Singapore Sentosa: Active isle

Singapore is arguably the leading events destination in Asia for groups with a serious business agenda. Last year, the city-state topped the International Congress and Convention Association’s ranking for the most meetings held in the region for the third year running. Still, the Lion City has another equally important pull factor – its potential for fun and relaxation. Great effort has been made to maintain its parks and rural areas, and the island of Sentosa, which is connected to downtown Singapore by bridge, has emerged as a destination that offers tranquillity for corporate groups, as well as lively teambuilding and get-togethers. Surrounded by lush greenery and a stone’s throw from the beach, hotels such as the Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa and Capella Singapore fit the bill for corporate retreats where the peace is disturbed only by the rustle of wildlife. At the same time, the properties are just minutes from the exciting attractions and venues of Resorts World Sentosa. If you’re seeking a new side to the city-state, here are some properties to consider.   AMARA SANCTUARY RESORT SENTOSA Set within four hectares of tropical gardens, the luxurious Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa has 140 rooms, suites and villas starting from 37 sqm, some located in a former British army barracks from World War II. The property’s meeting and event facilities are housed in a two-storey, glass-clad building, comprising a pillar-free ballroom that can host 500 guests for a banquet or 1,600 for cocktails, plus an adjoining foyer and seven meeting rooms. There’s also the Glass Pavilion, an impressive circular space with floor-to-ceiling windows that seats 40 guests. The Amara encourages event planners to incorporate wellness therapies into their programmes. Back and shoulder massages can be arranged between sessions, along with the 30-minute “Meeting Energiser”, which is free for groups of 20 or more and doubles as a team-bonding exercise, with fitness trainers on hand to get delegates motivated. The property also has two restaurants, a bar, four pools and a tennis court. Sentosa Golf Club is a five-minute drive away. 1 Larkhill Road; tel +65 6825 3888; sentosa.amarahotels.com   CAPELLA SINGAPORE A chic historic hotel surrounded by rainforest, the five-star Capella Singapore is minutes from the Amara. Designed by Foster and Partners, the property combines two 1880s bungalows – which once accommodated British Royal Artillery officers – with curving modern areas, all set on 12 hectares of grounds. The hotel offers more than 2,000 sqm of event space, including Singapore’s first circular ballroom. A glass dome floods the pillarless, 780 sqm venue with natural light; it can accommodate 500 delegates theatre-style or 700 for a reception. The Gallery seats 100 guests for a banquet, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the gardens. The three Sentosa rooms hold up to 220 people theatre-style when combined, and look out over the South China Sea. Outdoor options include areas for poolside dining and parties. The property also has a spa and direct access to the public beach, a five-minute walk away. 1 The Knolls; tel +65 6377 8888; capellahotels.com/singapore   SHANGRI-LA’S RASA SENTOSA RESORT & SPA Sunglasses at meetings are encouraged at Shangri-La’s Rasa Sentosa – a fitting fashion statement as the 454-room property, located in the northwest of the island, has a private beach. Despite its resort feel, the property is well set up for corporate events, with a range of soundproofed meeting spaces. The largest, the Siloso ballroom, holds 480 delegates theatre-style or 360 guests for gala dinners. The events team can organise themed activities such as beach barbecues and Hawaiian nights with live music, as well as teambuilding sessions and community and environmental programmes. In their downtime, delegates can enjoy the Chi spa, beach activities and water sports. 101 Siloso Road; tel +65 6275 0100; shangri-la.com   MOVENPICK HERITAGE HOTEL SENTOSA Open since 2011, the Movenpick is a short walk from Resorts World Sentosa and comprises two wings – a modern section and a heritage wing in a former army barracks. There are 191 rooms and suites (from 30 sqm), some overlooking Sentosa’s mythical Merlion statue. Meeting venues include the Heritage ballroom – which divides into three and seats 180 delegates for dinner – and three smaller rooms. There’s also a whisky lounge serving more than 250 spirits. 23 Beach View; tel +65 6818 3388; movenpick.com   SOFITEL SINGAPORE SENTOSA RESORT & SPA Previously the Singapore Resort and Spa Sentosa (and before that, Sentosa, a Beaufort hotel), this 215-room hotel joined Accor’s luxury Sofitel brand last November after a complete refurbishment. Set in 11 hectares of landscaped greenery, the hotel offers sea views from its location above Tanjong beach. The two-floor conference centre has more than 1,300 sqm of event space, including the 360-capacity Straits ballroom, which opens onto an outdoor terrace, and the Saffron ballroom, catering to 170 delegates theatre-style. There are six further meeting rooms. The hotel offers a pool, spa and direct beach access, and Sentosa Golf Club is next door. 2 Bukit Manis Road; tel +65 6708 8310; sofitel-singapore-sentosa.com    W SINGAPORE SENTOSA COVE Starwood brought its W brand to Sentosa in 2012. Located in the mixed-use marina development of Sentosa Cove, on the east side of the island, the slick waterfront new-build has 240 rooms and suites, and more than 1,500 sqm of event space. The 720 sqm Great room holds 540 delegates, who can arrive by boat thanks to a private berth. There’s a garden terrace for alfresco gatherings, plus a spa for post-meeting relaxation. 21 Ocean Way; tel +65 6808 7288; singaporesentosacove.com