There are few places in Singapore where you truly feel like you’re on vacation. The main draw, for most of us who reside on this urban city, is the buzzy lifestyle, ease of transportation and modern skyscrapers. When we do want a scenic escape, we jet off on weekends to our friendly neighbouring islands—Phuket, Bali or Maldives. However, for now, unless you’re willing to jump through quarantine-shaped hoops, it’s time to look within our shores.
Capella Singapore brings that longed-for escapism back into our lives. With an idyllic location on Sentosa, you’ll be transported to the magic of being on a slow-paced island. Slow your breath on any sun-speckled morning and you’ll hear the chorus of birds chirping and leaves swaying gently in the breeze. Tuck into a hearty breakfast brimming with freshly-baked pastries, creamy scrambled eggs or laksa, while peacocks glide around you. On balmy afternoons, the calm depths of Capella Singapore’s glittering pools draw you in (our favourite: the secret lap pool right at the bottom of the property). For those who prefer to shy away from the sun, The Living Room beckons with a spot of afternoon tea and a languid read.
Naturally, Capella Singapore’s rooms are its pride—designed 12 years ago by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Norman Foster and late interior designer Jaya Ibrahim. This year, the hotel completed a year-long renovation by the renowned André Fu Studio (of The Upper House and St. Regis in Hong Kong), for an understated design refresh to its rooms, suites and villas.
My stay at the hotel’s refurbished one-bedroom villa was a veritably pleasant surprise. While the main bones and minimalist vibes of the room remained the same, the bespoke furnishings inspired by Fu’s own André Fu Living furniture collection showcased a softer silhouette, one any frequent guest of Capella Singapore would notice. The artful touches of green in the rooms also blended beautifully with a general colour palette of earthy sand, sage and mineral grey.
The first thing you’ll probably notice is the oversized screen made of interlocking panels of rattan and oak at the entrance, which matches the new addition of a sleek oak drink cabinet with sliding rattan door panels. These tactile touches of home lend a more residential feel and over time, your own luxury haven. It made for more hours of relaxing within the room and feeling like it’s truly a place you can call your own. A floating desk lamp made of dark stained wood and rattan ties it all brilliantly together.
Fu’s creative intent was based on respect for Ibrahim’s original work, with a presence that is complementary and not overbearing. This is palpable in the quiet charm of the stitched dun leather trays, soft grey rugs woven from jute and cotton, and sophisticated teak bowls around the room. Multi-functionality was also important to Fu—with a low-slung sofa perfect for lounging, working and sleeping, and a two-tiered lounge table for dining and Zoom calls.
You’d be hard pressed to leave—even for lunch or dinner. Room service suited me perfectly for the majority of the stay, where you can order easily through an app for a meal right away or one planned in advance. The food always arrived in impeccable fashion, and promptly on time. After meals, the villa’s emerald plunge pool or glorious outdoor tub beckon warmly, and there’s no reason not to indulge for hours. If we could have a lifetime pass on a late check-out for any hotel on our tropical island, this one would be it.
For more information or to book a stay at Capella Singapore, visit the hotel’s website.
