SINGAPORE: Rao – ‘Murli’ to his colleagues and associates – brings with him over 25 years of extensive hospitality experience from India, Maldives, Indonesia, Singapore and all the way to the Turks and Caicos Islands working for some of the leading luxury hotel brands which include the Four Seasons, Kempinski, Mandarin Oriental, and Alila.
As the estate manager, Rao will oversee the 19 individually designed villas and 9 suites on Bintan. Besides overseeing the pre-opening, his key responsibility will be to establish the blueprint for delivering discreet and perceptive service for a tailored luxury experience for its guests. He will also be championing artisanship, sourcing hand-selected furnishings and bespoke amenities, further enhancing the holistic craftsmanship of The Sanchaya.
Looking after the first luxury property of its kind in Indonesia’s Riau Archipelago just 40 kilometres south of Singapore, one of Rao’s challenges is to establish Bintan as the ultimate destination for luxury travellers and to elevate its status as an alternative to the traditional beach destinations of Southeast Asia, such as Bali, Phuket and Koh Samui.
“With the launch of The Sanchaya, we will redefine the concept of personalised luxury travel – to showcase the very best of Southeast Asia, from its rich and diverse culture and history, to its unique customs and the distinct flavours in a luxurious manner which is understated and subtle,” he said.
The Sanchaya is a private estate set on the prime northern coast of Bintan. It will form a part of a wider development project for Lagoi Bay and its surroundings, which will add private residences, hotels and private estates, commercial spaces, a golf course, and an international airport, in addition to the existing domestic airport on the island.
Direct domestic flight connections are available daily from Jakarta to Tanjung Pinang Airport. Bintan is located 40 minutes by ferry from Singapore’s Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, just 15 minutes from Singapore Changi International Airport.
The Sanchaya is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Elite Resorts of Asia Pacific and Secret Retreats.
