"How did it strike you on arrival?Set on the fringes of a nature reserve, this hotel is a welcome escape from Singapore city life. The meticulously restored 1920s-era building is beautifully rustic and a refreshing break from ubiquitous skyscrapers. It smells like the forest here and the soft chirping of insects is your playlist on loop. Nice. What’s the crowd like?Mostly families, honeymooners, and those seeking a break from the rat race. The good stuff: Tell us about your room.My top-tier Luxe Sarang room was set away from the main hotel building and had its own private plunge pool (the highlight!). The style: Genteel colonial, with a giant four-poster bed and antique teak cupboards from Laos and Burma. We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?A dream to sleep in. Comfy mattress, smooth sheets, very firm pillows. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that find its way into your suitcase?Loved the local snack selection in the mini-bar, like the salted egg yolk potato chips and nuts with Asian flavours like tom yam with kaffir lime. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.In keeping with the whole barefoot luxury vibe, the (HUGE!) bathroom was basic-looking but came with interesting luxe touches such as a wooden barrel of a bathtub. The hotel emphasizes eco-friendliness, so the lemongrass-scented products are dispensed from blue-and-white china containers. Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word?Fast and free. Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.No gym on-site, but you don't need one - there are acres of coastal trails on your doorstep! The fine-dining Tamarind Hill restaurant, run by the same company on site, is a romantic place to wine and dine. What was most memorable—or heartbreaking—about your stay?Memorable: Staying in the midst of a green haven, with the city a short drive away if you need it. Bottom line: worth it, and why?It's a rare nature-surrounded gem in urban Singapore - no other hotel here provides such an experience." - Audrey Phoon
