Mrs Lai,
no lah...no bad lah...next time I'll know what to do
The Degustation Menu is US80++ per person. Only I had it. For spa and meals, it's 10% tax and 10% service charge. So that Menu would be US96 lor.
I know you didn't ask..but... it consists of 7 single-portion/bite-sized appetisers (what I can remember: lobster and mango vietnamese spring roll, chili crab in tomato, fish dumpling in tamarind broth, sashimi, etc) including a very good lime sorbet to cleanse the pallet before the main course of Wagyu beef (I was already very full at that point and HB ate most of it. But it's really tender) and it concludes with a 3-dessert sampler plate and coffee/tea with petite fours (they gave me 3 pralins).
I don't think you need to book in advance, can just make reservations when you get there. Angsana can provide a buggy from their lobby to the lobby at BT. And BT can provide buggy from lobby to Restaurant.
But really, I think it's much easier to walk. Saffron and Cove are just a few steps away from the beach and in less than 50m, it's Angsana's property already. I think from Lotus Grill to Saffron, it shouldn't take more than 10 mins slow "lomantic" walk. haha. Should try walking in the day first...cos at night, lighting not very good. But we also just walked anyway. I think we must've gone to and fro the two resorts 3 or 4 times during our trip. Nothing to do...walk around. heh.
Sandwich,
they provide complimentary Aqua (500ml) at the villa. It also has a mama kettle and complimentary coffee/tea. At the villa, there are 6 bottles of water. They'll replenish during turn down and when they make the room up.
PS: I know I'm repeating, but I think it's good to "dress up" a little for dinner at Saffron. My HB loves dressing up (man just need, shirt and pants with proper shoes. for woman, smart casual dress/skirt or dress pants. proper footwear...)
SpringDance,
Don't have wine pairing lah. And we don't take wine either...we just don't take alcohol. haha. But if have it'll be a lot more ex! And only I had it, my HB is very traditionalist when it comes to his food. I'm the one who loves trying all sorts of funny things.
No Jesse stayed at home with my parents. hahaha... But we are already planning to bring him next time we go away. Actually, we might've brought him on this trip if we had known that they provide baby sitting service (US6nett/hr). We used to pay US 10 - 15/hr...so this is cheap for us lah. Actually, I'm willing to pay that now too but can't find baby sitter...but I digress. heh...
Trips
Although I loved my time at Bintan, we probably wouldn't go again (to Bintan). To Banyan Tree, yes...just a different location.
Now trying to plan our next trip (bringing Jesse along) to either Bali or Phuket this coming Dec/Jan. Any suggestions? Btw, my HB did say Bali/Phuket is nicer than Bintan.
I'm a Swa-Ku when it comes to these (beach) destinations...never been before. I've only been to cities. hehe...and not many asian ones at that (e.g. never been to bangkok!)
Brushing Teeth
I asked my HB this morning when he started brushing his teeth...he said after he started pri school!! Erm...okay, I remember doing it much earlier. I should ask my mom. But she didn't mention anything this time round when she saw Jesse...