There's sun, sea, relaxation, sports and adventure - everything you could ask of a tropical resort location. But there's also a full range of conferencing and meeting facilities. That unique combination helps the Lagoi area of Bintan Island, Indonesia, stand out as a key MICE destination for both Singaporean and multinational organisations.
In operation since 1996, the integrated lifestyle resort destination features five separate accommodation providers. They range from the expansive Nirwana Gardens, to the luxurious and intimate Banyan Tree villas. The ongoing development also features four exquisite golf courses, a variety of dining and catering options, and several unique cultural experiences.
The range and flexibility also extends to business visitors. Each of the resorts caters for meetings and conferences. In-house MICE experts say the island offers the best of both worlds - with high technology, beautiful rooms, friendly hospitality and access to some of the best deal-closing activities and staff incentive events.
Bintan Lagoon Resort
With 470 rooms, suites and villas; and nine separate or joinable meeting rooms, Bintan Lagoon is well set up to handle corporate events and staff gatherings. The combined Manado and Sulewesi rooms can seat up to 400 people comfortably in a theatre-style setting. The resort also boasts two celebrity-designed golf courses, and offers unique corporate golfing packages for those that like to conclude business on the greens.
Club Med, Bintan Island
The all-inclusive Club Med resort offers another unique option for corporate event planners. One nightly tariff covers all of the food and beverage options - and there are several - for guests staying in one of the 308 rooms and suites on offer. They'll also have access to the full range of sporting facilities - including tennis, squash, gymnasiums and watercraft. Then there is the award-winning golf course, considered one of the best in all of Asia.
Nirwana Gardens
The island's largest resort also has the most space dedicated to corporate meetings and events. Its 10 function rooms provide a total of 1792m2 of floorspace, with events of up to 600 people catered for in the pillarless Suria ballroom. Its new resort centre includes an even larger venue - catering for up to 1000 people. Nirwana Gardens also hosts many of the island's favourite recreational activities, pleasing families and corporate visitors alike.
Banyan Tree, Bintan
The exclusive Banyan Tree brand offers 64 Balinese-style villas in a village setting by the coast. Its smaller MICE facilities are nonetheless well patronised. Staff say the resort regularly hosts meetings for multinational organisations - various country heads from around the world are able to meet in the same tropical location for an update on each market. The resort also offers stylish outdoor events in unique locations. The "Dinner at 8" creates an intimate evening venue from the signature (8th) hole of the Laguna Bintan Golf club.
Angsana, Bintan
Angsana's Bintan resort offers 109 rooms and suites in a relaxed atmosphere by Tanjong Said Bay. As well as the usual MICE facilities, Angsana is famous for its luxurious and relaxing spa options. From skilful massages to traditional skin and face treatments, the spa menu is designed to create a sanctuary for the inner self; refreshing and rejuvenating both the spirit and physical being. As such, it offers a perfect incentive reward for hard-working staff.
Recreation and adventure
When it comes to having that perfect corporate bonding adventure, Bintan Island is well placed to deliver. No matter which resort provides the accommodation, guests will have access to a wide range of outdoor activities that can help build friendship, camaraderie, and focus within any corporate team.
Focus Adventure, for example, conducts a wide range of innovative "experiential learning" programmes for both business and social groups. Its recreational offerings include paintball, all-terrain vehicles, jetski safaris and rafting. Taking things up one notch are the "high element" activities - which provide opportunities for staff to confront fears and analyse their reactions to intimidating circumstances.
Focus Adventure can design integrated packages to combine its core educational programmes and specific recreational choices to the exact needs of corporate clients.