The hotel hosts 223 rooms and suites that look out to the historic Tanjong Pagar precinct; ours oversee the familiar terracotta roof tiles that local shophouses are known for. Check-ins are usually done in-room, a service that is always appreciated. There are personal touches in the room that gets one comfortable immediately. The mini-bar is complimentary, and visiting guests will appreciate the Handy Phone that provides free Wi-Fi and local and international calls to 10 countries. A unique touch: Every room comes with an activity book, Colouring The Lion City, by William Sim and colouring pencils—the same book is a mainstay and every guest will leave their mark behind for the next visitor.  

Now where is that pool? We find the beautiful spot amidst lush greenery. Accompanying the 30m infinity pool is a Jacuzzi, a shallow dip pool and a lawn with pool cabanas whose curtains are billowing in the wind. Guests of Luxury Club Rooms and Suites get access to Club Millésime, which serves complimentary breakfast, afternoon tea and evening cocktails. We have a bit of fun with the Enomatic wine dispenser, curated daily to suit the canapes served. It’s a hideaway that feels exclusive: there’s a library, meeting room and a reserved terrace spot right next to pool. Even though we opted for a cabana, the butlers continuously send over fruit juices and fresh milk while we order lunch from both the Club Millésime and room service menus (p/s: the Hokkien noodles is a must-try). The small touches shine through: Post-swim, there are sachets of after-sun cream, wet pouches for your swimmers, and a cart topped with bottles of fruit-infused iced water and fresh fruits too.

If you’re craving for another workout, grab your In-Room Fitness Kit (complete with a yoga mat) and take on the series of workout videos that are available in all rooms. We chose to head down to the hotel’s own SoFit gym, and had the option of using the adjacent Virgin Active Fitness Club–Tanjong Pagar which offers workout and wellness classes. In need of a massage? Guests can get a complimentary ride to SoSpa at Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa. But we were happy to languid in a relaxing soak. The tub was too inviting: it comes a bamboo bathtub caddy that holds a book (101 Ways to Live Well, by Lonely Planet) and a wine glass.

At 6.30pm, the hotel performs the candle ritual, a French tradition that you’ll find across Sofitels all over the world. It’s inspired by the Parisian tradition of people lighting up the streets with candles during King Louis XIV’s reign. After the ceremony, the entire hotel twinkles with candles, readying itself for the night. The best spot to be in the evening? At the 1864 bar, a great place for barrel-aged cocktails and martinis, including coconut Negronis and Reposado margaritas. At the end of the day, we returned to the room to find a cuddly toy for our toddler, a sleep menu of pillow options and camomile tea, readying us for a restful night’s sleep. But there was no need for it—as we sank into Sofitel’s trademark bed, MyBed, slumber came quickly.