Inside: Capella Singapore
On a hilltop in Sentosa, a Norman Foster-designed resort wrapped around colonial-era barracks has become one of the most awarded hotels in Asia.
Credit: Capella Hotels
Capella Singapore has been on Sentosa's hilltop since 2009, and in that time it's built up quite the reputation, which is reassuringly backed by a trophy cabinet overflowing with accolades.
The resort sits on a Sentosa hilltop known as The Knolls, about ten minutes from the centre of the city, and although it’s a cliche to say it feels like a hidden oasis, that’s the best way to describe this island property.
The setting
At the heart of Capella Singapore are two Tanah Merah colonial bungalows dating back to the 1880s, originally built for British officers of the Royal Artillery. When Capella opened in 2009, Norman Foster designed a series of contemporary glass and limestone pavilions around them, which blend into the hillside rather than compete with the heritage buildings. The contrast between the colonial structures and Foster's clean, modern lines, paired with André Fu’s artful interior gives the property a truly unique character.
The hotel’s Living Room occupies one of the original 1880s colonial buildings that once hosted British officers' balls and it’s a beautiful place to while away time. It's been reimagined as a day-long retreat for guests, with cakes and afternoon tea set out daily and Culturists leading cultural sessions that trace Singapore's colonial heritage and multicultural identity.
The 30 acres of tropical grounds are so thick with planting that you'll hear the resident peacocks before even the faintest sound of traffic, and the whole property faces the South China Sea, with what is arguably Singapore's best beach a short walk away.
Credit: Capella Hotels
The Manors
The rooms and suites in the Foster wing were originally designed by the late Jaya Ibrahim and refreshed in 2021 by André Fu Studio, who softened Ibrahim's original lines and added custom solid wood furniture and an earthy palette. Rooms have been designed the rooms with extended stays in mind, including floor-to-ceiling windows and private terraces, so they’ll see you comfortably through if you want to spend the entire stay indoors, although we wouldn’t advise it.
Credit: Capella Hotels
What you should be booking is the Manors - standalone colonial buildings, recently reimagined by Matthew Shang Design Office, each with custom furniture, curated artwork and a dedicated Capella Culturist. This is the hotel's catchall term for a private butler who is available around the clock and will curate fascinating experiences tailored to whatever you're in the mood for.
One morning you could be partaking in a Peranakan tile painting workshop, the next a private yoga session on your terrace or a dim sum masterclass in the kitchen.
A complimentary bottle of Champagne Roger Coulon arrives chilled on arrival, and the Manors come with alfresco terraces, barbecue pits and outdoor dining areas.
The restaurants
A stay at Capella means not having to leave for meals, such is the quality of the dining. Cassia, the long-standing Cantonese fine dining restaurant, also by Andre Fu Studio, serves dim sum that rivals any in Asia.
Fiamma takes a more relaxed approach to Italian cooking, rooted in family-style tradition, while Bob's Bar on the rooftop of the Foster wing mixes cocktails with views across the treetops and the sea beyond, and is the perfect place to wind down after a long day of doing very little.
Everything else (and more)
It might be tough to fit anything else in around the deep sleeping, drinking champagne and world-class food, but needs must. The Auriga Spa, tucked into the lower levels of the resort, has a menu of deeply relaxing treatments that leans into both traditional Asian techniques and more contemporary wellness practices. You can also lounge by the property’s pristine swimming pool, although if you’re staying in a Manor, you’ll already have one all to yourself.
