Sentosa may be better known as a family destination but the island is home to one of Singapore’s most romantic hotels. Capella Singapore, an intimate resort set high on a hill overlooking the Straits, is surrounded by 30 acres of lush rainforest. It has a relaxed atmosphere which is far removed from the hectic rush of the CBD. Capella Singapore is also the perfect Singapore hotel for couples. It is hard to believe Singapore’s skyscrapers are less than half a kilometre away. Capella’s long private driveway leads up to a grand colonial building from the 1880s which was once used by the British for gala parties. It has since been restored and combined with a thoroughly modern hotel which hugs the hilltop in a graceful curve.  

The lobby of Capella Singapore is reminiscent of a gentleman’s club with an old-world gentility that suits the historic nature of the main buildings. After a warm welcome and a refreshing drink, we are shown to our room which has a large daybed overlooking the South China Sea. Even the standard Premier Rooms like ours are exceptionally large. There is no official check-in or check-out time so guests can arrive early and stay late provided there is availability. There are many things to love about the room but for me, the walk-in rain shower was a highlight. It was enormous and had two separate entrances and no door. Unlike similar showers at other properties, this one was an engineering marvel which did not spray water all over the floor.

Floor-to-ceiling chocolate brown marble gave it a sexy look and the toiletries from British luxury brand Abahna were a big hit with both my husband and myself. Not to girly-smelling for him and not too masculine for me. We arrived just in time for the daily complimentary afternoon tea which is served in the Library. Light snacks and refreshments are available throughout the day but the afternoon tea is worth experiencing at least once.

It is deservedly popular however, so you might need to be patient. On the day of our arrival it was extremely busy and the staff struggled (valiantly, it must be said) to keep up with demand. Breakfast is served at The Knolls overlooking the pool and a passing parade of peacocks. It is all you would expect at a property of this calibre, except perhaps for the coffee which was dispensed from a push button machine. We really appreciated the complimentary in-room non-alcoholic mini-bar, particularly the sparkling mineral water which was the perfect refreshment on a hot Singapore day. Sitting back on the day bed with a glass of something cool while we watched the ships was very relaxing. 

Capella is home to Cassia, an intimate Cantonese fine diner where the polished service is eclipsed only by the food. We had dinner there on the second night of our stay and it was spectacular. Even if you are staying at Capella early in the week it is wise to book. Once you arrive at Capella Singapore it is tempting not to venture outside its luxurious surrounds. Especially once you find the swimming area which features multiple tiered pools encircled by couple’s day beds and miniature ice-buckets filled with chilled bottles of water. Jungle surrounds the entire resort, parrots scoot across the sky and peacocks strut around the grounds. Capella Singapore is an ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of Singapore and enjoy a relaxing break.

Disclosure: Accommodation and dinner was paid for by the writer.

Looking for some things to do in Singapore?  Check out our reviews of Singapore ZooRiver Safari , the Orangutan Breakfast at Singapore Zoo, and our guide to finding some of Singapore’s best cafes at Tiong Bahru.