“You can play, romp, party – and relax wonderfully on Sentosa. Time out on an island of contrasts.” Kai Böcking
Singapore is such a great destination that I always ask myself why I do not simply add a few days of relaxation after my business appointments. You could fly from there to Malaysia (Langkawi) or Thailand (Phuket) in an hour, and the Indonesian island of Bintan next to Singapore is also only 50 minutes away by ferry. Beautiful beaches and tempting hotels await you everywhere. The reason I decided against Thailand or Indonesia on my last trip was due to Sentosa.http://www.sentosa.com.sg
This small island belongs to Singapore, is located on the Chinese Sea and only a stone’s throw away from the lion city. You can get there by taxi (over the bridge), by bus, the Sentosa Express (a monorail) or – especially nice – by cable car (boarding at the Harbour Front). Most people come here to have fun. Although 70 percent of the 5 kilometer square island is still covered by tropical rain forest. The rest, however, has been transformed over the last decades into a fun and gambler’s paradise. Universal Studio Park, S.E.A. Aquarium, marina and huge hotel and entertainment complexes attract more than five million visitors annually. This is the loud side of Sentosa.
Contrasts also in the hotel
But there is another way: embedded in a 12 hectare exotic garden, for example, is the Capella Singapore. Slightly elevated, with an unobstructed view of the sea, the hotel is an oasis of peace. Guests are welcomed in the main building – a tribute to Singapore’s rich colonial history, light, airy and furnished with fine woods and fabrics. The service is highly motivated, and checking in takes less than three minutes – and my suitcase is already on its way to my room. On the way then there are two surprises: First, I meet an ex-Formula 1 World Champion pushing a pram, who apparently wants to process his retirement from the race the day before.
Then the Capella Hotel shows its second face. Behind the colonial-looking main building, surrounded by tropical plants, is a wood-clad design palace that houses the hotel rooms. Everything is round, airy and modern. What an exciting contrast. The house has a total of 112 rooms, including 15 suites and 38 villas spread over the extensive grounds. My room is one of the 26 with a sea view and with almost 80 square meters as big as a comfortable apartment. Finest woods, cream-coloured fabrics, marble bathroom, selected art, an outdoor shower with sea view and a veranda with comfortable deckchairs – a pleasant place to stay.
Lunar calendar recovery
I haven’t even been in this place 20 minutes, but I’m already deeply relaxed. Through the windows, which are glazed almost to the ground, I can look into the huge garden and the three pools, which are arranged in cascade on different levels. In the botany, some gorgeous peacocks are moving. Behind it: the Chinese Sea. So, out to the water. Behind the pools are the “Knolls”, an all-day dining restaurant, where the excellent breakfast is also served, and “Bob’s Bar”, a Cuban-inspired bar, which has snacks like truffle fries (delicious!) on the menu. The “Cassia Restaurant”, which offers modern Chinese cuisine, is another gastronomic option of the hotel.
In the “Auriga Spa” I finally get completely involved with the moon and its course – all this is supposed to have a proper influence on our, and my psyche. The 60-minute treatments are administered by selected friendly staff, in a noble atmosphere with subdued lighting.
And at the end I can say: My psyche seems to be completely ok. I simply fell asleep during the New Moon Massage, which was supposed to restore my energy level. Mission accomplished!
Kai Böcking …
is glad to have finally extended his business trip to Sentosa. The Capella Singapore is not a cheap way to relax, but it is a great place to unwind – and only 20 minutes away from bustling Singapore.
At a glance
Key-Facts: What Singapore business is in its purest form is Sentosa Leisure – white beaches, palm trees and that jungle feeling. Over the years, many attractions and fun parks have been created on the island, attracting families in particular to let their hair down. But there are also quiet parts with real natural beauty, for example the Wildlife Walk at Imbiah Lookout.
Hotel: The Capella Singapore stands for the quieter, more relaxed tones on Sentosa. It offers 112 rooms, including 15 suites and 38 private villas spread throughout the grounds. The gastronomic offer includes the all-day dining restaurant “Knolls”, the “Cassia Restaurant” with modern Chinese cuisine and the Cuban-influenced “Bob’s Bar”.
Adresse: Capella Singapore, 1 The Knolls Sentosa Island, Singapore 039594, from Germany e.g. at +49 89 21093377, www.capella.grandluxuryhotels.com
Photos: Capella Singapore
