For anyone who is keen on taking a mini break without travelling far... Sentosa is always a good idea. Here, we review a two-night stay at the beautifully designed The Barracks Hotel Sentosa

Are staycations still popular among Singaporeans? As travel plans return with a vengeance with the ease of Covid-19 restrictions around the world, the concept of staycations may no longer be relevant for those itching to leave the country in need of a change in environment.

But as I found out for myself, despite the option to travel abroad these days, having some downtime away from home—even if it’s within my own country—is still a welcome treat. And it is especially so if this particular treat is on the island of Sentosa.

I’ve always enjoyed the thought of being a tourist in my own country because as small as it may seem in comparison to our neighbouring countries, for instance, there is still so much that I have yet to discover and experience. So, when offered the opportunity to go on a heritage hideaway with The Barracks Hotel, I packed my bags and allowed myself to be whisked away (in a barracks jeep that picked me up from my residence, no less) for a two-night respite.

Read more: Staycation Ideas: The Best Hotels in Singapore, including Sentosa

First Impressions

Tatler Asia
Tatler Asia
Tatler Asia

The jeep ride was an indication of a thoughtfully planned stay at the hotel as it was fitted with large glass bottles of water for guests to enjoy—a considerate gesture that many will relish. Once I arrived at the hotel with my guest, the hotel doorman offered such a bright greeting that I was almost caught off-guard. Singaporeans aren’t necessarily known to be the friendliest and warmest upon first meeting so his kind gesture was greatly appreciated. Immediately, he gave us a brief history of the hotel as we took the elevator from the basement to the first floor where the reception was.

The check-in process was seamless and straightforward; the only difference was that guests had to choose their breakfast meals in advance and also book a table at the in-house restaurant, The Living Room, for afternoon tea. Right after this, we were promptly shown to our room, a spacious duplex Suite Room that sleeps up to three adults.

Do Not Disturb

Tatler Asia
Tatler Asia

The interiors of the room matched the overall aesthetic of the entire heritage property: a beautiful amalgamation of old-world charm and modern luxury.

All the rooms are decked with richly textured dark wood grains, warm brass and leather-accented furnishing, offering guests a touch of nostalgia.   

The duplex Suite Room we stayed in came with a King-sized bed on the first floor and twin beds on the second floor. Located on the ground floor, our suite had direct access to the lap pool as well as the semi-private jacuzzi—which we would’ve probably not noticed if not for the helpful and friendly hotel staff who gave us a quick tour of the room. The outdoor patio featured a two-seater sofa and a dining table, perfect for outdoor meals and evening drinks by the pool.

The marble bathroom was expansive enough to hold two vanity areas, offering ample space for couples and families. It’s completed with a freestanding circular bathtub, a separate rain shower area and Atkinsons branded bath amenities. Considering how most of us in Singapore yearn for extra living space, this sizable suite provides an option for those who want a quick, luxurious escape without having to travel far from home.

The Extras

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Since my stay was part of The Barracks Hotel’s Heritage Safari Experience, I had the opportunity to attend both the Colonial Architecture Tour and the Cultural Gems tour—two options which guests can choose to enjoy as part of their staycation package.

What makes this tour stand apart from others is the sartorial experience that comes before the actual staycation. Guests will be invited to personalise their own safari shirt at Joe’s Tailoring, a home-grown family-owned tailoring house that’s widely popular among those who appreciate bespoke tailors. After getting my measurements taken during the fitting session, I got to customise my own shirt before the staycation and selected my own name mono, buttons, and even the thread colour.

On the first day of my stay, I went on the first of two fully guided walking tours (though a jeep will transport you to every location) where I visited some of Singapore’s most famous colonial hotspots and learnt the history behind these places and how they have evolved over the years. Starting the tour in Sentosa’s Fort Siloso, we gradually moved on to Gillman Barracks to take in the architecture and understand how it was transformed into an art gallery district. We also made a stop in Dempsey Hill, which was formerly a nutmeg plantation that later became Tanglin Barracks for the British troops.

The tour culminated on a culinary note at Tamarind Hill, a Thai restaurant housed in a restored colonial mansion tucked away in Labrador Nature Reserve. The building was originally built in 1881 and served as the British Army’s artillery garrison after it was completed in the 1920s.

For my next tour, I was guided through the historic Malay district of Kampong Glam, one of Singapore’s most colourful areas. The popular enclave is frequently visited by both tourists and locals thanks to the abundance of local food, shops and attractions in the area. Masjid Sultan, which is one of Singapore’s most prominent landmarks, is also located here. Originally completed in 1826, the mosque was rebuilt in 1929, in Indo-Saracenic style, and remains a significant mosque for Muslims in Singapore today.

Food & Drink

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Every time I’m on a staycation, I look forward to a gastronomic adventure (usually dutifully prepared by myself) even though I am fully aware that I haven’t left the country. After all, what’s there not to love about eating out in Singapore? And I was in luck because The Barracks Hotel offers all-day refreshments at its lounge, The Living Room, where guests also gather for breakfast, afternoon tea and evening cocktails. From bottled coconut water to English potato crisps, the generous offerings were a pleasant gesture that kept hotel guests satiated.

There’s much more to feast on within the vicinity of The Barracks Hotel. Across the lawn behind the hotel at Mess Hall, there’s Le Faubourg, a French restaurant popular for its brunch menu and also Quentin’s Bar & Restaurant—the famed Eurasian dining hotspot.

Although the hotel did not offer a buffet breakfast spread, there were plenty of options to choose from in advance. Opt for the Nasi Lemak on the breakfast menu, favoured among hotel guests for its fragrant coconut rice, sambal prawn, and curry chicken accompanied by house-made chilli sauce and achar. 

Read more: Editors’ Picks: The Best Cafes and Restaurants to Try in Sentosa

Tatler Tip

Hop on the Sentosa Express monorail (Imbiah station is a three-minute walk away from the hotel) for a morning or evening walk like I did to soak in the sun and sea. After all, you’re on a mini island escapade so make the most of this experience. Go for a walk by Siloso Beach (alight at Beach station) and treat yourself to some coffee and a cream puff at Baristart after.

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