Planning a family vacation that actually feels like a vacation doesn’t have to be hard. Just an hour’s ferry ride away, Mövenpick Resort and Spa Bintan Lagoon makes it surprisingly easy.
For many millennials like myself, stepping into Mövenpick Resort and Spa Bintan Lagoon may feel familiar. From laser tag games to romantic getaways, this was once Bintan Lagoon Resort that played host to many of our youthful adventures. For a place that holds this much significance, I felt guilty for not recognising it at first. But after three days at the revamped property, I left with a fresh set of memories and a reminder of how easy planning a family vacation can be when it’s all within one resort.
And we’re not keeping the fun to ourselves! We’re sending one lucky reader and their family to Mövenpick Resort and Spa Bintan Lagoon for a three-day two-night stay worth over $400. Check out our contest page for details.
Mövenpick Resort and Spa Bintan Lagoon: A family vacation that feels like a vacation
Seamless hotel transfers
The best vacations are the ones where you don’t have to worry about every single detail. Once we cleared customs, the resort took care of everything else. All we did was walk to the resort’s dedicated waiting lounge and the team handled our luggage and onward transfer.
This journey could become even more seamless in future. According to the resort, works are underway to reinstate its ferry terminal, eventually allowing guests to arrive directly and clear customs on-site.
Spacious, comfy rooms for families
Whether you choose an ocean-view or garden-view room, all of the 408 rooms come with a spacious balcony or terrace. Our room on the sixth floor had a balcony that fits two chairs, a small table, and even has enough space for my morning stretch and meditation. The rooms retain the generous space of the resort’s predecessor. Besides a King sized- bed, there was space for a day bed and a large plush chair by the side. It’s the perfect spot to quell those midnight hunger pangs with room service.
What’s new is the clean, modern aesthetic. Think crisp whites, timber finishes, rattan details and wave-like motifs throughout the room, a nod to its beachfront location: it feels fresh and uplifting. The bed? It was personally tested by a fussy teenager who gave it a thumbs up. He gave extra points for being able to sleep on the pillow of his dreams. Choose from four types of pillows and/or ask for a bolster — he asked for both!
Safe to say, he slept very well those two nights. He also took long baths because the provided toiletries from Yuni Beauty smelled so good.
Tip: The resort supplies glass-bottled water in the room. You’ll find two in the bathroom, two beside the coffee machine, and the other two in the side doors of the cabinet below.
All the fun things to do at Mövenpick Resort and Spa Bintan Lagoon
Fun and games at the Recreation Village
No need to over plan your itinerary or crack your head trying to keep the kids occupied because there’s so much to do at The Recreation Village. It’s the place for games, sports, and activities. You’ll find everything from bicycle rentals, yoga and Pilates sessions to table tennis, swimming and live sports screenings all in one place. There’s a kids club for the little ones and an arcade for the bigger kids. Otherwise, chill out by one of the two pools or join the kids on the twirly water slide or water play area.
The littlest ones will have a ball at the Little Birds Club. It’s an indoor and outdoor playground with areas for pretend play, creative play, and quiet play. There’s even rooms for napping and nursing, so you don’t have to worry about walking back and forth to the room. The club also runs supervised children’s activities, including cupcake decorating, cookie-making, T-shirt and tote-bag painting, Zumba Kids, dance classes, and more. Supervised activities are chargeable, please check with the staff on duty.
The free-to-play arcade was a hit with my teen, who played multiple rounds on the machines. We wanted to have a go on the PlayStation, but it was super popular, with both kids and big kids waiting for their turn. We also tried our hand at batik painting; It looked easy until we realised how much control it took to keep the colours from bleeding.
You don’t have to skip gym day because there’s a well-equipped gym, with treadmill, free weights, and strength-training machines. There’s even two tubs for cold plunging! Not a fan of weights? Sign up for yoga, pilates, or water aerobics. Or wind down with an aerial sound bath that may leave you feeling as though you’ve returned to the womb! Check with the front counter for the day’s schedule and register for the sessions.
If you’re spending the entire day here, know that the Recreation Village Sports Lounge offers casual dining. Order favourites like burgers, pasta, and mac and cheese, or go with finger food like chicken wings, prawn fritters, and onion rings.
Tip: You can rent a motorised kickboard or an underwater scooter for more water action. We tested them out and would recommend them for kids aged nine or 10 and above. But parents, if you want in on the fun, the underwater scooter may not have enough power to pull you through the water.
Soak up the sun and fun at Soñada Beach Club
It’s easy to while away the hours at Soñada Beach Club. Kick back in a beach cabana while the kids busy themselves on the long stretch of white, sandy beach. And if you’ve been meaning to try out some water sports, give paddleboarding or kayaking a go (chargeable). The waters are gentle and shallow enough for beginners to try with confidence. We loved the transparent kayak which made us feel one with the water. But it did require more balancing than the regular kayak. So, if you have zero kayaking experience, we recommend finding your balance with the regular kayak before trying the transparent one.
Feeling peckish after all that swimming and water sports? Grab a bite at the Soñada Beach Club too. You’ll find kid-friendly favourites such as pizza, burgers and pasta on the menu—but don’t sleep on the calamari. Return after sundown to see the beach club pulsate with live music and party lights.
Tip: This is the best spot on the resort to catch the sunrise. Face in the direction of the DJ tower and settle into a deck chair by the pool or a cabana on the beach to enjoy the view.
Other fun things to do at the resort: Chocolate Hour, Spa, and golf
Surprise the kids with Mövenpick’s signature Chocolate Hour. Held daily at 3pm local time, this complimentary experience invites guests to enjoy chocolate pastries and snacks dipped into a chocolate fountain at Klon-Tong Deli.
Golfers won’t have to venture far; from the resort’s west wing, you can see a golf course. Guests have direct access to Bintan Lagoon International Golf, home to two 18-hole courses designed by Jack Nicklaus and Ian Baker-Finch. Speak with the concierge and they’ll arrange for a buggy to drive you there.
Soothe tired muscles after a day of water sports or golf with a massage at Shantara Spa & Wellness. The spa draws on regional wellness traditions to offer massage, facials, and treatments, alongside a sauna and steam room. Ask for the couples’ treatment room with a Jacuzzi for the full spa experience.
What to eat at Mövenpick Resort and Spa Bintan Lagoon
The breakfast buffet is served at the all-day dining restaurant, Port 19. It even has a children’s buffet counter at little ones’ height. Alongside local and international dishes, the restaurant has a traditional herbal tea station and a zero-waste corner that transforms fruit scraps into snacks and infused water. At lunch and dinner, Port 19 operates as a full-service restaurant with local and international food options. If you can’t decide what to eat, go for the local flavours, such as the beef rendang, with tender chunks of meat in a savoury, spicy and satisfying gravy.
For a taste of Japan, head to Yokatta Izakaya & Bar for familiar favourites like sushi, yakitori, and sake. And for pastries, coffee, and ice cream, make your way to the Klon-Tong Deli, the same place where Chocolate Hour is held.
As parents, we know that family vacations can sometimes feel less like a holiday and more like a job, especially when you’re the entire planning committee. With a good mix of indoor and outdoor activities, Mövenpick Resort and Spa Bintan Lagoon makes it easy for everyone to have fun in their own way — and still enjoy plenty of quality time together.
Best for: Families and groups who want a fun holiday without planning a packed itinerary.
Mövenpick Resort & Spa Bintan Lagoon
Jalan Indera Segara Site A12, Sebong Lagoi Teluk Sebong, Kab Bintan Kepulauan Riau29155 Bintan, Indonesia
