The Barracks Hotel Sentosa, Singapore

BACKGROUND The 40-room boutique hotel is located on the site of a former military barracks, housed in two conserved colonial buildings that date back to 1904.

These blocks served as a British artillery outpost during the Second World War. The hotel opened in 2019 and is part of the Far East Hospitality group, which has 26 properties in Singapore.

WHERE IS IT? On Sentosa, an island resort off the city-state's southern coast. The hotel is located on Gunner Lane in the Palawan area within beautifully manicured grounds. Singapore's central business district is a 12-minute drive away and Changi airport is a 25-minute drive by taxi.

WHAT'S IT LIKE? The hotel has a calming ambience, in part owing to the design, which favours open-air spaces and symmetry. In the Living Room, guests can pick up drinks and snacks from a pantry area, order cocktails or enjoy afternoon tea.

The site's artillery heritage is hinted at throughout and the hotel offers complimentary guided tours by army veterans who used to stay at the military barracks, and a self-guided audio version on request. Nearby is military museum Fort Siloso, which served as a coastal defence outpost during the Second World War.