Trading Spaces

A new boutique hotel in Sentosa retains much of its original structure and charm while creating a luxury escape for visitors.

- Renee Batchelor

PART OF SINGAPORE’S constantly changing landscape is the re-zoning of areas for new purposes. Hence the designation of the island of Sentosa; from a military outpost to a leisure destination complete with a theme park and numerous hotels. The Barracks Hotel Sentosa is the first property on the island to really lean into its past — the heritage building was a former military barracks dating back to 1904. Without changing much of its external structure, the boutique hotel now comes with modern amenities and luxuries. Divided into two main blocks, each row of rooms and suites faces a swimming pool that runs the length of the property. Rooms on the ground floor allow guests to walk out directly into the pool area from their patios, while the rooms on the second storey have balconies that face the pool and high ceilings, thanks to the pitched roof, that create an illusion of space.

The amenities in this boutique hotel are limited — guests have to walk across to the neighbouring Mess Hall for meals at privately run restaurants — but it creates a sense of privacy. It’s the kind of intimate expanse where you won’t run into hundreds of other guests, but has small pockets of space for interaction. The Living Room, which is located near the lobby functions as multi-purpose space. Guests can enjoy morning breakfast, afternoon tea — complete with a tea-tailoring experience from Pryce teas — and evening cocktails. Those who want to explore more of the surroundings, including a former parade square, can sign up for heritage tours that are conducted twice a day.