“Self-care is a lot greater than a magnificence routine or an exterior factor you do. A pedicure doesn’t final, however meditating every single day does.” – Carrie Anne Moss
Lounging by the pool at Membership Med Bintan.
Bintan is usually seen as a vacation spot for seafood, waterparks, and a extra upscale model of Batam. However for me, it’s extra than simply that—it’s a implausible escape from the busy life we lead. Whereas many individuals go there to chill out of their lodge rooms, I wished a correct psychological reset that goes past merely watching TV in mattress.
Throughout my latest journey, I made a aware effort to recharge in significant methods. And what higher place to do this than Membership Med Bintan? This resort focuses on private wellness and gives a vary of actions that will help you rejuvenate. Plus, I used to be lucky sufficient to be there throughout their Physique and Soul program, which happened from 7 to 25 Might 2023. This program added much more well being and wellness actions to the already inclusive resort package deal.
Right here’s how I stuffed my retreat in Bintan doing yoga, indulging in spas, spending high quality alone time, and gaining some helpful takeaways alongside the way in which 😊
Learn additionally: 2D1N Batam Itinerary — Weekend Getaway with Adventurous Issues to Do, Hidden Seashores and Cafe-hopping
Day 1
Checking in at Membership Med Bintan
Attending to Membership Med Bintan was a breeze explanation for the organized pick-up (a 15-minute coach experience) from the ferry terminal. The workers took care of our baggage too — the second we cleared the customs, it was taken care of till I arrived in my room!
For a solo traveller, the Superior Room with Balcony was greater than luxurious. After a fast unpack and bathe, you’ll be launched to the resort by the G.O.s (Mild Organisers) — the multi-talented workers you’ll come throughout usually in any respect the Membership Med resorts. They’re additionally those who carry out through the nightly stay exhibits and conduct sports activities and wellness actions across the resort.
Price: from S$584/evening
The way to get there: Choose “with transport” throughout reserving — this features a ferry experience from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal and a coach switch from Bandar Bintan Telani (BBT) Ferry Terminal to the resort grounds in Bintan.
Wholesome buffets at Membership Med’s Bottomless Buffets
Yummy bowl of Salmon Poke — a wonderful choice for batch-cooked meal.
Boy, did I achieve weight right here! However hey, I consider that being wholesome is available in all sizes and shapes. As a pescatarian, I had some issues in regards to the meals choices. However to my shock, there have been lots to select from. Plant-based dishes had been served each lunch and dinner. Pan-seared salmon and meat-free pasta had been additionally a typical sight.
There’s a three-hour-long buffet each breakfast, lunch, and dinner however the buffet corridor is closed in any other case. Once I felt like having a nibble in between buffet timings, La Terrasse Specialty Restaurant is all the time open!
The meals right here was actually good and gave me a number of wholesome and easy recipe concepts for my batch-cooked meals again residence.
Plus, the Major Bar and Seaside Bar are open for free-flow drinks (for drinks not on the premium menu) each day — so it was infinite ice lattes and bottomless mocktails and beers for me!
Buffet hours: 7AM – 10AM (Breakfast), 12PM – 2PM (Lunch), 6:30PM – 9PM (Dinner), closed throughout non-buffet hours
Opening hours: 9AM – 12AM (Major bar), 9AM – 10PM (Seaside bar), 10AM – 9:15PM (La Terrasse Specialty Restaurant)
Aerial Yoga on the Palapa
I do yoga typically however aerial yoga is a very totally different ball sport! It takes a number of core, arm power, and steadiness!
Yasuragi is a Japanese phrase that refers back to the light feeling of internal peace. To not be dramatic however I felt Yasuragi whereas doing the ‘superman pose’.
Becoming a member of a 45-minute newbie class wasn’t as intimidating as I believed it might be and having a educated teacher (shoutout to Jean!) helped quite a bit. I really like how the poses challenged not solely my bodily power but in addition my composure once I discover myself suspended in an uncomfortable place.
There are additionally Hatha and Yin yoga courses out there at various issue ranges so you’ll be able to select to take the identical class every single day and get higher at it or dabble in every sort of yoga to search out your forte.
*Professional-tip: Guide a slot the day earlier than on the reservation counter beside the theatre. Lessons refill shortly so be the primary ones there when counter opens at 7:45PM.
Exercise timing: 10AM and three:30PM (on the Palapa)
Workshop
Getting hands-on at a Lush bathbomb-making workshop.
I’ve been utilizing cruelty-free manufacturers for make-up and skincare for a few years now and LUSH is one in every of them! So it was nice to have the ability to be part of within the bathbomb-making workshop whereas on the retreat in Bintan. We had been instructed we’d be making LUSH Shea Butter bathbombs through the workshop by hand-mixing citric acid and sodium bicarbonate powder. The complete course of was guided by superb LUSH staff and all members obtained to carry again the bathbomb they made right here!
*Enjoyable truth: LUSH assessments their merchandise on individuals who volunteer themselves — normally the workers!
Being round invigorating smells which can be synonymous with LUSH merchandise, I used to be reminded of how I used to deal with myself to their merchandise each payday. However someplace alongside the trail to workaholism, I ended making time for indulgent self-care rituals. Now is a good time as any to get again into it!
*Professional-tip: Pst! Don’t restrict your self to bathbombs! Self-care is available in many types, personally, I get pleasure from lighting a LUSH scented candle throughout my quiet studying time.
For now, the workshop will solely run through the Physique and Soul program so be sure you take part for those who’re there and get your self a complimentary bathbomb!
Exercise timing: Varies (a part of the Physique and Soul program)
Day 2
Once I was (a lot) youthful, I got here throughout the quote, “The true that means of life is to plant timber, beneath whose shade you don’t count on to sit down.” For me, that adequately sums up what it means to take care of the surroundings — one thing I’m obsessed with.
So I used to be actually excited in regards to the weekly seashore cleanup at Membership Med Bintan. Organised by LUSH, about 20 of us gathered on the seashore the place we’re given a sack and a brief security briefing (to be careful for glass shards) earlier than setting off. By the tip of it, most of our sacks had been full of single-use plastics and discarded fishing gear.
Considered one of my favorite experiences at Membership Med Bintan is their on-site Sea Turtle Conservation and Hatchery. To maintain the Turtle eggs secure from predators, they’re fastidiously dug up and transferred to the sheltered hatchery till they’re able to be hatched. Friends usually are not allowed to deal with the hatchlings however for those who’re there between Might to September, you may be capable of witness their launch to the ocean 🐢
Through the years, I got here to know that it’s not about saving the world however it’s about making a optimistic ripple impact. Selecting up microplastics alongside the seashore might not do a lot about large-scale air pollution, however it’ll no less than give the ocean turtles that come to this seashore cleaner waters and a preventing probability.
Exercise timing: 8:45AM – 9:30AM (a part of the Physique and Soul Program)
Bintan Sand Dunes & Blue Lake
In search of out lesser-known locations is one in every of my favorite issues to do whereas travelling so whereas I used to be in Bintan I visited the lesser identified Bintan Sand Dunes and Blue Lake.
The piles of sand listed here are a results of the mining which has now ceased and the blue lake is of course collected rainwater! Whereas it’s turn out to be extra fashionable in recent times, it hasn’t misplaced its appeal. It was very quiet once I was there on a Monday afternoon however it does get extra crowded on the weekends.
*Enjoyable truth: Singapore was once one of many international locations to import sand from these sand dunes!
Apart from a photo-op spot, guests may get pleasure from ATV rides or take photos with a falcon — costs appear to differ relying in your haggling abilities! There are additionally meals stalls on the entrance for those who fancy a fast chew.
I used to be there only for some photos although. It may appear awkward at first strolling alone with a tripod and taking photos of myself however travelling solo (and being an introvert) has taught me to get pleasure from my very own firm. Belief me, it’s higher to go alone than miss out on an expertise.
Price: ~S$32 for 1hr tour (incl. transport)
Exercise timing: 10AM or 4PM
Handle: Busung, Seri Kuala Lobam, Bintan Regency, Riau Islands 29152, Indonesia
*Professional-tip: Prepare for lodge pick-up with the exercise supplier. They’re fairly versatile and can accommodate your schedule wherever doable.
Spa Therapy at CSpa
Picture credit score: Membership Med
Since Spas at Membership Med are sometimes top-tier, I made a decision to get a 1-hour conventional therapeutic massage (1,008,000Rp) after a day trip within the solar.
CSpa is tucked away in a tranquil little nook within the farthest nook of the resort. I used to be greeted with a cup of sizzling tea earlier than being whisked off to an incredible non-public sea-view room. I don’t recall a lot after the foot soak and head therapeutic massage trigger I fell asleep as soon as the masseuse obtained to my strain factors — all I bear in mind is being utterly relaxed!
I run fairly usually and outdoorsy actions are a part of my weekend routine, so caring for my physique turns into more and more necessary as I age.
Apart from a therapeutic massage, CSpa additionally has exfoliating and physique wrap remedies which focus extra on pores and skin rejuvenation and hydration.
Price: 1,008,000Rp for a Conventional Therapeutic massage (e-book on the stage 1 reservation desk)
Opening hours: 10AM – 7PM
Day 3
Crusing Classes on a Personal Seaside
Having a talented crusing teacher makes all of the distinction if it’s your first time on the sport. Because of Rey, I used to be confidently manoeuvring the yacht by controlling the mainsheet and rudder simply 5 minutes in. The important thing was to orientate the yacht upwind, so the sail catches wind and strikes ahead.
Attempting new actions like crusing and aerial yoga in Bintan is a large plus level as one trial lesson in Singapore prices much more! So get a bang on your buck and experiment with as many issues as you’ll be able to when you’re right here.
Grownup crusing classes can be found within the mornings and afternoons. Length of classes varies relying on what number of visitors have booked a session throughout that window interval, the wind circumstances, and the variety of instructors out there.
Exercise timing: 9:30AM – 11:30AM and a couple of:30PM – 4:30PM (e-book your session on the day itself on the Watersports Centre)
Wall Climbing to Conquer Outdated Fears
Me falling after touchdown with my cheer squad round me!
I bear in mind making an attempt wall climbing once I was 13. My physique froze lower than midway up because of my worry of falling from heights and I by no means tried it once more since then. However with some ethical assist, and 16 years later, I managed to scale to the highest this time. Holding on to a worry that developed years in the past appears so silly now and I can see myself truly doing wall climbing for enjoyable again in Singapore!
The wall right here is newbie (and child) pleasant so it was nice for observe. There weren’t different visitors round whereas I used to be there so I might scale it repeatedly till my arms gave means. Having a G.O there to encourage me and look out for my security helped quite a bit too.
For veteran climbers, this is perhaps good enjoyable however it possible gained’t be a problem. For those who’re in search of one thing new to strive your hand at, the Sports activities Centre additionally has archery, tennis, and squash. Exercise timings differ so bear in mind to verify the schedule on-line or on discover boards across the resort.
Exercise timing: Varies (on the Sports activities Centre)
Creating Scents and Paintings with THANN and Artwork Wonderland
Bringing again my very own bottle of room and physique spray free of charge!
Throughout this retreat in Bintan, I engaged my internal baby in sensory play for the primary time in a very long time. I obtained to create my very own scented spray on the aromatherapy workshop by THANN and an artwork piece impressed by nature through the Printmaking with Nature workshop by Artwork Wonderland!
Making an aromatherapy spray was actually therapeutic. The trainer offered six bottles of important oils of various notes — from citrus to floral. We got the autonomy to create our signature spray by mixing them in any mixture we wished. We obtained to maintain our creation too!
Leaves I collected and my printmaking piece.
Printmaking with Nature is precisely because it sounds! One of the best half about this outside art-jamming session is strolling on the grass looking for leaves — leaves that aren’t too recent or too dry are good to be painted on.
As adults, partaking in sensory play is a small but intentional act that enables us to reconnect with our innate curiosity, domesticate mindfulness, and improve general well-being amidst our busy schedules.
*Enjoyable truth: Each THANN and Artwork Wonderland are Singapore-based firms!
Exercise timing: Varies (a part of Physique and Soul program)
Takeaways from a Solo Wellness Retreat in Bintan
Membership Med Bintan’s non-public seashore throughout low tide.
This solo wellness retreat in Bintan was really transformative I realised that incorporating habit-stacking and self-care into my each day routine doesn’t need to be difficult in any respect. The actions that they had lined up, like health periods and soothing spa remedies, had been so immersive and spiritually refreshing. It was an unbelievable expertise of self-discovery and rejuvenation!
Making time for self-care like operating myself a shower each week or going for a stroll in nature doesn’t look like such a feat now. In actual fact, behavior stacking is fairly easy. For instance, I might load my weekly laundry, go for a 20-minute stroll, come again, and run a shower, all earlier than the wash cycle ends 🤯
Volunteers who confirmed up for the seashore clean-up organised by LUSH.
And on prime of that, it was simply liberating to have the ability to get pleasure from these actions inside the resort’s compounds and never having to fret in regards to the logistics of travelling to courses, workshops, and meals.
As a bonus, I had the prospect to attach with like-minded people, forging significant connections that added depth to my journey.
The Physique and Soul program ends on 25 Might 2023 however the excellent news is that it’s a recurring program — so there’s all the time a subsequent time for those who miss out on it this 12 months! Plus, they perceive that everybody’s schedule is totally different, so you’ll be able to select a keep length that works finest for you. Whether or not you have got a free weekend or an entire week of annual depart, your well-deserved psychological reset awaits proper right here.
Planning a visit to Bintan? Examine these out:
– 13 Methods To Take Your Bintan Getaway To The Subsequent Stage — Cassia Bintan Staycation
– 3D2N Bintan Itinerary — The Good Fuss-Free Weekend Getaway
