Off the Beaten Path

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At a Glance

The 30-acre Capella Singapore might be just 15 minutes from downtown Singapore, but it feels worlds away. Located on Sentosa Island, south of the city’s main island, the resort includes original colonial-era buildings from the 1880s, as well as a main hotel block that was designed by Sir Norman Foster in 2009. The Capella offers some of the largest hotel rooms in Singapore; even the smallest measure more than 800 square feet, and all were refurbished in 2021 by superstar hotel designer André Fu. The multilevel property spills down a hillside to a small beach and its three pools, too, were designed to cascade. Lower-level rooms overlook the beautifully landscaped gardens where peacocks roam freely, while the upper-floor rooms feature sweeping views of the South China Sea. The large spa, with more water elements, is considered the best in town.

The Standout: Having the best of both worlds: enjoying a nature-oriented escape 15 minutes removed from the energy of Singapore
Don’t Miss: Capella’s next-door neighbor, Fort Siloso, Singapore’s only well-preserved coastal fort and now a military museum with a treasure trove of World War II memorabilia

Indagare Loves

• The villas, which have private plunge pools, outdoor showers and tubs
• A Navegante Old Fashioned cocktail from Bob’s Bar, made with a spicy bespoke rum aged in both bourbon and cognac barrels
• The hotel’s design and grounds that incorporate more than 900 works of art

Capella Singapore Review

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. The 112 rooms, suites, villas and manors are spacious, incredibly stylish and feature the latest in hotel room technology (massive flat-screen televisions, docking stations, touch-screen controls, rain showers etc.). They are also some of the largest hotel rooms in Singapore—even the smallest measure more than 800 square feet. Lower-level rooms overlook the beautifully landscaped gardens where peacocks roam freely, while the upper-floor rooms feature 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 boasts 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. So don’t worry when you arrive at gated Sentosa – a fifteen-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’ll 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 a long-haul flight home.

Who Should Stay

Travelers who crave resort-style amenities and a peaceful break from the bustle of Singapore will enjoy Capella Sentosa.

Author

• Simone Girner