteristically distinctive style that is unique and unrivalled. Here, the genuine hospitality offered is hard to forget, the stuff of hedonistic luxury — stately stature, superb butler services and exemplary commitment to excellence.
Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts is headquartered in Singapore and run by executive chairman Ho Kwon Ping. His wife Claire Chiang is the managing director of Banyan Tree Gallery, a lovely chain of retail stores found in all Banyan Tree properties. It is interesting to note that when the business started, the couple chose the name Banyan Tree for their new enterprise. As newlyweds living on Lamma Island in Hong Kong, the strong yet graceful image of the banyan tree that once protected their home forever appealed to them.
Banyan Tree Bintan spells exclusivity, grandeur and leisure at its finest. Water enthusiasts can take a refreshing dip in two pools (a rock pool and an edge pool) while the more adventurous can go sailing, fishing or snorkeling. A sojourn in any of its stunning villas brings guests to a secluded world. Respect for nature is key to the resort’s corporate philosophy. Banyan Tree preserves the fragile ecology and natural beauty of its resorts. In Bintan, villas were built on concrete stilts to conserve the islands trees and sloping rocky coasts.
An extraordinary amalgamation of wooden structures with thatched roofs fuses Thai, Indonesian and exotic tropical flavors. To complement the exquisite lodgings, the gustatory cuisine is a treat. Three innovative restaurants offer an enticing range of cuisine — Southeast Asian specialties at Saffron, Mediterranean at The Cove and al fresco dining at Treetops. Banyan Tree Bintan appears to be painted against a backdrop of virgin forest reserve — a sensual feast.
By nightfall, the soft lighting of majestic torches transforms it into a captivating haven of bliss. “Begin your transformation at Banyan Tree Spa Bintan where a pair of gentle healing hands awaits to indulge your body, mind and soul.” Savor the Hawaiian Lomi Lomi or massage of loving hands that mimics the rhythmic movements of the hula dance topped with a refreshing pineapple and coconut scrub that moisturizes the skin or the divine synchrony of a hot stone massage and invigorating rain shower. Banyan Tree Spa embodies a purely natural and holistic approach towards relaxation and spa enthusiasts. Authentic and timeless luxury is combined with a touch of royalty in this exclusive place for solitude and tranquility. Rediscover yourself through the ancient wisdom of yoga, meditation and Ayurvedic principles. This will inspire a journey towards a life of balanced well-being. A totally gratifying experience.
Banyan Tree Bintan offers a blend of Asian culture and an international standard of luxury and elegance. The eclectic look thrives on contrasts and has evolved in response to the diverse forces that have shaped modern Asia.
At the foot of this imposing mountain resort wrapped in the intimate canopies of verdant tropical foliage, its adjacent sister company Angsana Bintan Resort & Spa sits regally by the inviting beach-combed ocean. Both provide equally unrivalled services and facilities.
As you step inside the well appointed lobby of Banyan Tree Bintan, you are overwhelmed by the serenity of the environment where nature emerges as chief architect. The gracious GM Francois Huet and his executive assistant Cosette Fernandez, who hails from Cebu, welcomed us. His infectious smile radiated his congeniality and warmth. He invited us to meet him in the lobby at 8 p.m. that evening for a special dinner. Little did we know we would be lured into a world of epicurean delight that would shame all royalty — our bodies and souls immensely pampered.
We were escorted to a golf buggy that transported us to our dining destination — the scenic eighth hole of the world-class Laguna Bintan Golf Course within the property of Banyan Tree. Under the strong yet graceful image of the banyan tree and a canopy of stars, we wined and dined with GM Francois, his lovely wife Susan and Cosette. What we thought would be a nocturnal tour of the greens through the ebony evening with only the cicadas providing the moonlight serenade turned out to be an ethereal moment of romance, nostalgia and inner joy.
Lawrence of Arabia couldn’t have done a better job of seducing our senses. We felt lusciously stripped to our bare essentials with such creativity and hospitality. We took our seats on the exquisitely laid dinner table where numerous candles illumined the night, complementing the starry skies. Several waiters and chefs garbed in traditional Indonesian outfits served a delightful gourmet dinner of seared sea scallops and green salad with whole-grain mustard vinaigrette, tamarind marinated Sulawesi lobster tails, valrhona chocolate brûlée with port wine and pineapple chips with an overflowing selection of wines. Our background music was the orchestra of the waves crashing against the rocks and gentle breeze rustling fallen leaves.
We watched the faintly lit boats crossing the sea in front of us as we enjoyed the view of Angsana Bintan nearby. I silently prayed that time would stand still as we exchanged stories of life, love, laughter and family. That evening, we shared our souls as there was a convergence of thoughts, values and love. In the magic of that solitary moment — we were one. It’s an exhilarating assurance knowing that someone has taken the time to understand what you desire and cares enough to see that you feel good inside and out; perhaps you could liken it to the hospitality industry’s equivalent of a warm embrace.
Francois confessed that these are the precious jewels in his life as a GM and individual who aspires to create an unforgettable moment, a travel experience, a connection between each and every guest at Banyan Tree Bintan. Francois is very grateful to his executive chairman Ho Kwon Ping who fully supports his passion for creating unforgettable moments.
Ping believes “What we want for our guests is a setting that allows them to respond to some special moment of intimacy — a magical moment that will leave an imprint on their lives that will last forever.” Francois is indeed a gem of a GM.
For us Dayrit sisters, Banyan Tree Bintan earned our seal of approval and we vowed to visit all their magnificent properties in Thailand, Maldives, Seychelles and China.
Travel always transforms us in subtle or permanent ways. Sometimes, a trip is more than just a trip; sometimes it flirts with transcendence. These places are so hard to leave yet so easy to come back to. We didn’t just have five stars as the rating of our resort. As we dined along the shore, we were blanketed by a thousand more.
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For reservations, please call Banyan Tree Bintan at (62)770-693 100 or e-mail bintan@banyantree.com. One–stop reservations and best rates can be found on the award-winning website, www.banyantree.com.
