Banyan Tree Bintan

Award-winning homegrown hospitality brand Banyan Tree is overhauling one of its earliest resorts (which originally opened back in 1995) and the revamp is set to be complete March 2013. On-site, there’s a conservation lab—helmed by an environmental naturalist and two wildlife rangers—which offers nature walks and bird watching. Situated on Tanjong Said beach, the getaway’s 64 hilltop villas are also raised on stilts—strategically positioned to avoid sacrificing natural greenery—and offer clear views of the bay. Rates start at US$390 (S$470).