For my birthday day this year, the husband and I decided to celebrate it with a staycation at Capella Singapore. Not just the both of us – with two small kids aged 4 and under 1 in tow, we had the most wonderful time there as a family.
This is a review of our family staycation.
Capella Singapore: Designed after colonial bungalows dating back to the 1880s, from which the hotel extends into gardens and grounds framed by the sea.
Capella Singapore: complimentary stay with American Express
When I first signed up for the American Express Platinum Charge card, the welcome gift was a night’s stay at Capella Singapore.
This was in ADDITION to other hotel / travel benefits, such as the
(i) combined worth of SGD 800 in hotel and travel credits (of which my family used SGD 400 in hotel credits for a staycation at Fullerton Singapore),
(ii) Annual complimentary stay at St. Regis Singapore OR the W Singapore Sentosa Cove.
(iii) complimentary 3D2N stay at a Fraser property (With the Platinum Reserve Card – which one doesn’t need to pay annual fees if you ALREADY own the Platinum Charge Card). For this offer, my family stayed for 3D2N at Capri by Fraser at Changi City.
There are other benefits such as Fine Hotels and Resorts (FHR) rates, a ton of vouchers for room upgrades (got one at Fairmont Singapore!), and Elite Hotel statuses (Gold in Hilton Honors, Gold in Marriott Bonvoy, Platinum Status in DISCOVERY).
I honestly highly recommend this card for its benefits alone – it is unrivalled and unparalleled.
For a summary of the Platinum Charge card’s benefits, I highly recommend checkint out this post:
Image Source: American Express Singapore
Inspired by this post and want to apply for an American Express credit card? Apply through one of my referral links and receive either bonus Membership Rewards points or statement credit:
- The Platinum Charge Card: Use this referral link and receive up to S$900 statement credits and Samsonite Choca Spinner 68/25 (worth S$700) when you apply and minimum spend criteria is met.
- The American Express Platinum Card: Use this referral link and receive up to S$350 statement credits when you apply and minimum spend criteria is met.
- American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Ascend Credit Card: Use this referral link and receive up to 38, 000 Krisflyer miles and S$50 statement credits when you apply and minimum spend criteria is met.
Disclaimer: the views and opinions expressed on this page are that of Happy High Life and may not necessarily reflect the position of American Express. Happy High Life is not responsible for any decisions made by readers. The terms and conditions for each credit card's application and usage may be subject to change by American Express. Therefore, readers are recommended to check any matters with American Express or its partners; the list of all benefits of the Platinum Charge Card can be found here.
Capella Singapore: near the drop-off point. Entrance to the lobby on the right
Capella booking
To claim the welcome gift for the stay at Capella Singapore, I simply called the American Express Travel Concierge and they handled the booking. (FYI: I also call these people if I had to redeem Travel credits that come with the Amex Platinum Charge card).
The process was easy – all room preferences (King vs Twin), dates, special requests (Birthday celebration, baby cot) etc was handled by them.
(Note: The welcome gift from Amex may be subjected to change. The Capella stay, at the moment, has been discontinued. As of 2021, the welcome gift from Amex is now an omnidesk. I have recently released a blog post comparing the card’s differences in benefits for 2020 and 2021, read here for more information).
Check-in at Capella Singapore
While waiting to check in, we were seated in the lounge area.
The weekend was a full house so wait times were longer than usual. The staff, wanting to keep guests happy, served welcome drinks to all – a refreshing citrusy mix.
Plush Peacock toys for the Kids and Welcome Drinks for all
Both our kids were given stuffed peacocks to take home – a real lifesaver for parents. Waiting with kids really bites so we are always grateful for little distractions – giveaways like these go a long way!
With this, we didn’t mind the wait at all.
In spite of the 30 minute wait, he staff were all professional, efficient, and so welcoming. One made small talk with my four year old and another cooed and made noises to amuse the one year old baby. About 30 minutes later we were finally given the key card access to our rooms and made our way there.
It feels like a resort here. Walking towards our room – we were completely woweed – this place feels like it’s MADE for a super relaxing holiday.
I saw my four year old excitedly RUN all the way to the room.
Circular corridor, leading to the Garden Premier View Rooms
Premier Garden View Room
Spacious at a luxurious size (by Singapore’s real estate standards) of 77 square meters, the room with cool and elegant tones is welcoming at first sight.
Premier Garden View Room
The King bed is easily one of the most comfortable (if not THE most comfortable) the husband and I had in a hotel.
The reason: Sealy Posturepedic mattress with Rivolta Carmignani linen
We had requested for a baby cot for the one year old, and a beautiful Norwegian-brand Stokke oval shaped cot was provided.
This is a real testament to quality here – usually hotels give a random wooden or mesh cot, but at Capella Singapore even babies are provided with the one of the industry’s best baby beds to sleep in.
Stokke baby cot
It was my Birthday weekend at the time of stay – and the American Express Travel Concierge didn’t forget this detail at the time of booking. Capella had given a Birthday Card, a complimentary Birthday Cake…
Birthday Card and Strawberry Cheesecake!
And the gift of a scented candle. A small gesture, but it shows the thoughtfulness – we definitely felt special with this!
Capella Candle. Lol.
As its name suggests, the Premier Garden Room does overlook the gardens. A workdesk and a sofa are placed against the windows – admittedly it feels tranquil just sitting around here.
Greenery outside
The bag of the day / stay – I brought along the Chanel Deauville tote, my trusty companion for most local Singapore staycations.
I wonder if anyone actually uses the workdesk FOR work?
On the workdesk, is a QR code – these days hotels tend to have these things – scan to view hotel information.
“Your Perfect Stay Begins Here” – QR code. Lol.
There is also a touch screen panel to control lighting, air conditioning and curtains or blinds. Despite giving the impression of a slow-paced resort, the technology here is somewhat impressive.
So cool…. Not the weather.
Walk outside, and it reveals a spacious balcony with a sunbed.
Though as a Singapore resident, I personally prefer to stay indoors, where the air condition is. Singapore is too hot and humid on a regular basis.
Back inside by the door, and decked against the wall, is the huge 46-inch flat screen LCD TV.
46-inch flat screen TV
It is movable too, and can be pulled out to adjust the viewing angle. Audio sound – though impossible to show on this blog – it feels like a mini surround sound; that set up is done with a BOSE sound system.
Pulled out the 46-inch flat screen TV
Under the TV lies some cabinetry. On top is a nespresso machine.
Hotel tip: Open every drawer and cabinet. You’ll never know what you’ll find, haha.
Concealed inside is a mini refrigerator, and more tea and coffee supplies.
Where’s my Coffee?
My four year old’s favourite part of the room: Complimentary in-room treats. These refrigerator items aren’t just replenished daily – guests can request for top-ups at no extra charge.
Apple or Orange Juices. Coke. Mineral and Carbonated water.
Bathroom
Walkway. Luggage storage and clothes hanging area (left), and double wash basins (right)
We love the double sinks – somehow double sinks gives that extra touch of luxury.
Ergonomically designed, the layout was also practical. Upon emerging from the bath, shower, or toilet, the changing and hand washing area is literally right in front of it. Yet it’s still hidden away from the main bed area.
Walk in wardrobe (front), followed by door to toilet, and entrance to bathing area (back)
Much to the delight of our four year old, little child-sized robes were available, and she was more than happy to dress in matchy-matchy robes with the parents. Lol.
Bonus: notice the child bathrobe? Child slippers are also available upon request.
The toilet, dimly lit, hides behind a door wooden door.
Taking a dump has never been this zen
Now, to take a shower or a bath? That is the question. Decisions, decisions.
Shower (left) and Bathtub (right)
In the shower area there is a sophisticated dark backdrop, with a rainshower hanging from the ceiling.
Shower Entrance
Rainshower
Directly opposite the shower area – an elegant cream coloured bathtub invitingly rests. The shade can either be left open for a bit of the Garden view, or closed for a more private and cosy feel.
Bathtub
All bath amenities are from Aesop – oooooh!! We were so excited to see these. Deeply aromatic, and healing, these are literally the best bath products.
Aesop Bathroom Products
Fragrant to the point of being almost intoxicating, these bath products are a real indulgence. (FYI, I’m not kidding: a travel-sized bath, shampoo, conditioner and lotion set alone easily costs 50 SGD.)
All bathroom lightings and shade by the bath are controllable via a few buttons on the wall.
Pool and Gym at Capella Singapore
The swimming pools are set amidst lush greenery, further adding on to the holiday-at-a-resort vibes.
At the time of writing, they are open from 7am to 7pm daily (though it may be subject to change with the ever changing situation of covid19).
A couple of huge unicorns floated around – a delight for any child (and any adult’s inner child). Our four year old was obsessed with the unicorn; she was happy to climb and “ride” the animal, much more than her normal swimming or water play.
Hello Unicorn
On the walls by the pool – lotions by Aesop were provided. I do love little touches such as these – it’s the small things that add up which renders a stay welcoming and inviting.
Aesop Body Lotion
Complimentary water (top), and Pool menu (bottom). Many were snacking by the pool too.
Fun fact: Capella Singapore has rooms that come with their own private pools. Each of their 38 Villas (either one or two bedroom) feature an outdoor terrace with private plunge pool. There are also four Manors (colonial style suites) that also come with private pools.
But these accommodations are waaaay out of my league now, so here’s an image from the capella website instead.
Capella Manor. Coloninial-style building that’s used as suites. Image source: Capella Singapore
For those who prefer doing indoor workouts, there is a full-fledged gym, well stocked with all sorts of gym equiptment. Please don’t ask me what each machine does, I’m not an expert on this one – but the gym was massive and looked real impressive.
Gymnasium at the Capella Singapore. Looks like threadmill users would get the best views
Auriga Spa
One of the highlights of the stay (for Adults at least), is the facilities at Auriga Spa.
Entrance to Auriga Spa at Capella Singapore
Auriga spa facilities include 9 treatment suites (including three couples suites).
By the reception area
Guests also have access to the luxuriously-appointed separate Male and Female spa areas, which feature a Vitality Pool, Herbal Steam Room, and Ice Fountain.
Vitality Pool
My personal favourite: the Vitality Pool.
Warm waters
The bubbles – activated with the push of a button, gives an immersive hydrotheraphy massage. Or, soothe the shoulders under the powerful jet stream of the swan neck.
Another favourite is the herb-infused steam room. Inhaling aromatherapic scents is truly healing. I spent about 10 minutes in there, and felt like the steam opened up the airways and cleared my mind.
Herbal Steam Room
There’s also two huge showers in the spa: one that dispenses cool mist (Cool Mist Experience Shower), and another that pours out warm rain (Tropical Rain Experience Shower). It’s recommended that guests alternate between the two to have a truly cool wellness experience.
Cool Mist Experience Shower – press a button, wait, and cool mist will spray~
It was so relaxing here that I didn’t want to leave. But alas, I had visited at night, and soon the spa was about to close.
Hallway
You know the feeling when you’re done with a great spa treatment but still don’t want to leave? Head to the Relaxation Lounge for that.
Relaxation Lounge
So I made my way to the lockers to pick up my things.
Lockers at Auriga spa
Washed my hands and face (while enjoying the Aesop bathroom products, of course)…
The flowers, the aroma – everything feels Zen
… and reluctantly left the place. Honestly, the spa facilities are amazing, and it may rival even the Remede spa at St. Regis Singapore (which I had previously declared as the best hotel spa experience ever).
Complimentary Tea for Capella’s Guests
Daily, between 3pm to 5pm, Guests can enjoy a complimentary Tea Time at The Living Room.
The Living Room
Located one floor directly above the check-in area and lobby, The Living Room is made of multiple Living Room set ups – sofas and coffee tables throughout.
Armchairs, sofas, and coffee tables everywhere
We were ushered to our seats. They do provide baby chairs upon request.
Love the Carpets here
Soon our tea arrived.
It’s not a huge spread, but the items were of an above-average high tea quality. Scones, mini cakes, little sandwiches, and an assortment of drinks (juice, coffee, teas) were available. We could also have as much as we liked.
Kids loved the chocolate cake. Adults enjoyed the Apple Strudel / Danish thing
Breakfast at the Knolls
One of the memorable highlights of the stay, was breakfast at The Knolls at Capella Singapore.
The Knolls at Capella Singapore
There is both indoor and outdoor seating. Though, with my family not being a fan of the heat and humidity, we tend to gravitate towards places with air-condition.
With an extensive menu at the Knolls, guests can order any item(s) they want, as much as they like.
The Knolls Breakfast Experience Menu
Occasionally, the friendly staff will walk around with mouth-watering trays of fresh pastries. I cannot describe the aroma but the smell of fresh bread just makes anyone hungry.
Mmmm… Carbs
I stopped caring about a sugar overload:
Nyona Kaya Jam Coconut Roll and Chocolate Muffin
As soon as we made our decisions on our choice of breads, a tray of multicoloured vitagen options arrives. Our kids (and myself) were suckers for these.
Yakult / Vitagen
The variety was truly commendable. If you love Cafe-like Breakfasty stuff – think along the lines of Eggs royale (poached egg with smoked salmon), and avocado toast, these were beautifully done.
Avocado Toast – corn bread topped with smash avocado, arugula, and medium-baked eggs
Eggs Royale – Poached egg atop smoked salmon and a toasted English muffin
There’s something insanely satisfying about breaking a poached egg’s yolk. So here we go.
Beautiful
For folks who are trying to be healthy, items such as the Kale Quinoa salad, and fresh yogurt are always an option.
Fruit and Yogurt, Kale Quinoa salad
Or, for those who must have local hot food, the Knolls has their own version of Laska and dim sum.
When you WILL yourself to eat only the salad and fail
My husband (a Japanese man, by the way) loved the Indian varieties as well (not that he’s an expert, and neither am I, but we know that it’s definitely good)
‘Paratha’ on the Menu. Known as ‘Roti Prata’ to locals. Comes with Chicken Curry
And there was more than one kind of Paratha. Our guess is that one of these is vegetarian – I’m not 100% sure, but judging that one gets served with chicken curry and another with chickpeas, it’s quite likely it. We could appreciate the variety – most other hotels would have perhaps ONE kind of Paratha or ONE indian option, so it’s great that Capella tries to have a broader/more includisve menu.
Aloo Paratha. Served with Chickpea Curry.
Generally, the breakfast items weren’t an afterthought – every serving of food felt like it was curated and planned for enjoyment.
(Maybe.. except for the Coco Pops. But for some kids, these might just be the best breakfast in the world. So there you go – inclusivity.)
“Chocolate Sprinkles!” – my four year old
For Adults, there is joy even in the ham and cheese croissants. Everything, although simple in outlook, felt really well-done – like that food item was created at a high standard.
Ham and Cheese Croissants
One of the more popular breakfast items is the Vanilla Pancake. I saw this on nearly every dining table I swear.
Vanilla Pancakes. Served with Maple Syrup and Fresh Berries
Light and fluffy with a sweet hint of Vanilla, we could instantly see why it’s so popular among the breakfasting folks. The kids devoured it, the adults savoured it. I honestly wish I had the stomach space for more – it was THAT good.
Needless to say, we were STUFFED. Clearly, there won’t be a need for lunch in a few hours, Lol.
But oh gosh, the breakfast was so enjoyable. It wasn’t just a meal, it was an experience. The staff were so kind and treated our kids and us like VIPs, they kept asking if there was anything we needed, and you just can’t HELP feeling welcomed and at ease. Our kids are VERY messy eaters and as parents, we generally try to clean up a little an pick up the kids’ mess. Now imagine the staff comes to you and says, “Don’t worry, we’ll take care of it later”. “It’s alright, I’ve got kids too.” “May I talk/play with your child so you can eat in peace?”
I don’t know if we hit an exceptionally good person by luck or if everyone at the Knolls was like that, but in totality that was the MOST ENJOYABLE hotel breakfast we have ever had as a family.
And I want to come back again.
Almond Croissant. So warm and toasty, so good
Overall review: Capella Singapore
First off, the hotel is a beautiful one, especially at night.
The Knolls by Capella, outdoor seating area at night
Insanely romantic, it rivals even the views of Singapore River by the Fullerton Hotel (read reviews here!). Additionally, the thrill of being in Sentosa, literally feeling like you’re AWAY from the main Singapore island, is a plus for the relaxation factor.
Night Stroll
The resort itself was sufficient in the sense that we were happy to simply stay within the vicinity of Capella Singapore and didn’t have a need to explore the rest of Sentosa. For our 2D1N stay, it was enough to stroll around the resort (which is huge) and bring our kids for walks all around.
Where some of the Rooms are
Capella also does have the occasional workshop and events (e.g. baking for kids, yoga sessions, etc), and though I personally didn’t attend any (mostly because my 2nd kid at the time of visit was less than 1 yaer old and still needed at least 1 parent around 24/7), I have heard good reviews about them.
The staff service was EXCELLENT. Professional and polite at all levels, everyone we ran onto greeted us with such warmth and sincerity that you can’t help feeling like a VIP… even if you’re staying only in the Premier Garden View Room and not a Villa. Several staff made friendly chats with the kids, and the attempt to treat children in a manner as welcoming as the adults is a winner in any parent’s books.
The use of Aesop’s products everywhere (though seemingly trivial) was also a plus point – of going the extra mile to make people feel special.
Public bathroom. Spot the Aesop products.
Obviously, the stay at Capella Singapore was made sweeter as it’s a welcome gift that came with the American Express Platinum Charge Card
Do note that, as it is a complimentary stay, guests do not earn any DISCOVERY points or nights for this.
I thoroughly enjoyed the time here, as did the husband and kids. It IS a real pity that from time to time the welcome gifts do change with Amex, but i hear that each gift is exciting – right now the Platinum Charge card gives out an omnidesk – probably to cater to work from home folks – so the gifts may evolve with the times.
Nevertheless, I am so thankful that American Express gave us this welcome gift when it did. Without it, I may never have experienced the joy of staying at Capella Singapore, and it’s been one of the best Hotel stays I’ve had to date.
For a summary of benefits of the Amex Platinum Charge Card, do check out this post right here:
Inspired by this post and want to apply for an American Express credit card? Apply through one of my referral links and receive either bonus Membership Rewards points or statement credit:
- The Platinum Charge Card: Use this referral link and receive up to S$900 statement credits and Samsonite Choca Spinner 68/25 (worth S$700) when you apply and minimum spend criteria is met.
- The American Express Platinum Card: Use this referral link and receive up to S$350 statement credits when you apply and minimum spend criteria is met.
- American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Ascend Credit Card: Use this referral link and receive up to 38, 000 Krisflyer miles and S$50 statement credits when you apply and minimum spend criteria is met.
Disclaimer: the views and opinions expressed on this page are that of Happy High Life and may not necessarily reflect the position of American Express. Happy High Life is not responsible for any decisions made by readers. The terms and conditions for each credit card's application and usage may be subject to change by American Express. Therefore, readers are recommended to check any matters with American Express or its partners; the list of all benefits of the Platinum Charge Card can be found here.
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