HERITAGE HIDEAWAY
For your next weekend getaway, find serenity in the sanctuary that is The Barracks Hotel Sentosa
WHILE WE ALL LOVE OUR ULTRA-LUXE, modern hotels, there is a certain charm about places rich with history that simply cannot be replicated. The latest addition to a cluster of three hotels by Far East Hospitality on Sentosa – The Barracks Hotel Sentosa – just opened its doors on Dec 1 and has all the luxurious comforts in a conserved colonial building built in 1904.
This same two-storey structure that now houses 40 luxurious premier rooms and suites was once the British Army’s barracks, hence the hotel’s name. Walking around the property, one can’t help but feel transported back in time and wonder about the soldiers that walked the same grounds years before.
Upon check-in, guests are treated to a refreshing welcome drink named the Barracks Spritz, a mocktail concocted with a specially curated tea named 1904 by home-grown brand Pryce Tea, nutmeg syrup and grapefruit juice.
In each of the exclusive guest rooms, a balance of contemporary functionality and a traditional aesthetic make for an eclectic modern vintage interior. Raw materials such as distressed leather, rustic rattan and solid timber feature heavily in the bedroom’s furniture for a classic vintage feel, which is complemented by the timeless choice of red gold fittings, white marble floor and a dark stone bathtub in the bathroom. From the bathroom, a door opens up to either a spacious balcony for rooms on the second floor, or a patio with direct access to the pool and jacuzzi for those on the ground floor.
If you do decide to pry yourself away from the sunbeds by the pool, head to The Living Room for all-day refreshments. The bright, intimate space offers complimentary free-flow evening cocktails and canapés, and serves the breakfast buffet. Guests can also order a high tea set for two, available daily from 2 to 4pm. Each three-tier set has a selection of Nonya kueh, sweet and savoury bites and comes with a tea tailoring experience, as well as free-flow champagne.
To enhance every guest’s experience of staying in such a storied place, the hotel offers a complimentary exclusive heritage tour of the hotel’s grounds and buildings. The guided tour provides interesting nuggets of information about the old army barracks, architecture, the island of Sentosa itself and more.
While facilities at The Barracks Hotel are exclusive to its guests, one of the privileges of staying at the property is the full access to facilities at its two sister hotels in the vicinity – the family-friendly Village Hotel Sentosa and the adultsonly The Outpost Hotel Sentosa, where you can head over for a workout at the gym or swim in one of the four pools.
Another perk guests have is the Equerry Concierge Service, which can be used to arrange ground transfers and bellboy services, recommend activities and destinations in Singapore, as well as run errands like dispatch services and more. It is a round-the-clock service that will help make your holiday a more pleasant and memorable one.