The Singapore-founded Raffles brand has long been associated with a unique sense of luxury. Who doesn’t know Raffles Hotel, famed for its beautiful colonial architecture and the birthplace of the iconic Singapore Sling? So, it’s no surprise that the country’s second Raffles property, located in Sentosa, and Singapore’s first all-villa resort, has been highly anticipated.
Raffles Sentosa Singapore has certainly positioned itself at the uppermost tier of the market. Newly opened on 1 March, the country’s first all-villa resort comes at a premium cost to the tune of S$1,698 (US$1,250) per night for its smallest villa.
Room to breathe
Raffles Sentosa Singapore officially launched with a tree-planting ceremony that served as a demonstration to the resort’s commitment to enhancing the island’s biodiversity. The event was led by Cavaliere Giovanni Viterale, cluster general manager of Raffles Sentosa Singapore and Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa, alongside Heah Soon Poh, assistant chief executive of Sentosa Development Corporation.
Nestled adjacent to Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa, Raffles Sentosa Singapore offers 62 villas, each with a private pool and outdoor terrace. Even the smallest villa spans 211 square metres – generous by Singapore’s hospitality standards. Nature is clearly central to the resort’s identity, with nearly 1,800 trees planted and two century-old heritage trees preserved. The villas' design, with floor-to-ceiling windows that open directly to the pool, encourages guests to connect with nature, enhanced by open layouts, water features, and the soothing sounds of birds and rustling leaves.
The butler did it
The Sentosa Sling, is a twist on the classic Singapore Sling, featuring upcycled watermelon skin and lemon leaves, reflecting Raffles Sentosa’s commitment to sustainability and local flavours. Photo Credit: Cheryl Teo/Travel Weekly Asia
"The Butler Did It" service by Accor is a key feature at Raffles Sentosa Singapore, providing an exceptional level of personalised attention from the moment guests book their stay.
This service begins with a dedicated butler reaching out to craft a bespoke itinerary tailored to each guest’s preferences, whether it’s arranging mixology sessions, organising birdwatching tours, or securing private yacht charters. Guests can also request for chauffeured rides in the resort’s residential Rolls-Royce to popular destinations across Singapore.
This high level of personalisation is undeniably luxurious, catering to those who prioritise a fully curated experience over a standard offering.
Thoughtful local touches
The resort leans into the concept of wellbeing, incorporating details such as a copper urn filled with water during turndown service, said to have antimicrobial properties. It’s a small touch that adds to the sense of thoughtfulness to a guest’s wellbeing. The design also embraces local artistry, with botanical prints from Singaporean artists.
Dining spans multiple restaurants, including refined Cantonese cuisine at Royal China and an omakase experience at Iyasaka by Hashida. The Empire Grill focuses on Italian cuisine with sustainable ingredients, and the signature Sentosa Sling – crafted from upcycled watermelon skin and lemon leaves – aligns with the resort’s sustainability efforts.
The verdict: Is it worth it?
Raffles Sentosa’s smallest villa, the Signature One-Bedroom Pool Villa, spans 221 sqm and features a private pool and separate living room area. Photo Credit: Cheryl Teo/Travel Weekly Asia
At nearly S$1,700 per night, this resort clearly caters to a niche audience. Those seeking high levels of luxury, privacy, space, and curated service will likely find value in what Raffles Sentosa offers. The combination of nature, heritage, and bespoke experiences creates an environment that makes it stand out from other properties in Singapore.
However, for travellers who prefer a more flexible, independent style of exploration, the resort's high level of service and curation may feel unnecessary. Raffles Sentosa is designed not just as a hotel, but as an immersive luxury experience. Whether that experience justifies the premium price tag depends on what travellers value most in their stay.