The Sanchaya Resort Joins The Leading Hotels of the World, Unlocking Global Loyalty Perks in Bintan, Indonesia: Everything You Need to Know

Image generated with Ai

The Sanchaya, a beachfront resort in Bintan, has joined The Leading Hotels of the World (LHW). The move places the property inside a global network of independently owned luxury hotels. It also gives guests access to LHW’s Leaders Club loyalty programme.

The Sanchaya sits on Lagoi Bay, on the northern coast of Bintan island. Travellers reach it from Singapore by a short ferry crossing. This membership marks a fresh milestone for Indonesian hospitality on the world stage.

Background: What is Leading Hotels of the World

LHW is a New York-based marketing organisation founded in 1928. It began as a group of 38 European hoteliers. Today it represents more than 400 independent luxury hotels in over 80 countries. Members range from historic palaces to private islands and safari camps. Each property applies for entry and goes through a screening process before joining. The group is one of the largest collections of independent luxury hotels in the world.

Bintan itself is part of Indonesia’s Riau Islands province. The island sits in the Riau Archipelago, close to Singapore and Batam. Its Lagoi Bay area has grown into a hub for resorts, golf courses and beach tourism over the past three decades. Indonesia’s tourism authorities have long promoted the Riau Islands as a gateway destination for regional visitors, especially from Singapore and Malaysia.

What has changed

The Sanchaya is now a confirmed member of LHW. The resort said the affiliation reflects its focus on personalised hospitality, design and its Southeast Asian setting. This is a status upgrade, not a change in ownership or operations. The property keeps its independent identity. What changes is its visibility inside a global luxury network and its guests’ access to LHW’s loyalty benefits.

Greg William, general manager of The Sanchaya, called the partnership a way to extend the resort’s identity beyond its own shores. The statement frames the move as part of a wider push to reach international luxury travellers through a recognised global brand.

Impact on travellers

Guests who book through Leaders Club can now access member rates at The Sanchaya. The programme is free to join. Base-tier benefits include:

• Complimentary daily breakfast for two
• Priority for room upgrades, subject to availability
• Early check-in and late check-out, subject to availability
• Complimentary Wi-Fi and welcome amenities
• Points earned on qualifying stays, redeemable at other LHW hotels worldwide

Higher Leaders Club tiers exist for guests who spend more across the LHW portfolio. These add benefits such as complimentary airport transfers in select cities and larger point bonuses. Since LHW made Leaders Club free in 2021, membership carries no upfront cost. Bookings must go through LHW’s own booking channels to qualify for points and perks; direct hotel bookings do not count toward the programme.

Returning guests also stand to benefit. The Sanchaya said Leaders Club will let guest preferences carry across future stays at other member properties, not just at the Bintan resort itself.

Who is affected

The change mainly affects three groups. First, guests already loyal to The Sanchaya, who gain new booking benefits and loyalty points. Second, existing Leaders Club members worldwide, who now have a new Southeast Asian option within their existing points balance. Third, luxury travel advisors, who can book the resort through LHW’s global distribution and preferred-partner networks.

The move does not affect visa rules, ferry operations or entry requirements for Bintan. Those remain governed separately by Indonesian immigration authorities and ferry operators.

Practical travel information

Bintan is reached from Singapore by high-speed catamaran. Ferries depart Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal and arrive at Bandar Bentan Telani, near Lagoi. The crossing takes approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes, and Bintan runs one hour behind Singapore time. Multiple daily sailings operate, with more departures during weekends and peak season. Bintan Resort FerriesBintan Resort Ferries

International travellers need a passport valid for at least six months beyond arrival. Indonesia’s visa rules vary by nationality. ASEAN passport holders generally get visa-free entry for short stays, while other nationalities may need a visa on arrival or an e-visa arranged in advance. Travellers should confirm current requirements with Indonesian immigration authorities or their travel agent before departure.

Industry relevance

This addition fits a broader pattern at LHW, which has been expanding its Asia-Pacific presence. The group added several new members across 2025 and 2026, alongside recognitions from Condé Nast Traveler and other industry awards. For Indonesia, a Riau Islands property joining a 400-plus-hotel global collection adds international marketing reach without requiring a change in local ownership or management structure.

For Indonesian tourism more broadly, LHW membership for a Bintan resort signals continued interest from global luxury networks in the country’s island destinations. Bintan’s proximity to Singapore, combined with its resort infrastructure at Lagoi Bay, positions the island as a recurring case study in regional short-haul luxury travel.