Amara Sanctuary Resort, Sentosa

In celebration of our 11th year together and 6th year ROM Anniversary (on 6 Aug), Hubby and I decided to check into the Amara Sanctuary Resort at Sentosa over the National Day weekend.

Had wanted to hop over to Bangkok but our work commitments on Friday and Monday did not allow us the luxury of a 3D2N holiday. We were left with options of a Bintan getaway or just a simple Singapore getaway either at hotels near Marina Bay or Sentosa. Finally decided on Sentosa as prime hotels at Marina Bay were either fully booked or too expensive (in view of National Day).

Had stayed at The Sentosa Resort & Spa (formerly known as The Beaufort) a few years back, so we thought of checking out the Amara Sanctuary Resort, which is a relatively new establishment in Sentosa; and they happened to be offering a National Day package. For $388++, a one-night stay at The Sanctuary Deluxe Room, 2 BBQ Buffet Dinner and 2 Buffet Breakfast; sounded quite a good deal. Would have prefered a Villa, but well, it is a little pricey for our budget.

We reached the resort in the evening and was rather disappointed and upset that our request for king-size bedded room (even though we requested for it during reservation) couldn't be acceded as the resort was running full house. There was nothing the front desk could offer, except complimentary late check-out till 3pm. Well, we just had to blame ourselves checking in late...

Architecture of the premise is quite airy and spacious. But somehow, we couldn't find ourselves relaxing as we were supposed to. Perhaps it's the notion of still being in Singapore.

The furnishings of the Sanctuary Deluxe Room is befitting for a slated 5 star resort; but the bathroom amenities offered is somewhat of a 'lesser class' e.g 2 plastic-wrapped toothbrush and toothpaste, a plastic container of things like sewing kit, shower cap. Maybe I'm just nitpicking.

Dinner was BBQ Buffet at Shutters Restaurant. Ambience is cosy with rather chic interiors. Food selection was just a tad limited but taste-wise definitely commendable. I love the special National Day mocktail concoction. After a slow and relaxing dinner, we walked around the resort a bit before retiring to the comforts of our room.

Breakfast was once again at Shutters Restaurant, we managed to get an alfresco table as the restaurant was running maximum capacity indoors. Luckily we made it 'early' enough (although it was already 9.30am) coz shortly after we got our seat, a long queue formed. Seemed like the restaurant capacity would not be able to cope if the resort is running full house.

Selection for breakfast was quite disappointing and food ran out faster than the kitchen could cope. Other than the usual breakfast items, cooked-to-order prata and egg stations were also offered. The restaurant had an open-kitchen concept which did not work well here as confused and hungry patrons were trying to get attention from flustered kitchen staff who seemed lost with mounting orders.
Since food selection was limited and we didn't want to queue for the pratas and eggs, we quickly ate our breakfast to make way for more queuing people.


After breakfast, we walked around the resort but nothing much interesting. There was sometime to go before check-out, so we decided go for a hike from the resort to Palawan Beach to Siloso Beach then back. It was a good one-hour hike, then back to the resort for quick shower and check-out.

Well, I guess we wouldn't be back in the near future. Perhaps a true getaway from Singapore suits us better.

Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa
1 Larkhill Road, Sentosa Island
Singapore 099394
Tel: +65 6825 3888
http://www.amarasanctuary.com/home.html