BY DEBAJYOTI CHAKRABORTY
NEW DELHI | 8 APRIL 2025
1. How does Raffles Sentosa Singapore honour the brand’s rich heritage while embracing modern trends?
A). Since 1887, the Raffles brand has been synonymous with refined elegance, tropical grandeur and world-class hospitality that is beloved by generations past, present and future. With Raffles Sentosa Singapore, the brand is extending its legacy to offer a resort alternative for travellers to Singapore, with experiences that are unique and distinct to Sentosa Island.
At Raffles Sentosa Singapore, we are committed to preserving the integrity of Raffles’ 138-year legacy while evolving to meet the needs of today’s discerning travellers. The heart of what makes Raffles special is our service excellence, deeply embedded in every detail. From the moment guests arrive, we ensure that every interaction reflects this commitment—whether through our iconic Doorman, legendary Raffles Butlers or the classic Afternoon Tea ritual. These timeless traditions remain central to our offerings, helping us stay deeply connected to Singapore’s rich heritage.
At the same time, we continuously innovate to keep pace with the evolving expectations of luxury guests. Guests today are more discerning than ever, seeking not only luxury but also experiences that align with their values. This is why sustainability is at the heart of Raffles Sentosa’s mission, with a focus on minimising our environmental footprint and creating experiences that contribute positively to the world. As a result, our signature experiences include bespoke wellness journeys and gastronomy, that complement the Raffles brand’s rich heritage and location in Asia’s first GSTC-certified island destination.
For example, in recognition of the rising preference for mindful travel experiences, our “Welcome Drink” The Sentosa Sling, is concocted using upcycled watermelon skin from the kitchen and lemon leaves grown at the edible garden. This sustainable twist to the famous Singapore Sling symbolises our commitment towards responsible tourism and contribution to Singapore’s ‘City in Nature’ vision.
2. How does the property’s architecture and design blend Raffles’ legacy with Sentosa’s tropical charm?
A). What truly sets Raffles Sentosa Singapore apart is its connection to nature. Nestled within 100,000 square metres of greenery, Singapore’s first all-villa resort offers 360-degree views of Sentosa’s natural beauty, creating a serene and immersive escape that is only 15 minutes away from the bustling city. Designed by the world-renowned studio Yabu Pushelberg, it masterfully blends contemporary elegance with the island’s natural beauty by blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces, encouraging guests to relax, rejuvenate, and reconnect.
The Arrival Hall sets the stage for an experience steeped in tradition and hospitality, creating an immediate sense of welcome by our iconic Raffles Doorman. As guests venture deeper into the resort, meandering pathways evoke a quiet sense of anticipation, leading them to private villas, exquisite dining spaces, and intimate gathering areas.
Every element of Raffles Sentosa Singapore is thoughtfully designed to harmonise with its natural surroundings. The foundation is crafted from travertine and French oak, materials known for their enduring beauty, evolving gracefully with time. Textured surfaces—from hand-painted murals to delicately veined stone—add depth and invite touch, heightening the sensory experience. Inside the 62 private pool villas, rattan accents and vibrant floral textiles mirror the tropical landscape, striking a perfect balance between traditional craftsmanship and contemporary elegance. Each material was meticulously chosen not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for how it interacts with light and space, dissolving the boundaries between indoors and nature. The result is an environment where every moment feels both intentional and effortlessly in tune with its surroundings.
Raffles Sentosa Spa, a heritage building that has been conferred the URA Achitectural Heritage Award, takes guests on a journey of rejuvenation, in harmony with the rhythms of Sentosa’s natural splendour.
3. What types of events and conferences does Raffles Sentosa Singapore host, and what sets it apart as a venue?
A). Raffles Sentosa Singapore offers a gateway to life’s most cherished moments. Its unique address atop Sentosa’s lush hilltop provides the ideal venue for hosting events of any scale—be it grand celebrations or intimate gatherings, designed to serve each guest’s preferences. The resort offers a natural backdrop for guests to demonstrate creativity and effortless grace in creating the most memorable occasions.
From the stunning Raffles Ballroom that seats up to 400 guests to the Garden Room & Terrace, the resort offers a dream-like setting for big, personal or elaborate Indian weddings, private celebrations and corporate events. Six exceptional dining experiences, curated by culinary maestros with Michelin credentials, showcase a diverse array of global cuisines, crafted from the freshest locally and internationally produce and sustainably sourced ingredients.
* Empire Grill – the resort’s signature Italian restaurant under the leadership of Cluster Director of Culinary Chef Bjoern Alexander, is where guests can savour authentic Italian cuisine with a modern twist.
This restaurant will also serve as the place for breakfast/all-day dining and is located by the pool and offers al fresco tables.
* Royal China – Will feature refined Cantonese cuisine overseen by award-winning chef Chef Ling Heng Yao, who cut his teeth at the two- Michelin-starred Shisen Hanten.
* Iyasaka by Hashida– Is where a distinctive Japanese omakase journey awaits diners as Chef Kenjiro Hashida brings the same level of skill and craftsmanship found at his father’s restaurant in Tokyo.
* Raffles Room – The signature Raffles Afternoon Tea can be appreciated in the elegant and welcoming Raffles Room which is located in the entrance lobby and overlooks the magnificent heritage ficus tree.
* Chairman’s Room – A nod to the speakeasy bars of yesteryear, Chairman’s Room offers a refined selection of whiskies, cognacs, fine wines and champagnes by the glass in an elegant, intimate setting.
* In-Villa Private Dining – Alternatively, guests may opt to dine al fresco in their own villa by their private pool, in the resort’s lush gardens, or on a secluded stretch of Tanjong Beach, which is directly accessible from the resort.
With the extensive collection of event spaces and dining experiences, Raffles Sentosa Singapore is the preferred address for corporate buy-outs and exclusive Indian destination weddings.
4. How does the resort maintain a balance between luxury and sustainability without compromising the guest experience?
A). Travellers today are more discerning than ever, and they increasingly want to affirm that their choices are making a positive impact on the world. Raffles Sentosa Singapore provides a thoughtful blend of luxury and authenticity that resonates with the modern traveller. Our holistic approach to sustainability, wellness, and hospitality excellence speaks to the values that are aligned with well-heeled globetrotters.
At Raffles Sentosa Singapore, sustainability and luxury are seamlessly woven into the guest experience, ensuring comfortable and plush stays. Nature is both a refuge and a remedy, offering a serene escape for guests.
Sustainability is deeply integrated into our resort operations, starting with the resort’s distinctive location on Sentosa Island, Asia’s first GSTC-certified island destination. This certification is the foundation of our commitment to responsible tourism and environmental stewardship.
In celebration of the opening of Raffles Sentosa Singapore, and in honour of Singapore’s 60th anniversary this year, we hosted a “60 Trees for 60 Years” tree planting ceremony on 27 February 2025. The event saw the planting of one tree for each year of Singapore’s remarkable journey since independence. As part of this initiative, we reintroduced several native species, including the endangered Seashore Mangosteen, alongside other rare trees that now line the resort’s entrance driveway. Over time, these trees will form a green archway, with the two majestic heritage Ficus trees standing proudly at the center.
Raffles Sentosa Singapore is Green Mark Gold certified, a prestigious accreditation granted by Singapore’s Building and Construction Authority. Our sustainability efforts extend across multiple areas, including resource conservation, energy efficiency, sustainable food sourcing, waste reduction, and supporting the local community. We have solar-powered outdoor lamps throughout the resort and a fleet of electric buggies to reduce our carbon footprint. Our green initiatives align with the broader sustainability goals of Sentosa, further cementing our commitment to protecting the environment while providing our guests with an exceptional experience.
A relevant example to demonstrate Raffles Sentosa Singapore’s commitment to sustainable luxury is our unique “Welcome Drink” The Sentosa Sling, which is concocted using upcycled watermelon rind and lemon leaves from the resort’s edible garden.
5. What are your long-term goals and how do you envision it evolving in the coming months or years?
A). At Raffles Sentosa Singapore, our vision is to set the gold standard for luxury hospitality, both locally and globally. With the support of Sentosa Development Corporation, the Singapore Tourism Board, and our dedicated team, we strive to uphold Raffles’ legacy of gracious hospitality while crafting bespoke experiences that showcase the very best of Singapore.
We are committed to creating meaningful, lasting memories that reflect the timeless luxury, elegance, and rich heritage that have defined the Raffles brand – 138 years on.
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