Shangri-La’s Rasa Sentosa Resort & Spa – Singapore’s Beachfront Hotel

Shangri-La’s Rasa Sentosa Resort & Spa – Singapore’s Beachfront Hotel

Sentosa is a popular island resort visited by over twenty million visitors per year. Sentosa which means peace and tranquillity in Malay has a two-kilometre sheltered beach. The island is home to 14 hotels, Fort Siloso, the Merlion, two golf courses and the Resorts World Sentosa, featuring the theme park Universal Studios Singapore. Sentosa island is 5 km2 in size and it lies 500 meters away from the southern coast of the main island of Singapore. On the edge of the island tucked away near some rain forest lays the 454 Shangri-La’s Rasa Sentosa Resort & Spa. This resort is unique in Singapore as it is the only one with beachfront access.

Shangri-La's Rasa Sentosa Resort & Spa - Singapore's Beachfront Hotel - Review

Aerial photo of Sentosa Island. The white building on the left is the Shangri-La’s Rasa Sentosa Resort & Spa.

Reception

I took a taxi from the centre of Singapore and I was surprised how quick it took to arrive at this resort. The first thing I noticed was the huge amount of families that were here. It was the Australian and New Zealand winter holiday break and plenty of families seemed to enjoy themselves here. The reception was typical resort-style with a huge covered open space in which I could feel the sea breeze coming through. It also allowed me to experience the view over the pool area towards the South Indian Ocean.

Pool Area

The pool area features a large pool with different sections to cater for everyone’s needs. There is also an adult-only area for those wanting to do laps or have a break from the kids. The pool area has plenty of sun loungers as well as a pool bar. Next to the large pool is a dedicated kids area with water slides and a water park.

Shangri-La's Rasa Sentosa Resort & Spa - Singapore's Beachfront Hotel - Review

Shangri-La's Rasa Sentosa Resort & Spa - Singapore's Beachfront Hotel - Review

Water slides and a covered children’s pool to keep them save from the sun.

Shangri-La's Rasa Sentosa Resort & Spa - Singapore's Beachfront Hotel - Review

Family Friendly

The Shangri-La’s Rasa Sentosa Resort & Spa welcomes families and longer-term guests, the ones that stay one or two weeks in the resort. There are plenty of activities for the children with kids facilities for toddlers as well as a kids club for the older ones featuring an indoor treehouse. There is also a games room where kids play all sorts of video games. Besides that, there are plenty of activities organised around the pool area. What I liked is that each floor of this hotel had self-service laundry facilities to cater to guests staying longer.

Shangri-La's Rasa Sentosa Resort & Spa - Singapore's Beachfront Hotel - Review

Siloso Beach

The resort sits at the end of Siloso beach and this part of the beach is private and can only be used by guests. There are sun loungers, kids toys and there is also the use of kayaks for those that feel more adventurous. The beach is completed with a beach volleyball area.

Shangri-La's Rasa Sentosa Resort & Spa - Singapore's Beachfront Hotel - ReviewShangri-La's Rasa Sentosa Resort & Spa - Singapore's Beachfront Hotel - Review

8 Noodles Lunch

On the third floor is an area called Dine on 3 and it compromises of three different restaurants and a bar. I had lunch in one of them called 8 Noodles. Offering a taste of nostalgia, 8 Noodles is set in a 1960s style restaurant setting. As the name implies noodles are the stars of 8 Noodles. This affordably priced restaurant also serves traditional Cantonese-style roast meats including duck, chicken and pork. The signature item that I had to try was the Fish Udon in Herbal Soup, a springy thick threads made with fresh fish meat and flour steeped in a comforting herbal broth with red dates and wolfberries. Of course, you can not be in Singapore and not have its local Laksa. For drinks, there is a choice of teas, coconuts, cocktails, juices and other beverages.

Panoramic Sea View Room

My room was on the 11th floor and was overlooking the pool area towards the South China Sea. It is amazing how you can be in an island city of over 5 million people and have such relaxing sea views so close. The 32 m2 room came with a comfortable king-size bed, a desk area next to the flat-screen TV, and a table with two chairs to soak up the sea views. There was a balcony outside with two more chairs and a table to further enjoy the views and this was perfect at night when it got a little bit balmier. I liked the sliding wooden window shutters that gave it a bit more of an older feel. WiFi in the room was free and as usual in Singapore it was fast.

Shangri-La's Rasa Sentosa Resort & Spa - Singapore's Beachfront Hotel - Review

I loved the open concept bathroom which allowed me to enjoy those sea views whilst soaking in the bath. The bathroom was further equipped with a free-standing shower, plush towels and premium Shangri-La toiletries.

Shangri-La's Rasa Sentosa Resort & Spa - Singapore's Beachfront Hotel - Review

Breakfast

Breakfast was served in the same area as Dine on 3 and this buffet-style breakfast has almost anything you want. For those that stay one or two weeks here, there is enough choice to have a different breakfast every day. The choices here are between Indian, Chinese, Asian and Western cuisines. For the kids, there is a dedicated kids area where they can get their food. I liked how the serving staff here encourages you to review the breakfast and service via an online survey. Feedback from customers is always important.

Shangri-La's Rasa Sentosa Resort & Spa - Singapore's Beachfront Hotel - Review

Conclusion

The Shangri-La’s Rasa Sentosa resort has shown me that you can have a great family resort-style holiday with beach access in Singapore. This resort has all the amenities and activities to keep everyone occupied. There are plenty of kids facilities and activities to keep kids of all ages happy. Once you had enough of resort life then there are the other activities to explore on Sentosa Island. Vivo city the largest shopping centre in Singapore is easily accessed within 8 minutes via the hotel shuttle bus. The city centre is a 15-minute taxi drive (Sin $15-20) away. Even if you are in Singapore for business but would like to be somewhere quieter, you are never too far from where the business is done. The Shangri-La is unique in the whole of Singapore as the only hotel with beachfront access, everything else is 5 star as expected with Shangri-La’s hotels.

Shangri-La's Rasa Sentosa Resort & Spa - Singapore's Beachfront Hotel - Review

Detail

About The Author

Arthur van de Laak

I am an active traveler, snowboarder and technology geek. I write about male fashion and worldwide travel destinations.

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