What is it? Conde Nast Traveller's Hot List this year named the ultra-luxurious Capella Singapore one of the top new hotels in the world. And while resort executives are reluctant to reveal which moguls are regular visitors, fans of Jackie Chan will recognise Capella's tranquil cascading pool and sprawling grounds from pictures on his blog.
Capella Singapore is a fusion of colonial and contemporary. A private driveway leads to a white-columned bungalow, built in the 1880s for the British military to host gala balls in. Connected to the colonial building, facing the South China Sea, is a curved extension designed by London's Foster and Partners.
Where is it? Capella's location, on Sentosa Island amid 12 hectares of lush rainforest, is just minutes from Singapore's central business district. In Malay, 'sentosa' means 'peaceful' or 'tranquil' and it's easy to imagine you're in a Southeast Asian retreat here, instead of in frenetic Singapore.
What about the rooms? One thing that sets Capella apart from other luxury lodgings in Singapore is its spacious guestrooms. There are 112 , including 38 villas (above) and four Constellation rooms, with private roof-top jacuzzis.
Rooms are hi-tech and come with free wireless internet, flat-screen television sets and Bose entertainment systems with iPod docking station. Other luxurious touches include bar fridges stocked with complimentary drinks that are replenished daily, Nespresso coffee machines and free pressing for up to five garments. Top of the range are the two three-bedroom Colonial Manors, each of which has an elegant dining room for entertaining guests, a study, a lounge, a chef's kitchen and a lap pool.
There are separate wings for long-stay guests, who have a choice of 72 sea-facing suites and penthouses and nine 'manors' with private pools.
What about the food? Dining options include Chinese fine dining at Cassia, all-day international and Asian cuisine at The Knolls and drinks and tapas at Bob's Bar, overlooking the South China Sea.