Colonial history gets a modern, sleek rewrite at Capella Singapore. The Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel located on the Singaporean satellite island of Sentosa combines exquisite old-colonial style with contemporary luxuries in stunning fashion.
The gateways to this luxury hotel are its restored, white-washed bungalows, which have histories dating back to the late 1800s when the buildings were used as barracks and common areas for members of the British military and their families.
Today housing the main lobby and other key facilities like The Library — a beautiful guest-only space stocked with reading materials and complimentary refreshments — the bungalows feature swirled-white-marble appointments, masculine dark-walnut furnishings and striking pieces of art from the hotel’s private collection. Capella Singapore’s adjacent contemporary building, with its uniquely curved architecture and open-air spaces, is every bit as beauteous.
The gateways to this luxury hotel are its restored, white-washed bungalows, which have histories dating back to the late 1800s when the buildings were used as barracks and common areas for members of the British military and their families.
Today housing the main lobby and other key facilities like The Library — a beautiful guest-only space stocked with reading materials and complimentary refreshments — the bungalows feature swirled-white-marble appointments, masculine dark-walnut furnishings and striking pieces of art from the hotel’s private collection. Capella Singapore’s adjacent contemporary building, with its uniquely curved architecture and open-air spaces, is every bit as beauteous.
Our Inspector's Highlights
- One of the standout features of this luxury hotel’s rooms and suites are its massive walk-out balconies, many of which include a private Jacuzzi and stunning views of the South China Sea.
- Laid out in cascading style along a hill flush with tropical greenery and Singapore heritage trees, the three outdoor swimming pools at Capella Singapore include an infinity-edge pool at the top and a compact, slightly secluded lap option at the bottom.
- Whether you want to catch up on some reading or have a plate of freshly baked cookies with a specialty coffee or tea, The Library is a cozy, comfortable place reserved for guests to spread out and relax. There’s also a selection of DVDs you can check out and bring back to your room.
- Speaking of which, all accommodations at this Singapore hotel are outfitted with a number of high-tech amenities, from digital control panels for the room’s thermostat, lighting and drapes, to a 46-inch flat-screen television with a DVD player and sparkling Bose sound.
- We love the romantic outdoor seating area at Bob’s Bar, where you can curl up on a plush daybed or couch while sipping cocktails under the stars, with views over the hotel’s gorgeous grounds and South China Sea in the distance. The wine menu is exceptional.
Things to Know
- This luxury Singapore hotel is located just off Palawan Beach on the city-state’s satellite island of Sentosa, which is roughly 30 minutes by taxi from Singapore Changi Airport. Admission fees to Sentosa do normally apply, but you’ll have free access if you flash your confirmation email at the entrance gates — don’t forget to print it.
- Speaking of the beach, it’d be a shame if you didn’t pack your bathing suit. In addition to direct access to Palawan Beach, where the water is clean and clear (and the beach itself often deserted during the week), Capella Singapore has three swimming pools, including a lap pool and an infinity-edge option.
- If you’d like to see the sights of Singapore but don’t know where to start, stop by the hotel’s Library for a consultation with one of its personal assistants. They can steer you toward the island’s best things to do and its top restaurants and shopping areas — and make reservations when necessary on your behalf, too.
- Plan in advance if you hope to treat yourself to a day at the spa. Capella Singapore is home to Auriga Spa, a Five-Star offering an exceptional variety of services. Walk-in appointments are accommodated whenever possible, but with only nine private treatment rooms available, it’s highly advisable to book well ahead of your desired date.
- If for some reason you need to cancel your reservation, be sure to do so at least 48 hours before your scheduled arrival date prior to 3 p.m. Singapore time; otherwise you’ll be charged the full rate of one night’s stay, plus taxes and service.
The Rooms
- Featuring a contemporary Asian design style highlighted by warm wooden finishes, a neutral color palette of taupes and grays, rounded ceilings and expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, the spacious, stylish guest rooms at Capella Singapore are outfitted for complete comfort.
- All rooms at Capella Singapore come with complimentary Wi-Fi access and plush beds made with imported Italian linens.
- The outdoor balcony, furnished with a cushioned daybed and Jacuzzi, is a beautiful space from which to take in views of the South China Sea — and it was one often visited by the luxury hotel’s resident peacocks that freely wander the grounds.
- Our room was equipped with high-tech appointments and convenient courtesies like a Nespresso coffee machine, complimentary mini-bar, and Abahna bath products in an oversized bathroom featuring his-and-her vanity areas and a separate bathtub and walk-in rain shower.
- Splurge on one of Capella Singapore’s exclusive one- or two-bedroom villas and you’ll enjoy the privilege of splashing out in your own personal plunge pool, though you’ll also be quite comfortable in one of the luxury hotel’s well-appointed Constellation Rooms, our pick for some of the best rooms to stay in at this Five-Star hotel.
The Look
- Capella Singapore’s eclectic design style is a classic combination of old and new. Upon arrival to this Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel, accessed via a long, private driveway that winds through neatly trimmed tropical greenery, your first views will be those of an impressive sculpture by acclaimed artist Bernar Venet on the front lawn.
- This Singapore hotel’s white-washed colonial building, a beautifully restored space with regal colonnades and white-marble appointments that was once home to British military forces, is a sight to see.
- After checking in, you’ll be escorted either into Capella Singapore’s contemporary building (if you’ve booked a guest room or suite) or past it (villa or manor), but either way, its striking, curved facade and expansive floor-to-ceiling windows are sure to make just as strong an impression as the luxury hotel’s colonial gateway.
- Sculptures by Salvador Dalí on display in the hotel’s lobby are just of the impressive artworks you’ll find littered throughout the public areas and guest rooms. They are eye-catching proof of the luxury hotel’s artistic spirit and style.
- Expansive floor-to-ceiling windows and uniquely curved architecture, meanwhile, define Capella Singapore’s contemporary second main building, which houses many of the hotel’s guest rooms, its all-day dining venue The Knolls and open-air Bob’s Bar.
Amenities
24-hour room service 
Babysitting services
Bar
Beach
Fitness classes
Gym
House car
Meeting rooms
Outdoor pool
Pet friendly
Restaurants
Spa
Tennis
Getting There
Stories
