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Opened in 2009 on Sentosa Island, the stunning Capella is a popular destination for leisure travelers as well as stylish Singaporeans seeking a weekend escape. The property includes some original Colonial buildings from the 1880s, as well as a striking, oval extension designed by Sir Norman Foster. Rooms are spacious, incredibly stylish and feature the latest in hotel room technology (massive flat-screens, iPod docks, touch-screen controls, rain showers etc.). They are also some of the largest hotel rooms in Singapore; even the smallest entry-level ones measure more than 800 square feet. Lower-level ones overlook the beautifully landscaped gardens where peacocks roam freely, while the upper floor rooms have sweeping views of the South China Sea.

The multi-level property spills down a hillside to a small beach (man-made, as is all of Sentosa) and also has three pools where guests can while the afternoon away. According to some sybarites, the large, beautifully designed spa (lots of water elements and a hushed, relaxing vibe) is the best in Singapore. Don’t worry when you arrive at gated Sentosa, about a 15-minute drive from downtown Singapore, which feels distinctly like Disneyland (there’s a massive Universal Studio on the island). As soon as you arrive in the peaceful serenity of the Capella, you will feel miles away from it all. I can’t think of a better place in Singapore to adjust to southeast Asian time and climate or to prepare for the long-haul flight home.