Families, couples, girl squads, and business travellers will find a home away from home at the award-winning Movenpick Heritage Hotel Sentosa in Singapore
Behind Sentosa’s smattering of tourists attractions, lush greenery, gorgeous beaches, breezy bars and world-class accommodation is a story with grit. The island playground, due to its strategic location, was once a military fortress and a base during the Second World War, and you don’t have to look very hard to find remnants of its colonial past. Fort Siloso houses the city’s biggest collection of World War II memorabilia; Combat Skirmish Live is where you can try laser shooting like a soldier; and you can experience Singapore’s colourful history at Images of Singapore LIVE.
Or, check into at Movenpick Heritage Hotel Sentosa, a stately 1940s building that once housed British artillerymen during the war. Old world charm and modern design come together with wonderful effect at the hotel, where restored colonial doors and corridors lead to classy, contemporary interiors.
The upscale property consists of two wings, the historical Heritage Wing and the Contemporary Wing, that cater to different tastes. In the former, there are 62 elegant rooms that feature restored colonial architectural details. On our last staycay, we had a taste of the Heritage Premium Merlion suite, which offers views of the city’s tallest Merlion. The spacious room has a separate living area (Nespresso coffee machine included), floor-to-ceiling windows (plenty of natural light), and a beautiful marbled bathroom that comes fitted with a big free-standing tub and double sinks. It feels luxuriously homely, too: ceiling fans, patchwork carpets and local design motif provide a sense of warmth and character to the space.
Over at the Contemporary Wing, neutral hues and minimalism rule. Movenpick Heritage Hotel Sentosa’s signature onsen suites are located in this wing, and if you want peace and tranquility with your dearest, these rooms will give you that slice of paradise. The brand may have bagged the Top Luxury Family Hotel in Singapore title at the World Luxury Hotel Awards late last year, but you won’t hear noisy kids at this side of the property. The suites are only accessible through a non-descript door at the lobby, and each one boasts a private outdoor area with a Japanese-style hot tub to soak in for days (if you like) plus a two-seater table. We bet you wouldn’t even want to step out of this 63 sqm sanctuary if you can help it.
But you should, even though it’ll take a bit of effort to peel yourself out from the plush confines of your room. Breakfast at Tablescape, the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, is quite lovely – there’s a live omelette station, a delightful array of Western fare and local asian dishes, plus cereal, fruits, and yoghurt, available ’til 10.30am so you can still sleep in a little longer. Whisky connoisseurs can sip the finest labels at Wow – World of Whisky by Waldhaus am See St. Moritz, which holds the Guinness World Record for having the world’s largest whisky collection. For a girly high tea, spend an afternoon at the Galleria (the glass-covered link-bridge across the two wings of the hotel).
It’s a bit of a pity that the swish property has no spa of its own, but it makes up for it with cushy rooms that tempt you to wanna stay in all day, solid dining and drinking options, and great hospitality. Besides, there are a handful of award-winning spas just a stone’s throw away from Movenpick if you need a spot of pampering.
Movenpick Heritage Hotel Sentosa, 23 Beach View, Singapore 098679, p. 6818 3388, e. [email protected].