Capella Singapore
"How did it strike you on arrival?If you're looking for tranquility you can find it in a tropical oasis on off-shore Sentosa Island. This Norman Foster-designed hotel is partly housed in colonial buildings, and the standing lamps, rugs and 20th-century-style travel trunks in the low-key lobby project old-world charm. What’s the crowd like?Mostly couples and families with young children (the rooms are spacious enough to accommodate active kids). The good stuff: Tell us about your room.My Premier Room (the lead-in categor)y was generously sized, with a great view of the hotel's verdant gardens. I suppose you could call the furniture modern plantation-style - lots of warm browns and cream, with clean lines accented by tropical touches like rattan on the chairs. Bring us a Planter's Punch already! We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?The bed was huge - a super king, 20 percent bigger than a regular king - and wrapped in silky smooth Pratesi linens. Didn't want to get out of it. Pity the pillows were on the soft side. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that worth a mention?I liked the fact that stuff like the curtains, lighting, and air conditioning could be conveniently controlled with a tablet, placed on the bedside table. All the more reason not to leave that bed! No need to steal anything from the mini-bar - everything inside (non-alcoholic drinks like Coke and juices) was free. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.His and hers sinks, great rainshower, tub with a view. The generous range of rejuvenating Aesop toiletries (Classic Shampoo and Conditioner, Geranium Leaf Body Cleanser, Rind Concentrate Body Balm and Body Cleansing Slab) made bath time a real treat! We all need some good Wi-Fi. What’s the word on that?Free in rooms and public areas. All my devices worked well with it. Anything stand out about other services and features?There's a shortcut from the hotel to Sentosa's Palawan Beach; be warned that the walk back up is rather steep. The property has three pools - one for adults only, one for families and a lap pool. Hotel guests get to use some of the award-winning Auriga Spa's facilities, like the steam room, for free. What was most memorable—or heartbreaking—about your stay?It's like staying in a tropical oasis - what's not to like? The bugs I guess? Bring mosquito repellent. Bottom line: worth it?Capella shows off a different side to Singapore - away from the hustle and bustle of the business district and the shopping strips. It's one of the most expensive hotels here, but it's also a great escape from the daily grind - and isn't that priceless?" - Audrey Phoon
