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Singapore
What’s the vibe? Combining 1880s colonial architecture (the main building is the former officers’ mess of the British Royal Artillery) with the curving ochre lines of the new Foster + Partners-designed wing, all set in 30 acres of lush, landscaped gardens where peacocks roam, Capella Singapore feels like a tropical fairy tale. With calming interiors by Indonesian designer Jaya Ibrahim, a three-tier pool and views over the South China Sea, the sense of tranquillity here makes it hard to believe the bustle of Singapore exists somewhere just beyond the treeline.
Where am I staying? Spaciousness is a key feature at every level of accommodation here, with all 112 rooms, suites and villas blessed with balconies and large windows that make the most of the rainforest-like setting. But for those who really want to experience the luxury of space in a city where it’s at a premium, Capella Singapore’s three-bedroom manors with their private pools and butler service deliver to the point where you might have fantasies of moving in permanently.
Eating and drinking: Capella’s renowned Cantonese restaurant Cassia, recently refurbished by Hong Kong-based designer André Fu and famed for its meticulous dumplings and roasted meats, has recently been joined by Fiamma, an elegantly relaxed Italian diner where chef Mauro Colagreco finesses a sophisticated spin on Italian family cooking. For lovers of finely crafted cocktails, both classic and house specialties that might take advantage of Capella Singapore’s herb garden, Bob’s Bar taps into the relaxed atmosphere of the Sentosa Island setting, emphasising the location with a food menu that highlights Singaporean specialties like mee soto, a seafood-heavy Singaporean curry.
Bespoke Singapore: Capella Singapore has created a unique program called Capella Curates, where a team of ‘Capella Culturists’ are on hand to design an individual itinerary for you, based on local culture and heritage and tailored to your interests and passions. Covering everything from arts and food markets to moped tours of Singapore, mah-jong classes and marine nature walks along the Sentosa Island shoreline, the itinerary is created for you prior to your arrival.
And don’t forget the spa: Auriga Spa has been winning awards for more than a decade for its lush rainforest setting and extensive menu of bespoke treatments.