A Sentosa Island Retreat: Family Fun and Adult Relaxation at Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa
I have visited Singapore numerous times, but my recent stay at the Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa on Sentosa Island was a first for me. Upon checking in, I realized I might be 15 years too late, as this resort is a paradise for families with young children. My daughters, now 22 and 19, would have adored this place when they were seven and four years old.
Family-Friendly Amenities and Activities
The resort boasts an array of child-centric features designed to keep young ones entertained. These include a children's swimming pool, water slides, a splash pad, a Kid's club, an arts and crafts room, and table tennis. Daily activities led by the Fun Team, such as Pool Fun Fest, Walk on Water, Aqua Cardio, and face painting, ensure there is never a dull moment. Disney movies by the beach and the outdoor playground Nestopia add to the fun.
Even dining is tailored for children at the Silver Shell Cafe buffet restaurant, with a designated station at kid-height counters and a self-serve Milo machine. However, the resort is not just for kids. Adults can enjoy an exclusive pool area, numerous pool-side loungers and daybeds, direct beach access with complimentary water sports, and Chi, The Spa, offering relaxing facials, massages, and body treatments.
Luxurious Accommodations and Scenic Views
Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa is Singapore's only beachside resort, providing a serene escape just 15 minutes from the bustling metropolis. Surrounded by lush tropical planting, every room features a balcony with views of the pool, sea, or verdant rainforest. I stayed in a luxurious Island suite, which included a king-size bedroom, living area, bathroom, powder room, and a terrace overlooking the pool and sea.
Thoughtful touches in the room included thongs in the wardrobe, universal plugs, and a jewellery tray inside the safe. The resort's location offers a lovely sea breeze from the South China Sea, providing relief from Singapore's humidity. Guests can relax by the pool, order food and drinks via QR code, or take a stroll along the oceanfront lawn, where peacocks and tropical birds add to the picturesque setting.
Dining Delights and Culinary Experiences
Dining at Silver Shell Cafe is a highlight, with a dinner buffet featuring excellent Indian vegetarian fare such as dahl makhani, palak paneer, and freshly made naan. Chinese roasted meats, including succulent pork belly and duck, are also available, along with stir-fried greens and noodles. A noodle soup station offers chicken broth or laksa, while a gelato stall provides perfect endings with flavors like green tea and coconut.
Breakfast is equally impressive, with an extensive buffet and a teh tarik station for traditional Malay sweetened tea. I enjoyed roti prata with vegetable sambar and mee rebus gravy, followed by dosa and idli prepared by Chef Pradeep. For lunch, Trapizza, the beachside Italian restaurant, serves dishes like prawn salad with pineapple and melon, along with woodfired thin-crust pizzas and pinsas.
Exploring Sentosa Island's Attractions
Contrary to my initial impression of Sentosa as solely theme parks, I discovered rich historical and natural attractions. A five-minute walk from the hotel leads to the Fort Siloso Skywalk, an 11-storey-high, 181-meter-long treetop bridge offering scenic views over Keppel Bay and the South China Sea. Fort Siloso, built in 1878 as a coastal defence fort, now serves as a military museum with World War II memorabilia.
The museum includes zones detailing Singapore's WWII history, soldier life, and wartime gardens featuring pandan leaves, lemongrass, and sugarcane. A highlight is Yip Yew Chong's mural, Waves of the Strait, which depicts the historical timeline of the Singapore Straits. Walking trails through the rainforest and along the coast provide shade and insights into local flora and fauna.
Relaxation and Entertainment Options
For relaxation, I visited Chi, The Spa, where the Singapore Signature massage incorporates Chinese, Malay, and Indian techniques, using bamboo rolling, kansa bowls, and head massages. The Palawan @ Sentosa, a lifestyle entertainment precinct, offers activities like HyperDrive go-karting, UltraGolf mini golf, HydroDash aqua park, and Splash Tribe beach club. Adults can unwind at +Twelve with private cabanas and plunge pools.
Morning walks along Sentosa's coastline reveal colorful tropical flowers, peacocks, and squirrels, with paths leading to beaches like Tanjong Beach. Despite the heat, the experience is rewarding, especially with a beach shuttle available for return trips. After such explorations, returning to the resort for a final poolside lounging session before check-out was the perfect end to a surprising and enjoyable stay.
Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa offers a blend of family fun, adult relaxation, and cultural exploration, making it a destination worth revisiting. With Deluxe Sea View rooms starting from $SG425++, this resort provides a comprehensive Sentosa experience that goes beyond expectations.
