BACKGROUND Sofitel is the luxury brand by AccorHotels of French origin. Just like every property in the world, it romances French and local cultures. In this case, while all properties have France’s national animal, the horse, this one has a golden lion too, synonymous with Singapore.
WHAT’S IT LIKE? It has every element that goes into the making of a resort. Barring the high ceiling and grand chandelier, the lobby has an outdoor feel to it. Reception desks are to its right in an air-conditioned room that displays information on the hotel’s various spa treatments. Waterbodies flank pathways almost throughout the property. Some of the man-made ponds have low seats for guests to get an impromptu fish-pedicure.
At the time of my visit, Singapore was expecting heavy showers, and so through the day I could hear peacocks sing. Most facilities on the resort are outdoor; ceiling fans and water coolers help keep temperatures in check, and having ample greenery around helped battle the humidity too.
WHERE IS IT? It is opposite Sentosa Golf Club and a 25-minute drive from
Changi Airport.
ROOM FACILITIES Rooms are divided between Tranquility Wing and Peace Wing. While both have a view of the garden, some rooms of Tranquility Wing face the car park.
I stayed in the open concept Junior suite that was nonetheless cosy. The full-length mirror on the outer bathroom wall gave the suite a larger appearance than what it is.
A television sits on the wall separating the living room and the bedroom that has the basics such as a second television set, cupboard, safe and telephone. The living room has a rocking chair in addition to the sofa seating, minibar and work desk. Oddly enough, the only plug points below the desk were occupied by the room’s floor lamps. To charge my gadgets, I needed to use the ones beside my bed. The minibar is designed like a French hat-cum-Chinese dim sum basket. The former is depicted in the bar’s lid, and the later in its bottom.
All rooms and suites have the minibar, an Illy coffee maker, tea kettle, LCD television, free wifi, mosaic tiles in the shower area, art installation above the bathtub, an entrance foyer, wifi and free water bottles.
RESTAURANTS AND BARS Kwee Zeen serves pan-Asian specialities and classic French fare. Within this is Chocolaterie that is a dream for fans of Willie Wonka’s chocolate factory — this is also where breakfast is served. IlLido At The Cliff is known for its Italian preparations. It has two private dining rooms for small groups who request for privacy. The Garden is next to So Spa and has a health food menu. LeBar is popular for its afternoon tea and evening cocktails.
BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILITIES The events space has a separate entrance, in addition to being connected through the hotel. Straits Ballroom (315 sqm), Saffron Ballroom (198 sqm), Kusu Room (72 sqm), Ginger Room (108 sqm), and Nutmeg Room (120 sqm) can be divided into two; and Sarong Room (170 sqm) into four parts. Cinnamon Room is 81 sqm. Glass walls in these rooms ensure plenty of natural light. Coffee Corner is the common cafe for the banquets floor and brews Illy beans.
LEISURE FACILITIES Tanjong Beach can be accessed (6am to 10pm) by climbing down 132 steps leading from the outdoor pool. So SPA is a 15-minute walk or a quick buggy ride away, built in a heritage building of 6,000 sqm. It has meditative labyrinths, the hotel’s second swimming pool, float pool, mud pool, six outdoor and 14 indoor treatment rooms. A part of this spa is exclusive to ladies. So FIT, the gym is located there too.
VERDICT It’s a luxurious resort. Greenery throughout the property, visible from the rooms’ windows add to the cosy feel. In the evenings, the rooms get exceptionally cold, and the warm blankets ensure a snug sleep.
PRICE Internet rates for a midweek stay in March for a luxury room starts from S$396/₹18,964.
CONTACT 2 Bukit Manis Road, Sentosa, Singapore 099891; tel: +65 67088310; sofitel.com
Ravi Lalwani
