History meets hospitality at this luxury heritage hotel in Sentosa.
The Barracks Hotel Sentosa may be the newest entrant to the luxury hospitality scene, but it already has stories to tell. It started out as the Blakang Mati Artillery Barracks in 1904, when Sentosa was a British military base and known as Pulau Blakang Mati. And while the idea of a repurposed outpost might not seem very sexy at first, there is a certain romance to the heritage building.
An expansive palm tree-lined lawn fronts the two-storey colonial structure with only 40 rooms and suites, whose guests enjoy a 24-hour Equerry Service or butler service, and have access to two 30m lap pools flanked by foliage create in idyllic settings primed for relaxation.
Elsewhere, the utilitarian-chic theme is consistent throughout. Vintage colonial decor and custom furnishings in dark wood, leather and patinated metal – inspired by the hotel’s military past – complement the restored louvred windows, moulded columns and vaulted ceilings with additional timber rafters emulating the original structure. Beyond the restored architecture, nostalgia pervades. Guests can learn about the history of the building and island on specially designed heritage tours.
Above all, tucked away from the throngs of tourists and revellers, The Barracks Hotel Sentosa represents a convenient escape from city life without having to travel far.
CROWD APPEAL
When organising a pool blow-out in the privacy of your residence just doesn’t have enough zing, Rumours Beach Club offers an alternative. Originating from South-east Asia’s party capital of Bali, the new revellers spot in Sentosa is the only beach club here with three pools. Another attraction: different pockets of spaces for private events. Expect headlining DJs, live shows, and the inimitable adrenaline of a well-oiled crowd. 40 Siloso Beach Walk
TEXT LOUISA CLARE LIM
