Serenity and beach vibes just minutes from Singapore

Singapore is not traditionally considered a beach destination or a city for relaxation.

Travellers to the island usually immerse themselves in the culture of a modern Asian city, visiting some of South-East Asia’s must-see highlights, including the spectacular Gardens by the Bay, iconic Marina Bay Sands, Chinatown and numerous world-class art museums.

Any visit to Singapore will most likely also include shopping and dining at Singapore’s famous hawker centres or even more famously these days, Michelin-starred restaurants.

The hectic and busy lifestyle of the locals extends to visitors during their stay, with everything being efficient, tech-savvy, clean and safe. Most visitors who have a few nights to spare for a relaxing holiday will either travel by boat to one of the islands near Singapore such as Bintan or Batam, or fly to Langkawi in Malaysia or Bali in Indonesia.

These are certainly interesting options for people travelling there for extended beach holidays or to explore these countries, but tourists with only two or three nights to spare before or after their stay in Singapore face rather long travel times to reach these destinations.

This is where the island of Sentosa comes in as an option for a few days of relaxation. Sentosa is located just off the coast of Singapore, connected by a bridge and only a 20-minute drive from the city centre. Most people familiar with Sentosa think of it as a hub of attractions, as it is home to Universal Studios, the Oceanarium, Adventure Cove Waterpark and the Skyride.

What many people don’t realise, though, is that Sentosa actually has beaches. Looking for beaches with a fun vibe, complete with beach bars, cafes and restaurants? You have come to the right place. There are also surprisingly many beach activities, including kayaking and surfing, as well as plenty of activities for kids. There is even a floating aqua park featuring water slides and an inflatable obstacle course.

Beach promenades take visitors from one beach to another, with the ocean on one side and lush, hilly greenery on the other. It’s all easily walkable, but there is also free public transport, including trams and buses. These services take visitors to the attractions, the central shopping area, restaurants and most of the hotels.

Escaping the busy city vibes, Sentosa welcomes visitors with relaxing, resort-style accommodation. Looking for a boutique property? You’ve got it. Luxury resorts with personalised service? Definitely. Luxury villa hotels with private swimming pools? Absolutely. Larger resort-style accommodation with kids’ clubs? Definitely. Superb, award-winning spas? Probably some of the best in the world.

The Laurus, a Luxury Collection Resort, Singapore

Capella Singapore

Most of these hotels are not located directly on the beach but are nestled in nature in the heart of the island. One morning, I was having breakfast at one of these luxury hotels, overlooking a natural pool surrounded by trees and listening to the sounds of nature. Singapore seemed a world away.

Few travel professionals know that, besides Sentosa, there are other scenic islands nearby worth visiting. Lazarus Island, St. John’s Island, Kusu Island and the Sisters’ Islands are all stops on island-hopping tours. Boats operate hourly, giving visitors the opportunity to explore several islands and beaches in one day.

The Barracks Hotel Sentosa

Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa, Singapore

If you have a few days to spare and are looking for relaxation and nature but aren’t keen on spending time at the beach, there is a new luxury property located right next to the Singapore Zoo.

This takes you into a completely different world, overlooking Singapore’s reservoir and surrounding jungle. This new property features a swimming pool that rivals the famous rooftop pool at Marina Bay Sands, albeit on a smaller scale, set within a tropical rainforest.

Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree

At night, the area around the pool transforms into a stargazing platform. Who would ever have thought this possible just 30 minutes from Singapore’s busy city centre? Special, exclusive zoo experiences are available to hotel guests, including daytime visits and the Night Safari.

This property is not just for families. While kids will love the children’s area and kids’ club, it is also very much an adults’ resort, with an amazing spa, romantic villas and a gourmet restaurant. I became an immediate fan of the resort’s meeting facilities.

Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree

The ballroom is unlike anything I have ever seen. Surrounded by nature, it actually feels like nature is inside the ballroom. For meeting planners organising smaller-scale meetings for 200-300 people and incentive groups looking for gala dinner venues, this property is very different and totally out of the box. Best of all, you can combine an event with exclusive group activities at the Night Safari, guaranteeing an experience quite unlike any other.

Night Safari, Singapore

For travellers seeking a new perspective on Singapore, this new luxury resort, Sentosa Island and its surrounding natural escapes offer the perfect reason to stay a little longer and discover the unexpected.

Selling these different destinations is about offering the right product to the right customer. Our Singapore team is on hand to help you plan the perfect journey. Please get in touch with them here: Asian Trails Singapore.

Laurent Kuenzle
CEO, Asian Trails