The most spectacular view from your pool villa, is undoubtedly the mesmerising downtown skyline of Singapore on the horizon. The weather is similar on Batam as it is on Singapore – from sunsets to rainbows, the same scenes unfold to residents of both islands, a scant 20km or 30-minute ferry apart.
Thus, Singapore-based KOP Group has chosen Nongsa, Batam as the first site for their inaugural resort and residence concept, Montigo Resorts (more locations are being planned). Fans of luxury living will recognise the KOP brand from their property portfolio in Singapore – including Hamilton Scotts and the Ritz-Carlton Residences.
The 12-hectare grounds currently comprises 88 2-bedroom villas, each around 3,300 sq ft spread over three stories; and 85 studios and 23 residences which are still under construction. The resort provides complimentary shuttle services from both the public public Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal and private Nongsa Point Marina which are located five to 10 minutes away. The private yacht transfer service operated by the resort’s sister company Aqua Voyage is highly recommended. On our visit, we sailed on a 20m Sunseeker from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal in Singapore to Batam's Nongsa Point Marina, and all immigration procedures were done onboard.
Each 3-level villa accommodates up to five guests. All photos by Sylvia Tan
Bamboo thatch cabanas are a unique feature of the spa villas
Large master bedroom with four-poster bed and en suite bathroom
Oversized tub with large skylight in the master bathroom
View of the downtown skyline of Singapore from your private pool at sunset
Eco-ID, the same architects behind W Hotel Maldives and The Metropolitan Bangkok, has imbued the living spaces with a cool modern white sensibility with rustic Indonesian accents. The master bedroom is the piece de resistance. If the gratifying four-poster bed and pillow-top mattress isn’t enough, the extra large free-standing bathtub under a skylight beckons for sheer bathtime bliss. The second bedroom with two twin beds and an en-suite bathroom isn’t too shabby either – both are equipped with cult NY apothecary brand, Malin + Goetz toiletries.
Although the resort is set along a generous stretch of beachfront, the sands are unsuitable for basking, leaving the resort to compensate in the form of pools and more pools. The main resort pool is designed as an oasis, located next to all-day dining venue Tadd’s which is in turn located next to the Tiigo Beach Club which would be open by the time you read this. The club houses a 2,000 square feet fitness centre outfitted with Technogym equipment, has its own pool and a chill-out bar which has the potential to steal away your evening hours with its combination of grilled nibbles and Instagrammable, picture-perfect vintage furniture.
Main pool
All-day dining at Tadd's
Tadd’s offers Indonesian favourites such as nasi campur, gado gado and mee goreng as well as pizzas, pastas, and Western and Asian cuisine. The other dining outlet is Pantai, which means “beach” in Malay, though the restaurant is located on high ground. Expect Chinese-Indonesian and Singapore-style seafood, meat and vegetable dishes.
The true beauty of the self-contained Montigo residence concept is that you never feel the need to leave the resort – or even indeed, your own villa. The combination of free wifi, personal lap pool, ample lounge space, and Bang & Olufsen music system seduces you into a true holiday mood, best shared with a significant other or friends. Come prepared with your own alcohol and tunes, throw in the efficient room service, and you’ve got a party for two – or more.
Wait, there is one compelling reason to leave your villa. Montigo’s spa treatments are about 30% cheaper than at comparable resort spas, but the therapists are top-notch. One visit turned into two, and we floated away on a cloud after a good long Javanese lulur (90-minute scrub and massage) and Montigo Massage (60- and 90-minute), a sports therapy massage with relaxing strokes and firm handwork on knots. The team of 10 Indonesian therapists, which includes two men, are well-versed at their craft. Ok, we admit – we snuck back for the Thai massage as well, and it was the best end to a weekend of escape and pampering.
The writer's stay was hosted by Montigo Resorts.
Rates from S$350 ++ per night | Jalan Hang Lekir, Nongsa, Batam, Indonesia | Tel: +62 778 776 8888 or +65 6505 9381 | www.montigoresorts.com