Capella Singapore

The thought of Capella in Signapore might at first strike one as slightly odd. This is a smallish collection of carefully crafted luxury resorts, not exactly the sort of thing you’d expect to see sprouting up in an urban setting. But on Sentosa Island, just across the channel from Singapore proper — that makes a lot of sense. Here on thirty acres of manicured parkland sits a stunning new building by Foster + Partners, home to the brand-new Capella Singapore.

If you’re expecting something like The Gherkin, you’ll be surprised. Here Foster’s new addition is gracefully married to a historical structure, as is actually the case with much of his firm’s recent hospitality work. The result is an arrival that’s classic, calming, with the architectural pleasures slowly unfolding throughout the stay.

The rooms are the very picture of contemporary luxury, in a style that’s subtle but pleasing none the less. Physical comforts come first, including deep soaking tubs and remote-controlled everything. And the appeal of the Capella extends well beyond the rooms. From the spa to the golf course to the very fine Chinese restaurant, Cassia, and the choice of Sentosa’s three beaches, it’s an experience that’s seemingly a world apart from the teeming metropolis of Singapore.