I’ve been wanting to come to Montigo Resorts for some time now, after seeing lovely photos on the internet and also frequently driving past their billboard ad when I drive past Sim Lim Square on my left. It’s been opened for about two years now and the idea of a retreat in one of their luxurious beachfront villas never left my mind. I’m so happy I finally had the time to come to Montigo Resorts!
Seafront villa
Master bedroom
Guest room
Sky Terrace
Poolside
Montigo Resorts is easily accessible from Singapore – just a 45-minute ferry out from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal.
The villa is really big and spacious, especially so when it’s just you and your partner. I spent most of my time in the master bedroom, with the occasional dip in the private plunge pool and some dinner time in the living room on the last night, so I felt it was quite a waste. This would probably be more suited for groups of friends (two couples maybe) and families. Nonetheless, I got the much-needed recharge I wanted and I’m ready for 2015!
So after four days and three nights at Montigo Resorts, here are my thoughts:
(+)
1) Quiet and peaceful
I really appreciated the quiet of Montigo Resorts. Other than the crowded breakfast where there is always a long queue at the egg station, the rest of my stay was peaceful and quiet. I was perfectly happy curling up in bed watching DVD after DVD and falling asleep every other hour.
2) Super friendly staff
The staff are really, really friendly – each and every one of them from the housekeeping team to the security guard to the server greets us whenever we bump into them.
3) Awesome breakfast
The international buffet spread was awesome! Try the porridge, nasi goreng, mee goreng, roti prata with curry! This is the breakfast place – Tadd’s.
4) Easily accessible
Coming to Montigo Resorts is really fuss-free! No long hours of waiting at airports, no taking out of laptop to scan, no delays on the runways, no scrambling to look for 100ml bottles – just straight to the ferry terminal and you arrive at your destination in an hour.
However, despite the great breakfast selection and the much-needed quiet, I couldn’t help feeling a little disappointed with the villa. Before I continue, I just want to say that I am not speaking on behalf of all the villas at Montigo Resorts, but only the one I stayed at.
(-)
1) Facilities not maintained well enough
The villa I stayed in seemed a bit old, or rather, not maintained well enough. There were a lot of cracks all over the floor, as well as stains on the sofas.
2) Lack of food options
Other than Tadd’s, the all-day diner, there is a seafood restaurant called Pantai and in-villa dining. There is also a minimart with some snacks and cup noodes, and a kelong seafood restaurant which the staff will be happy to take you in a buggy.
3) Lack of activities
There’s really not much to do here except sleep and eat – and watch TV. You can take a cab out to Nagoya Hill Shopping Centre (45 minutes drive and IDR 200,000 if you order a cab from the resort), which is the biggest mall in Batam. There’s lots to eat there, such as A&W, J.Co donuts and a hypermart so you can stock up on snacks. Btw, just order a one-way cab from the hotel – it’s cheaper to get a cab from outside the mall to return.
4) Where are the panoramic views?
This was the view I had from my seafront villa. Maybe there are better views from the other villas?
5) Err.. not that much privacy?
I could see into the private plunge pool of the villas next to me, so remember, if you are in the pool, look up before you start deciding to do any skinny dipping.
Very honestly, I don’t think I will be coming back to Montigo Resorts again – unless my friends or family totally insist. Don’t get me wrong – it’s a quiet place with generous amounts of space for you to time out. But for S$500+ a night, I will find it a little hard to justify.
