Raffles Sentosa Singapore

Raffles Sentosa Singapore has a lot to live up to. Not only does it sit in the long shadow of one of the country’s most iconic hotels, it also carries the distinction of being Singapore’s first all-villa resort. The temptation, you might think, would be to replicate the stately grandeur of its city-side predecessor.

But perched quietly on the hilltops of Sentosa once home to British military barracks, the Raffles Sentosa doesn't try to be a tropical version of the grand dame. Instead, it's forged an identity shaped by greenery and much slower pace of life, with just enough subtle nods to the Raffles brand to remind you of where you are.

Why stay at Raffles Sentosa Singapore?

From the moment you wind your way up the driveway, you’re wrapped in serenity. Dense greenery replaces the city skyscrapers, birdsong replaces traffic, and it just feels like you're in an entirely different country. This is a true sanctuary, a self-contained pocket of peace that feels purpose-built for switching off.

It works for a surprisingly wide range of travellers. Business visitors looking to decompress after meetings, couples seeking a romantic staycation, families travelling with children – and fur-children – all find space to breathe here. Each villa is its own private world, meaning you could spend your entire stay without crossing paths with another guest if you really wanted to.

What are the villas like at Raffles Sentosa Singapore?

There are 62 villas in total, all newly built and thoughtfully laid out according to the original topography of the land. The resort can feel a little maze-like at first – but getting lost seems almost intentional. Or perhaps the point is simply not to leave your villa at all.

Each villa has its own private pool, tropical garden and is divideded into two distinct zones. The living area is designed for lingering with plush sofas, a statement wallpaper inspired by local flora and fauna, a chess board and coffee table books that call out to be perused. There’s a generous drinks setup too. Nespresso, TWG teas and Bacha coffee alongside the Sentosa Sling, a lighter, fresher reworking of the original, made with rum, watermelon juice and passion fruit. It’s less cloying and dangerously easy drinking, especially while sipping in the cabana of the pool.

The living area is where the team also sets up the folding bed if you're travelling with kids as well as the dog bed, if you're staying with your furkid. Even your dogs are invited to live a life of luxury, with a full suite of amentities prepared for their stay. There's a proper dog bed, food and water bowls, pee pads, wipes and treats.

My dog made a beeline for her bed and didn't move for hours. In fact, she liked it so much and was so visibly happy that I ended up ordering the same bed for her for home. Staff greet her by name throughout the stay. If you think you’re getting VIP treatment here, your dog is very clearly getting VVIP.

The bedroom sits just steps from the pool, so mornings begin with views of greenery, sky and shimmering water. It’s every bit as sumptuous as you’d expect, with beds that you sink into, pillow sprays that take you into a deep slumber and an oversized bathroom with a gorgeous freestanding tub. There’s even a separate pool-to-bathroom entrance, so post-swim showers don’t require a dash through the bedroom.

What are the restaurants like at Raffles Sentosa Singapore?

The dim sum at Royal China, Raffles Sentosa's Chinese restaurant is exceptional. Har gow are springy and translucent, yam dumplings shatter cleanly, and the siew mai arrive crowned with a quail egg that still boasts a runny centre – achieved by sous vide before steaming. Even the carrot cake is among the best we’ve had.

Chef David, who brings more than four decades of Hong Kong dim sum experience, also turns out a superb three-fish fried rice, combining silverfish, grouper and tobiko, served alongside a collagen-rich fish broth that’s been bubbling away for nine hours. I spill my soup (entirely my fault) but the staff glide in and restore order without missing a beat.

Meanwhile, by the pool, Empire Grill delivers all-day dining inspired Mediterranean flavours. Start the day with breakfast granola and yogurt from the trolley, served with your choice of freshly squeeze juice. Or swing by during the evening to watch the sunset (and catch a glimpse of the fireworks going off at Universal Studios Singapore at a distance).

Even here, the small touches continue to impress, from the Maison 21G mosquito repellant we're proactively offered to wait staff bringing out a towel and a water bowl for my pet without us having to ask.

What is the service like at Raffles Sentosa Singapore?

Personalised butler service underpins the entire experience, but that same level of care was felt with all our interactions with the staff at Raffles Sentosa. It starts with the chauffeur that picks me up in a Mercedes to take me to the resort, who swiftly takes my luggage and offers me a chilled bottle of Aqua Panna. And it continues throughout the whole resort from the front-desk staff who greet my dog by name to the butlers dressed almost like safari guides with leather staches who are ready to help navigate whatever version of island life you're after, whether that's a buggy tour of the resort or helping you craft the perfect bubble bath.

Guests can also opt for 'The Butler Did It' experience, which is designed as a four-day, three-night affair that includes breakfast served in the villa (or Empire Grill), a private Rolls-Royce tour of Sentosa and even a fragrance-making workshop where they can craft a bespoke scent inspired by their stay. There's also a wellbeing butler who can customise a wellness experience for guests that includes spa treatments, nutritional advice and other mindfulness practices to ensure that you leave feeling better than when you first came in.

What are the spa and facilities like at Raffles Sentosa Singapore?

For a resort with only 62 villas, the spa feels massive. The conserved heritage landmark is actually a former British military barracks, but it's now been fitted with plenty of treatment rooms, a gym, two pools and a heated indoor plunge pool next to a Turkish-style steam room.

My massage therapist had what can only be described as magic hands – at one point I swear I feel electrical pulses and vibrations as her hands pass near my ears and even had to ask her if she was using any EMS tools (she wasn't). I left feeling full refreshed and healed, just another way the Raffles Sentosa delivers on a restorative experience.

What’s the area like around Raffles Sentosa Singapore?

Utterly peaceful. You’re surrounded by greenery, fresh air and birdsong, yet still just 15 minutes from the city by car. It’s a rare balance of being close enough for convenience but far enough to truly disconnect.

You could also easily walk to Sentosa like Palawan beach or Resorts World but during our stay we didn't feel the need to leave to compound at all and we doubt you will as well.

Why you should book a stay at Raffles Sentosa Singapore

Book Raffles Sentosa Singapore if you value space, privacy and service that feels genuinely personal. It’s ideal for couples, families, pet owners and anyone who finds traditional city luxury hotels a little overwhelming.

Lean into the butler service, book a spa treatment and resist the urge to over-schedule. This isn’t a hotel designed for ticking off attractions around Sentosa, it’s a place built for slowing down, exhaling, and letting someone else take care of everything.

Address: 4 Bukit Manis Rd
Price: One-bedroom villas start from around $1,500 per night
Closest transport: HarbourFront MRT
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