NATAS SPECIAL Visit Amara's booth at the upcoming Natas fair and buy a special S$125 nett per person package, inclusive of breakfast on a twin-share basis. Where: Booth 4H26
S'pore Expo Hall 4 and 5 When: Feb 27 to Mar 1, 2009
It's hard to imagine that just ten minutes away from the hustle and bustle of Singapore's city lies a quaint resort haven.
The Amara Sanctuary Resort in Sentosa, a short drive from Singapore's central business and financial districts, combines tropical gardens, contemporary design and colonial architecture for a stylish identity.
Stepping into the premises - located on the site of a former British military barracks from the 1930s - is akin to entering a world unto its own.
Lush greenery surrounds the resort's pathways and buildings, which contains 91 Sanctuary Rooms, 12 Courtyard suites with outdoor jacuzzi, and 8 Verandah suites with outdoor patio and 10 one- or two-bedroom villas with private plunge pool and personalised service.
Comfort and elegance in the Sanctuary room.
The Courtyard and Verandah suites are actually located in a former two-storey colonial-style British Sergeants' quarters and outfitted with sleek and modern furnishings, giving a rustic yet sophisticated feel unlike any other.
Leafy palm and tropical trees fringe the exterior of the suites, making for a great photo opportunity of the colonial architecture in its heyday.
Another notable sight on the resort grounds is the Glass Pavilion, tucked within the lushly landscaped grounds.
It is furnished with stylish transparent Philippe Starck-designed "Louis Ghost Chairs" and a waterfall acts as a picturesque backdrop to the elegant contemporary structure.
If exclusivity is what you are after, the rooftop infinity pool offers a mesmerising view of the South China Sea, and is reserved only for adult use.
The infinity skypool - reserved only for adults
It's the perfect place to spend the sunset hours of the afternoon - the reflections of the clouds and sunbeams off the water's gently rippling surface offer a soothing sensation.
There are two other pools where guests can cool off in the warm tropical climate, a dream pool and a children's pool.
For those seeking the sun and surf, the island's popular Palawan beach is a convenient 3-minute walk away.
After the day is done, shower off and head to the all-day restaurant Shutters, which serves up contemporary Western and Asian cuisine. For a more romantic experience, sit at the outdoor terrace area where a breathtaking view of the Amara skylight feature awaits.
Top off your meal with the delightful créme brulee, which employs an aromatic cempedak fruit to give the customary custard an extra zing. Resident Straits Times food critic Wong Ah Yoke calls it a "dream".
Other dining alternatives include the Thai restaurant Thanying, a chic beachside restaurant Silk Road of the Sea, and Japanese eatery Sibon which is exquisitely housed in a refurbished church built in the 1930s.
Even though the Amara Sanctuary Resort is just a stone's throw away from the mainland of Singapore, a short weekend stay there does peculiarly feel like you have gone for a restful holiday overseas.
