PHOTOS BY Ari Wibisono PROFILE PHOTO COURTESY OF The Space Storyteller Enterprise
Enchanted by the beauty of Bintan Island’s white sandy beaches and turquoise waters, Arief Sugianto, director of PT Graha Agung Indahsentosa, sees it as the perfect site for a hospitality project. Following a series of discussions with IHG Hotels & Resorts, it was decided that the 11.5 hectare site would accommodate two properties, Hotel Indigo Bintan Lagoi Beach and Holiday Inn Resort Bintan Lagoi Beach.
What was the story behind opening two hotels under IHG brands on Bintan Island?
Aside from being something of a hidden gem, the location is highly strategic. It is only about an hour by ferry from Singapore, which has a large and relatively affluent population seeking a place to rest and relax. Furthermore, the surrounding infrastructure boasts reliable roads, electricity, and a water supply.
Why did you choose Tierra Design and PIA Interior Bangkok to design the hotels?
Among all the architects and interior designers we considered, they stood out as the best fit. The project is a substantial site, and we required not only architectural expertise but also strong landscape design capabilities. Tierra offers both architectural and landscape design services, which made them particularly suitable. As for PIA, we visited several hotels they designed in Bangkok and were impressed by their sense of style. We are extremely pleased with the outcome. Both Tierra and PIA have proven their expertise in hospitality and hotel design.
What measures are you taking to attract tourists from more countries?
Expanding into international markets is part of our long-term vision for Bintan as a regional resort destination. We are actively broadening our reach through digital marketing initiatives and collaborations with international media. We are already welcoming long-haul travellers from Europe and beyond. Hotel Indigo, in particular, is well suited to attracting such guests, as it offers a more immersive experience of the destination, something that travellers value when journeying from afar.
Do you plan to increase the number of rooms and facilities in the near future?
At present, there are no plans to add more rooms. Our focus is on enhancing guest amenities and expanding facilities. We are developing several new offerings, including a Chinese restaurant, a café, a rooftop bar, a wellness centre, and sports facilities such as padel, pickleball, and tennis courts. Given the strong demand, particularly for spa services, there is a clear need to expand these facilities. They are being developed along the perimeter, and guests from both hotels will be able to enjoy them.