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There’s a particular kind of weekend craving that creeps in around Thursday afternoon. Not a staycation, not a long-haul epic. Something sun-soaked and slightly smug – close enough to the city to be easy, far enough to feel like you’ve slipped off the grid.
That’s exactly the mood at The Westin Nirup Island Resort and Spa, a newly opened retreat perched on its very own sliver of paradise just off Batam. And getting there feels delightfully clandestine. Board Horizon Fast Ferry from HarbourFront Ferry Terminal with a round-trip ticket from $76, and in about 40 minutes, you’ll pull up to a private marina.
Immigration is handled on the island, and within minutes, you’re bundled into a buggy and handed a cold lemongrass drink at the open-air lobby. Check-in is refreshingly swift and smooth for a new property – mine took less than seven minutes. And instead of joining a snaking queue with bags in hand, a staff member will approach you to collect your documents and process everything at the counter while you relax with your drink. Your bags are then sent to your room once ready.
It’s an easy wait, too. As you settle in, take in the rolling green pockets, clear blue sea and a fishing village in the distance. Staff mentioned the island is home to four native eagles – and sure enough, I spotted them every day gliding high above the resort, a regular sight in the skies even if they rarely perch anywhere visible.
Why stay at The Westin Nirup Island Resort and Spa?
The appeal lies in its balance. It has the exclusivity of a private island escape, yet it’s reassuringly accessible from Singapore. There’s no airport ordeal, no complicated transfers – just sea breeze and a short ferry ride.
There are hotel rooms, suites and one-bedroom villas particularly well suited to couples seeking a quiet and intimate yet luxe reset. On the other hand, family rooms and two-bedroom villas are great for families who want an easy, polished getaway where everything is taken care of.
The resort is also firmly rooted in Westin’s well-being philosophy, so everything nudges you towards feeling better than when you arrived. Staff are attentive without hovering over you, quick to accommodate special requests, and genuinely warm – a testament to Indonesian hospitality. The overall tone feels relaxed and welcoming rather than overly formal.
And because the resort spans an entire island, there’s a sense of space that’s hard to replicate. You’re never jostling for a lounger or craning for a sea view. It’s simply there, in every direction.
That said, travellers hoping for bustling local eateries, historic landmarks or deep cultural immersion may find the experience more self-contained. Nirup Island itself is largely purpose-built for the resort, so less in exploring heritage sites and more in switching off, soaking up the scenery, and enjoying the island’s laid-back rhythm.
What are the villas like at The Westin Nirup Island Resort and Spa?
The property offers 94 guest rooms and suites, along with 52 private villas arranged in clusters of two for added intimacy. I stayed in a sea-facing two-bedroom villa, and it felt like having my own corner of the island.
Mornings begin with birdsong instead of traffic, and if you’re facing the water, the sunrise alone is worth setting an early alarm for. Interiors are airy and contemporary, softened with subtle nods to the local Orang Laut heritage. There’s a generous living area for lounging indoors, plush bedrooms anchored by the Westin’s signature Heavenly Beds, and a private pool that quickly becomes the heart of the villa.
One thoughtful design that I particularly like: a discreet pathway that leads directly from the pool to the bathroom. It means you can slip out of the water and head straight for a shower without trailing puddles through the living room.
All in, the villa strikes that sweet spot between indulgent and liveable. It’s easy to spend an entire day within the villa, alternating between dips in the pool and languid stretches on the terrace. But part of the pleasure here lies in exploring the island, too.
Where to eat and drink at The Westin Nirup Island Resort and Spa?
Island Kitchen is the resort’s all-day dining hub, with an open layout that lets the sea breeze drift through. The menu moves comfortably between Indonesian classics and Western staples, but the local dishes are where it shines.
The gado-gado is a tasty starter: a colourful assortment of vegetables generously coated in rich, nutty peanut sauce – so indulgent I almost forgot I was technically eating a salad. The mee goreng is another standout. When I asked for extra spice, the staff carefully checked my preferred heat level and offered sambal on the side so I could further customise it if needed. The result was a well-balanced plate, sweetened by kecap manis yet still packing a satisfying chilli kick. Portions are generous too, making it a hearty meal rather than a token taste of local fare.
Breakfast is served here as well, with live egg and noodle stations. On select days, there’s a buffet. Otherwise, it’s à la carte – a thoughtful move to reduce waste without compromising variety. Time Out tip: room service is available too, with a wait of around 45 minutes – so plan ahead for those nights when the villa feels just too comfortable to leave.
Then there’s Constellate Pool Bar, perched at the island’s highest point. Come sunset, the sky melts into shades of orange and pink, and the 360-degree views make it one of the best spots on the island for a golden-hour drink.
The drinks menu is surprisingly varied, spanning teas and coffees to cocktails and mocktails. The coconut lime cooler was such a refreshing hit that I ended up ordering two tall glasses. If you’re feeling adventurous, the artisan gin section is worth exploring — think a smoky Bali Sin Gin Old Fashioned with East Indies pomelo gin or a spicy Kalembak “Rhubarb” Collins with jalapeño for an extra kick.
Food-wise, expect shareable bar bites like wood-fired pizzas and charcuterie, plus classics like cheeseburgers, toasties and club sandwiches. The menu isn’t as extensive as Island Kitchen, but the bar is more of a sunset-and-cocktails spot than a full dinner destination. Time Out tip: it can get quite breezy up here, so bring a light sweater just in case it gets chilly.
What are the facilities like at The Westin Nirup Island Resort and Spa?
For a private island, the facilities are impressively comprehensive. The 24-hour WestinWorkout Fitness Studio overlooks the yacht dock and is well-equipped, even featuring a Smith machine – a rarity in hotel gyms. Working out here comes with a horizon view rather than a blank wall.
Next door, Heavenly Spa by Westin offers a calm, sea-facing sanctuary. I opted for a 60-minute traditional Indonesian massage, which began with the therapist checking in to find the right pressure. Once we landed on the sweet spot, she worked through deep, rhythmic strokes designed to ease tension and improve circulation. It was so soothing that I found myself drifting in and out of sleep.
A post-treatment sauna session overlooking the water, followed by hot lemongrass tea in the relaxation lounge, rounds off the experience beautifully, leaving me feeling thoroughly loosened up and ready to melt back into island time.
Families are well catered for too. The Kids Club includes a Lego wall, a slide into a ball pit, craft stations and traditional games like congklak, all supervised by attentive staff. There’s also a roster of daily activities, from AquaFit at the Sunset Bar pool to volleyball at the beach and craft sessions at Nirup Social, ensuring there’s as much (or as little) structure to your days as you like.
Getting around the island is simple. Phones at each facility connect you to buggy service, which usually arrives within five to ten minutes. You can walk, but with winding roads and gentle hills, the buggy is a welcome convenience in the tropical heat.
What’s the area like around The Westin Nirup Island Resort and Spa?
Beyond the villas and main facilities, a buggy ride will take you down to the beach. There are casual volleyball games on the sand, kayaks ready to paddle out into calm waters, and the ever-popular banana boat rides.
Anchoring the beachfront is Salt Simply Seafood, the resort’s ocean-facing restaurant and bar. Here, you can order up generous seafood platters, settle into a poolside seat with a tipple in hand, and let the afternoon stretch lazily ahead.
One limitation to note: Salt Simply Seafood currently operate only from Friday to Sunday. That means the beachfront can feel noticeably quieter during midweek stays, which could either be a drawback if you were hoping for a lively seaside lunch, or a bonus if you prefer a more tranquil stretch of sand.
Why you should book a stay at The Westin Nirup Island Resort and Spa?
For those moments when you’re craving a private island mood without the long-haul flight, The Westin Nirup Island Resort and Spa makes a strong case. Just a short ferry ride from Singapore, it’s best suited to couples seeking a restorative escape or families after a convenient, fuss-free getaway where everything is neatly taken care of. The villas, attentive service and sweeping sea views give it a quietly luxurious feel that justifies the price, particularly if you’re booking it as a special weekend reset.
But if you're looking for bustling local dining scenes or deep cultural immersion, you may want to look elsewhere, as Nirup Island is largely purpose-built around the resort. Nonetheless, if your idea of a great escape is slowing down by the sea, it delivers on that front beautifully. Find out more here.
Address: Nirup Island, Sekanak Raya, Belakang Padang, Batam City, Riau Islands 29416, Indonesia
Price per night: From S$245 (GBP 145) per night for a deluxe room
Closest transport: 40-minute ferry ride from Singapore’s Harbourfront Ferry Terminal