Not content to be just another beach resort close to Singapore, Montigo Resort, Nongsa touts 5-star amenities tailored to families, couples, singles, and …well, name your ensemble. Aboard the resort’s exclusive ferry, I set sail from Tanah Merah pier settling into the lush seating, Air Pods playing soft piano jazz, for the fifty-minute ride. Couched in comfort bobbing (smooth sailing that day) between the container ships and supply boats in the Singapore Strait. Nongsapura Ferry Terminal appeared on the horizon all too soon. For someone, like me, who loves boats and the sea that’s a great ride! Just too short! 

 

After disembarking, I was led to my villa. All Montigo accommodation is in villas ranging from one cozy bedroom to two, three and four. All are self-contained and exude an Indonesian ambiance in decor and design. Some of the larger units have plunge pools and skylights. All are inviting and convenient to the resort’s plethora of facilities. Mine had two bedrooms and was just right for my cousin and me. Plenty of floor space and surfaces to throw… er stow…our junk… er … carefully packed travel gear, enough hooks in the bathroom to hang essentials, towels and linens fresh and aromatic – the essentials are well-presented with that special added flair to welcome guests. 

 

Heightening the Indonesian feel – decor of dark wood, straw mats and table throws, rough stone floors and bath accents, earth tone walls and shades, gardens with natural flora – the villas and surroundings are luxurious yet seamlessly part of the host country and nearby settlements. Some of the offered activities play to this vibe, as well.

 

 

As fast as I could, I signed on to the “Kampong Bike Tour.’ It turned out to be an easy, enjoyable ride across the flat sand plains surrounding the Montigo. As promised, myself and fellow bikers were shown to Pantai Village thirty minutes away. This s a good chance to experience the ‘real’ Indonesia far removed from the ratified atmosphere within the resort compound. The kampong folks were happy to host us. The experience was friendly and welcoming. 

 

 

Had I had more time, I would have tried several of the unique activities offered: the Vintage Car (a classic VW) tour to the Nongsa Heritage Village; Mangrove / firefly Tour and water sports; and – talk about exotic – flavored Shisa. A non-smoker, I’ll give that last one a miss, but I enjoyed the aroma just passing by the TIIGO beach club. Take the kids!

 

Kidding! Just kidding! Didn’t mean that! A better venue for the very young is Tilo Kids Club. Tilo is a mascot chick – really cute. Yellow and cuddly, but large enough for a small employee to fit within. More staff are available as ‘mentors’ to take care of the kids while parents explore the resort, ofr relaxing with a shisa. I was kidding about taking the youngsters for shisa. Really. Didn’t mean it. Nope.

 

 

Older offspring can enjoy paintball, craft lessons, volleyball, tennis, and a variety of water sports. Montigo is aiming at the family market, make no mistake. That doesn’t mean, however, that there isn’t plenty of room to relax and recreate for singles and couples. 

 

 

I loved it! You’re gonna love it, it too! Montigo? GO!

 

Do hop over to my Instagram where I connect with my readers and I would love to have you following me on Facebook, Twitter and Google+ too.

[ngg_images source=”galleries” container_ids=”4″ display_type=”photocrati-nextgen_basic_thumbnails” override_thumbnail_settings=”0″ thumbnail_width=”240″ thumbnail_height=”160″ thumbnail_crop=”1″ images_per_page=”20″ number_of_columns=”0″ ajax_pagination=”0″ show_all_in_lightbox=”0″ use_imagebrowser_effect=”0″ show_slideshow_link=”1″ slideshow_link_text=”[Show slideshow]” order_by=”sortorder” order_direction=”ASC” returns=”included” maximum_entity_count=”500″]