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Raffles Sentosa Singapore: A Luxurious Escape

Raffles Sentosa Singapore

Just a short distance from downtown Singapore, Raffles Sentosa offers a serene getaway with its lush gardens and all-villa accommodation. The butler service is remarkable, taking care of everything from unpacking luggage to delivering coffee and even planning afternoon treats or drawing relaxing baths. The villa layouts are thoughtfully designed, allowing for entertaining while keeping noise to a minimum for those seeking rest. Culinary offerings are impressive, featuring a Cantonese tasting menu at Royal China and sophisticated Italian cuisine at Empire Grill.

“I feel as glamorous as Elizabeth Taylor!” was my playful thought as I struck a pose next to a Rolls-Royce Phantom—one of the two luxury cars available for guest tours at the newly opened Raffles Sentosa Singapore.

“No!” exclaimed Ali, a concierge and my guide. “Channel Alexis Carrington from ‘Dynasty!’”

While our pop culture references may seem a bit outdated, they contribute to the charm of this exciting new hotel, which shares its name with one of the region’s most renowned luxury brands.

After 138 years since Raffles Singapore first opened its doors, marking the city’s ascent to luxury, a second Raffles has emerged on the picturesque island of Sentosa, located a short 15-minute drive from the original hotel. Some historians suggest this new property harkens back to the historic roots of the original Raffles, which began as a beach house before extensive land reclamation changed the landscape in the 1800s.

While the original serves as a distinguished resting place after a busy day exploring the city, its new sibling is tailored for leisurely vacations, making floating in a private pool feel like the ultimate exercise—note the emphasis on “potential” exercise!

My day began with blackout shades retracting, revealing the vivid Singapore sun cascading onto the private pool of my villa. Tempted to request an iced Americano from my butler, I instead opted for a revitalizing sound bath at the main pool deck, aiming to leave behind any stress from Boston.

Raffles Sentosa strikingly embodies seclusion, even within one of Southeast Asia’s busiest locales, evident from its all-villa layout. A winding driveway greets guests, featuring a fountain complemented by a striking horse sculpture. The resort’s abundant greenery aligns with Singapore’s reputation as a “Garden City,” enriched by birds and even the occasional peacock wandering along the shrub-clad paths leading to afternoon tea.

Despite having a shipping lane as a backdrop, the rich foliage enhances Raffles Sentosa’s position as a luxurious getaway. Guests may glimpse cargo ships in the Singapore Strait, but a few more months of growth should fully cocoon the property, offering a respite from the surrounding commercial activity—an advantage over nearby competitors perched on the hills.

After my sound bath experience, I moved on to a delightful breakfast at Empire Grill, the Italian restaurant at the resort. The menu boasts an array of options, including heritage Singaporean and health-conscious dishes. The friendly Raffles Sentosa staff is eager to accommodate requests or add special touches to your meal—because, after all, it’s vacation!

The kaya toast—a beloved local specialty featuring butter and coconut jam on toast—was wonderfully reimagined. The hotel’s version, a delicious fried peanut butter toast with eggs swimming in dark soy sauce, surpassed my first kaya toast experience from 13 years ago. My delight didn’t go unnoticed; another serving materialized in my villa later that afternoon without me having to ask.

Eager to explore Sentosa, which has transformed significantly since my youthful beach parties, Ali pointed out that the island was once a military outpost during World War II, now reinvented to reflect its name—“sentosa,” meaning “peace and tranquility.” We glanced at the luxurious hotels and upscale homes that now adorn the landscape, including Capella Singapore, which has hosted high-profile events, including meetings between Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un.

Back at Raffles Sentosa, it’s apparent that the essence of this brand lies not only in luxury but also in the historic charm that has attracted luminaries like Rudyard Kipling and Elizabeth Taylor throughout the years at the original Raffles Singapore. The question remains: does this new property maintain the storied brand’s legacy?

To learn more about the wonder of staying at Raffles Sentosa Singapore, keep reading.

The Rooms

This Yabu Pushelberg-designed resort leans toward contemporary over colonial, contrasting with the original Raffles Singapore. Each of the 62 villas, starting from over 2,000 square feet for one-bedroom options to almost 7,000 square feet for the Royal Villa, features neutral tones and coffered ceilings, along with private pools.

Vibrant floral murals on the living room walls feature playful imagery of local wildlife, blending seamlessly with nature.

My one-bedroom pool villa provided ample space for a three-night stay, starting with a warm welcome from my butler, who presented a bergamot hand spray and gently rang a singing bowl to soothe my city-frazzled nerves. He quickly ensured I was settled in with a refreshing Sentosa Sling, a delightful twist on the famous Singapore Sling cocktail.

The functional design of the villa, with separate areas for sleeping and entertaining, offered both privacy and convenience. I found my mornings dominated by a reluctance to walk a mere few steps from my sleeping quarters to the living area for coffee. Discovering four varieties of Moroccan Bacha Coffee brought me back to vacation mode.

The sleeping area featured a king-sized bed adorned with six pillows of varying sizes (with a pillow menu available for discerning guests). A walk-in closet stocked with straw hats and umbrellas complemented a marble bathroom with a double vanity, soaking tub, and walk-in shower stocked with Ortigia Sicilia products.

If I had to nitpick, a half-bath off the living area would have been a nice addition for entertaining larger groups. For those traveling with several companions, larger or connecting villa options are available.

Still, any complaints are minor when assisted by a designated butler willing to unpack luggage and prepare baths, alongside nightly turndown service.

The expansive accommodations, enhanced by floor-to-ceiling windows, extend towards a private pool deck, featuring a small dining area and lounge. The layout is designed for relaxation, ensuring privacy for sunbathing and swimming.

Food and Drink

Guests can indulge in authentic Italian cuisine at the Empire Grill.

I embarked on my culinary journey at Royal China, a Cantonese restaurant featuring a stylish atmosphere with a dining room adorned with high-backed chairs, crystal chandeliers, and expansive windows overlooking lush greenery.

Enjoying a glass of champagne, I relished a lunch tasting menu bursting with unique flavors. Highlights included deep-fried mushroom yam dumplings alongside classic Cantonese shrimps and wok-fried rice from chef Ling Heng Yao.

Breakfast at Empire Grill kicked off each day in a chic setting that contrasted traditional décor with mid-century modern furnishings, onyx flooring, and sliding partitions adorned with greenery. The heritage breakfast, a visual and gastronomic delight presented on a tiered platter, featured smoked salmon, charcuterie, fruits, pastries, kaya toast, and a poached egg.

Service in all dining venues was attentive without being intrusive, yet Empire Grill stood out, especially during sunset hours, enhanced by a roaming saxophonist inviting guests to unwind poolside. I savored a relaxing dinner complemented by Chianti as I explored a menu highlighting wood-fired dishes.

Starters like grilled Alaskan king crab drizzled with egg yolk and basil were impressive. The homemade pasta, lightly charred on the grill, offered unexpected flavors reminiscent of cheese but devoid of dairy, showcasing culinary creativity that sparked inspiration for my kitchen endeavors.

Dishes like lamb seasoned with Szechuan spices and grilled Spanish octopus were exquisite, while a wagyu beef tenderloin was the perfect savory finish to my meal in Singapore.

Additionally, the Raffles Room showcased a delightful array of afternoon tea options alongside snacks like kueh pie tee, a savory pastry filled with wagyu beef, providing ample energy for my upcoming tour. The adjacent Chairman’s Room, inspired by classic speakeasies, offered a cozy ambiance for evening cocktails.

Raffles anticipates the opening of Iyasaka by Hashida, an omakase restaurant by chef Kenjiro Hashida, later this spring. Guests can also opt for private dining experiences either in-villa or at nearby Tanjong Beach.

Hospitality extended beyond check-out as the team graciously prepared a basket of fruit and granola for my early morning departure, ensuring I had a nutritious snack on-the-go.

Activities and Experiences

The Rolls-Royce Phantom experience is a highlight for guests, featuring a two-hour tour of Sentosa with stops at notable attractions such as Fort Siloso and the Sentosa Sensoryscape gardens. For real estate enthusiasts, the tour also showcases upscale neighborhoods, revealing Sentosa’s transformation into a luxurious enclave.

Additionally, guests can enjoy personalized longer Rolls-Royce excursions to explore Singapore’s main island and partake in guided birdwatching tours. Morning wellness sessions by the pool change daily, including sound baths, breathwork, yoga, Pilates, and qigong.

As the resort continues to expand its offerings, more experiences are expected to unfold in the months ahead.

The Spa

The planned Raffles Sentosa Spa is set to debut in a refurbished military barracks, transitioning from its historical significance towards pure luxury. The spa will be equipped with three pools and 13 treatment rooms.

The fitness center, already functional, provides a variety of cardio and strength training equipment, as well as an inviting outdoor deck for yoga.

Family-friendly Offerings

While the resort does not feature dedicated children’s programs, certain activities like birdwatching and the guided Sentosa tour appeal to family members of all ages. The proximity to Tanjong Beach further enhances family-friendly recreational opportunities.

Accessibility and Sustainability

Raffles Sentosa Singapore ensures accessibility throughout public areas and offers a specially designed wheelchair-accessible villa near the main entrance.

Electric buggies facilitate easy movement around the property, and solar-powered lamps illuminate the grounds and villas. The resort places a strong focus on sustainability, incorporating local ingredients into signature cocktails, such as the Sentosa Sling, crafted with lemon leaf from its edible garden and a rose-colored tincture derived from upcycled watermelon rind.

Location

Nestled on a tranquil stretch of Sentosa Island, Raffles Sentosa Singapore is approximately a 15-minute drive from the original Raffles Singapore and a 25-minute ride from Singapore Changi Airport (SIN).

For transportation, car service can be arranged through the hotel or utilized via popular ride-hailing apps like Uber and Grab. The nearest metro station, HarbourFront MRT, also offers limousine transfers to the resort.

How to Get the Most Value Out of Your Stay

Raffles Sentosa Singapore is a proud participant in the Accor’s Accor Live Limitless loyalty program, allowing members to redeem rewards for stays. The hotel is expected to join American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts later this year, making it easier for loyalty members to enjoy added benefits.

Nightly rates at Raffles Sentosa Singapore begin at 1,398 Singaporean Dollars (approximately $1,066 USD).

Note: All hotel reviews are crafted based on actual stays by experienced editors or reporters who select properties aligning with high standards of service and luxury.

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