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If you are searching for a piece of paradise on earth, then look no further than Telunas Private Island. Just south of Singapore in the Riau Islands of Indonesia, Telunas Private Island is your very own 30-acre luxury getaway; stay in one of the amazing water villas perched on the island, absorbing the breathtaking views surrounding you, and escape from the outside world. Pure bliss!
Why We Love This Hotel
The award-winning Telunas Private Island offers over-water accommodation, warm hospitality, and lots of water activities. The powdery, white sandy beaches are secluded, and the scenery is just gorgeous. Waking up every morning to a fantastic sea view and sunrise is heavenly, but being able to paddle in the warm, stunningly clear water surrounding the ‘wind conditioned’ villa is something else.
Location
This lush private island is a tiny speck in Indonesia’s sleepy Riau Island archipelago. The Riau Islands are a major gateway into Indonesia because of good ferry links to nearby Singapore (50km away) and Malaysia. It is easy to get to by taking the ferry from the Singapore Harbor to Batam, and then a simple transfer to the island.
Best Time To Visit
There really isn’t a bad time to visit Telunas Private Island, as temperatures remain beautifully and reliably constant all year round. March enjoys an average temperature of 27°C, which is the annual average as well. The only month that’s slightly cooler is January, with its 26°C average, whilst April, May, and June are a tiny bit warmer at 28°C. There isn’t a rainy season as such either, and so if it does rain, it usually lasts for only a few hours and then disappears as the sea breeze carries it in and out.
How To Get There
You can fly to Singapore from most of the UK’s major airports, including London Heathrow, Manchester, and Birmingham. Some of the airlines that fly directly include British Airways and Emirates, with a travel time of just over 13 hours from London. Once in Singapore, you take a ferry to Batam, Indonesia, which will take about 45 minutes. The Telunas staff meet and greet you there and escort you to the Telunas Resorts Malay boat, which will then take you to the island (about 1.5 hours away).
Style & Character
Luxury, beauty, nature, good food, and adventure are all rolled into one at Telunas Private Island. The feel of the island is rustic yet chic and sophisticated, with special touches and luxury finishes. It is stocked with reused, recycled, and weathered timbers, which you can see have been put to clever use throughout; the villas themselves are supported by pillars that are literally in the sea, and all the furniture inside them is made of recycled boat-wood which gives them a very characteristic look.
Walking barefoot on the wooden boards throughout the bungalow with the sea beneath is a truly amazing experience.
Service & Facilities
At heavenly Telunas Private Island, you’ll discover peace and tranquillity as there’s no Wi-Fi or phone coverage. There are, however, daily free activities for guests, including waterfall hiking, paddle boarding, and kayaking, or for something a little less energetic, float in the freshwater infinity pool or unwind with a massage treatment at the spa. The over-water personalized massages are amazing, and when you go for a shower afterward, use the ones at the spa, which are open-air showers with stunning views. For something a bit different, the village and school visit is definitely worth doing as it demonstrates a thoughtful and socially responsible partnership with the local community and gives a real insight into local life.
Rooms
There are 15 exclusive over-water villas on the island, which are housed to give a sense of privacy. All of them are identical, have fabulous views, and include a sitting room, private balcony, king-size bed, and a children’s loft (sleeps 2-3). You can actually see the water gently sparkling through the floorboards and wake up to the sound of lapping water! A spacious balcony has a sunbed for two – a favorite spot to relax in on Telunas Private Island.
Best Rooms
The only difference between the villas is their proximity to the Grand Lodge, so if you want an easier walk to and from meals and the communal areas, then villa number 1 is for you. Villas 7 to 9 are probably the best if you want a good compromise between convenience and privacy as they are midpoint and not too far to walk to, whilst villa 15 is the last one – quiet and a longer walk.
Food & Drink
In terms of dining on the Island, the executive chef creates delightful cuisine embracing a diverse blend of traditional Indonesian and Western cultural influences. Breakfast is a buffet plus an omelet station and a menu of a la carte items. Lunch consists of a marvelous set Indonesian meal, plus a buffet of salads, bread, and soup, and for dinner, you can choose ahead between 3 dishes (a mix of Indonesian and European), plus an appetizer and a dessert. Guests can also request magical candlelight dinners and village lunches to experience an authentic island meal, and there is a poolside bar and an honesty bar with beer and soft drinks. Whether you prefer ikan gurame bakar or can barely wait for your panna cotta with strawberry coulis, the combination of the breathtaking views and delightful tastes will quickly bring you to a place of contentment and peace. If you’re really lucky, you might even catch one of the Indonesian cooking demos that are occasionally on the activity calendar and take home with you some new culinary skills!
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