In 2011 Steve wanted to revisit Singapore, a destination he had visited in his early 20’s. I was happy to see this bustling city, but I also wanted a relaxing beach family holiday.
But where to stay in Singapore that’s on the beach?
Then I stumbled upon information about Sentosa Island. A small island to the south of Singapore that is literally only minutes away by cable car, monorail or car.
At the time the Shangri-la Rasa Sentosa was in the process of a soft opening after being closed for many months with major renovations. There were some great specials available direct through the Shangri-la Rasa Sentosa website. We grabbed the opportunity to experience this luxurious resort.
My Review on Shangri-la Rasa Sentosa
We arrive into Singapore with a toddler, retrieve our bags and make our way out to the taxi rank.
On the way out to Sentosa Island our driver points out some sites and advises us that if we were to return a year later the cityscape would be different – Singapore is ever evolving.
As our car pulls into the resort we are greeted, bags taken and shown the way to reception.
After quickly being checked-in we are escorted to our room. We had chosen a Pool View Room as it was slightly larger, something we felt we would appreciate having a young toddler.
When we reach our room the staff inquire whether we would like the small sofa made up or a cot for Lewis. So nice that they give us the option – we choose the sofa bed.
On our first night we discover how easy it is to get about Sentosa Island using the free buses and being able to make our way over to mainland Singapore on the monorail. The monorail deposit’s us at the top of the massive Vivo City Shopping Mall. The shopping mall offers us lots of dining options.
Though we also choose to eat in-house as well. In the mornings we enjoy the included buffet breakfast looking out onto the lush gardens through to Siloso Beach.
One evening we walk out onto Siloso Beach to find the resort’s Italian restaurant Trapizza. Lewis is able to play in the sand whilst we eat our pasta.
We relax by the pool in the afternoons having spent the mornings either exploring Sentosa Island or Singapore.
There is a large toddler’s pool that is shaded naturally in the afternoon. It is so relaxing sitting in there whilst Lewis splashes about.
The main part of the pool is huge, but all about chest deep. We speak to management at the cocktail night and they tell us that the pool was one of the major refurbishments. They had noted previously that the deep end of the pool was very rarely utilised, now that it is only chest deep there are people everywhere in the pool, or relaxing by the bubble jets.
The other new inclusions are the splash zone and children’s water slides.
For kids they also provide a kids club that includes a tree house slide into a ball pit. But Lewis is too young to visit, so we sit in the unsupervised toddler room with him whilst he plays with the toys.
We are only in Singapore for 5 days but feel totally relaxed by staying at the beach-side location. I am so glad I stumbled upon this gem, that I would love to return to again.
Would you like to stay at the Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa?
Tell me why in the comments.
Linking Up With:
- With Some Grace #FYBF
- My Brown Paper Packages #WednedayWanderlust
We visited Sentosa Island the last time we were in Singapore (2012) and it was totally different to how I remembered it from previous visits several years before – it was certainly major renovations that had happened! It was now a really fun destination. There’s so much to do there. Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa looks like a great place to stay too.
The taxi driver who took us to our hotel advised us that if we were to return to Singapore the following year we would see changes. He said Singapore is always building – I can see on the Sentosa website Fairlie that so much more has already been added since we were there a few years ago.
Being a Singaporean, I swear Singapore is ever evolving. I can pass by a road that I haven’t visited for a while and suddenly, out of nowhere, there is now a big, grand hotel standing there. Like… what?! Where did that come from!!?? Bay Hotel (which is a cheaper option if you want to visit Sentosa but do not want to pay for the price to stay on Sentosa itself), Parkroyal on Pickering and Park Hotel Alexandra are examples of hotels that sprung out in my face recently. It’s crazy! #wednesdaywanderlust
I’ve just been and checked out all those hotels Lin, thank you for the hints.
Oh it looks stunning there! I went to Singapore some years back to visit my sister who was living there. I didn’t get to Sentosa Island though. I did see lots of Singapore though and I loved it … even though the heat was quite stifling! 🙂
I really enjoyed Singapore as well Min, for me the draw card of Sentosa Island was that you got to escape the hustle and bustle and feel like you were truly on a holiday island as well whilst having all those site on your door step.
Splash zones for the kids are a must when they are little – they are always the highlight for my kids.
Thanks for linking up #wednesdaywanderlust
They are must have for our family at the moment Malinda, though looking forward to the days when he is wanting to REALLY explore the world.
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