The Residence Bintan Review – Luxury Beachfront Villa Stay

Want to find a place for a relaxing island vacation that has a good mix of luxury, nature, and family-friendly amenities? If so, The Residence Bintan might just be what you’re looking for. In this The Residence Bintan review, I’m going to take you through what my stay at one of the resort’s beautiful villas was like, give you a glimpse of some of the facilities and experiences it has to offer, and explain why this Bintan luxury resort ticks all the right boxes for both families and couples.

👉 Don’t have time to read the whole post? This is our The Residence Bintan review. Rating 9/10
👉 We stayed in Two Bedroom Deluxe Beachfront Villa. Book via Booking.com or Expedia at attractive rates.

How to get to The Residence Bintan

Situated on the south-eastern coast of Bintan Island, Indonesia, The Residence Bintan is only a quick ferry and short 1-hour scenic drive from Singapore.

The trip itself was one of the highlights of our visit to this Bintan luxury resort. It was a pleasant journey that passed through sleepy rural villages, lush greenery, and pretty coastline.

The convenience of reaching Bintan in itself is the reason so many Singapore residents have made it a popular weekend destination in recent years. But being hidden away at the far end of the island, The Residence by Cenizaro is a world away from the crowds and hordes of visitors.

Check-in and Arrival at The Residence

Our stay began with a friendly, efficient check-in process at the open-air lobby. We were immediately greeted with cool towels and refreshing drinks.

The scenery around the lobby area was already setting the tone for a relaxing visit. Tall palm trees gently swayed in the breeze. Tropical flowers provided splashes of colour. And with every waft of wind came the sound of crashing waves in the distance.

We were then quickly escorted to our room for the stay. In our case, it was the two bedroom deluxe beachfront villa, but I’ll go into more detail about that shortly. For now, I just wanted to say that this part of the arrival experience was made even more special by the fact that we were staying at The Residence to celebrate a personal occasion. The villa was waiting for us with a small decorative addition, which was a lovely touch.

Two Bedroom Deluxe Beachfront Villa

The first thing that struck me about the villa when I stepped inside was the expansive ocean view. All of the Beachfront Villas here are set up for guests who value privacy and intimacy with the sea. They have floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that open up onto a private deck with its own personal pool and direct views of the beach.

Inside, our villa was airy and spacious. The décor was in a modern tropical style that used a palette of light wood, soft fabrics, and warm lighting. The king-sized bed was situated to face the ocean, so every morning we could wake up to the view of waves crashing against the shore. We also had a plush lounge area if we wanted to spend time indoors. And then there was a large bathroom with both a freestanding bathtub and a rain shower.

Other thoughtful amenities included a minibar with various refreshments, a coffee machine, and environmentally friendly toiletries. It felt like our own little home away from home with enough space for a family to move around easily without feeling cramped.

The trip was for the most part a simple villa getaway for relaxation. However, the staff of The Residence Bintan surprised us with a cute birthday setup in our room. One afternoon when we came back to the villa we found the bed elegantly adorned with fresh flowers and palm leaves to spell “Happy Birthday” with a towel sculpture of a swan on the side.

Floating Breakfast – Star Feature at The Residence Bintan

One of the things that stuck with me most from this The Residence Bintan review is the floating breakfast. As its name suggests, it’s a meal served in your villa’s private pool.

A large rattan tray holding an impressive spread arrived on the pool steps one morning while we were soaking. Eggs benedict, pastries, tropical fruits, cereal, freshly squeezed juice, and hot coffee were included.

Breakfast in the pool with our private ocean view as a backdrop was a surreal, indulgent, and truly special experience. The Residence Bintan has clearly mastered the art of making guests feel special.

Activities and Facilities at The Residence Bintan

Mixing relaxation and recreation, The Residence Bintan caters to both laid-back visitors and those who like to be on the go.

Private Pool & Beach

For guests in the Beachfront Villa, it’s a short walk from the deck to the sand, so it’s easy to alternate between chilling in the pool and going for an ocean swim.

The Spa

The Spa is one of the highlights of the property. I didn’t have a treatment on this visit, but it’s tucked away among tropical gardens, and the soft lighting and scents throughout create a serene and relaxing atmosphere for massages and other rituals.

Indoor Recreational Area

We took a couple of lighthearted rounds of table tennis at the rec area—perfect for some fun family entertainment if the midday sun becomes too intense.

Outdoor Areas

Hammocks are hung between palm trees all along the beach. They’re a perfect way to have a nap or just sway gently while listening to the ocean.

Water Sports & Excursions

Kayaking, paddleboarding, and island-hopping trips can also be arranged from the resort for guests who want to get further afield and explore.

Free Bicycles

This may not seem like much but one of the nice amenities of the Beachfront Villa at The Residence Bintan is the free bicycles that are available for you to use when you are staying there. There is even two parked right outside our Villa ready to use when we needed it. The Residence Bintan is quite spread out, with curving lanes and paths that meander to different parts of the resort, such as the spa, main restaurant and the beach. I actually used the bikes a lot – it was great to be able to quickly get around the resort outside, breathing in the fresh air and seeing the tropical flowers and plants

Dining at The Residence Bintan – The Dining Room

The main restaurant at The Residence Bintan, The Dining Room, is an open-concept space with high ceilings that sits right next to the gardens and sea.

The menu at this Bintan luxury resort mixes Indonesian and international cuisine. It has a good focus on locally sourced fresh seafood.

We tried a few dishes during our stay, including grilled fish marinated in a local spice rub, Indonesian fried rice, and creamy seafood pasta. I was impressed by how well-balanced all the flavours were. Portions were also generous. The staff was attentive but not intrusive, making each dining experience relaxed and enjoyable.

For those looking for a change of pace, there’s also the option of in-villa dining. If you want to enjoy a romantic dinner or a more casual family meal in the comfort of your own villa, it’s a great way to experience the place.

Service and Hospitality at The Residence Bintan

Service is one of the highlights of this Bintan luxury resort. The staff goes above and beyond to ensure that guests are comfortable and well looked after.

From setting up the floating breakfast to automatically replacing our pool towels when we ran out, it was the little things that really impressed us with their attention to detail.

The staff were also just so warm and genuinely friendly. They didn’t just serve us or attend to our needs; they made the effort to engage with us, ask about our day, and make us feel like guests of value.

Family-Friendly at The Residence Bintan

Luxury resorts often focus heavily on catering to couples, but what The Residence Bintan gets right is finding a good balance that also works for families.

The villas are big enough for parents and children to have their own privacy. At the same time, they are laid out in a way that means the entire family can be close by to each other.

Activities like table tennis, as well as water sports and beach fun, mean it’s easy to keep children entertained on the property.

Plus, the resort is quiet and has plenty of space. That means families can enjoy quality time without feeling overcrowded or overwhelmed by lots of other guests.

Top Tips for Visiting The Residence Bintan

If you’re looking for direct sea access and a private pool, the Beachfront Villa is the best option. The upgrade is worth it.

• Make sure to try the floating breakfast at least once during your stay—it’s a truly memorable experience.
• Bring insect repellent. The natural beauty and tropical setting attract mosquitoes in the evenings.
• Book your transfer through the resort to get a seamless arrival and departure experience.
• Stay at least two nights if possible so you have time to enjoy all the facilities without feeling rushed.

The Residence Bintan

Final Thoughts

Overall, The Residence Bintan is a great example of a Bintan beachfront villa that offers the privacy and comfort of a luxury villa along with all the amenities of a full-service resort.

The beachfront location, spacious villas, and warm hospitality make it a good choice for families who want a tranquil island getaway or couples looking for a romantic escape.

Whether you visit for a quick weekend break, a longer stay, or even a special celebration, the resort offers a mix of relaxation, scenic beauty, and attentive service that’s difficult to find elsewhere in the same package.

If you’re after a Bintan luxury resort that offers a Bintan beachfront villa with space, comfort, and a memorable experience, The Residence Bintan should be at the top of your list.