Review: Our Weekend At The Amara Sanctuary Resort Villa
A Sentosa staycation may seem passe, but this hidden gem makes a great option for a weekend escape.
By ISABEL ONG,
The island is in the midst of a rainstorm as my car crosses the link-way. But it doesn't put a dampener on my spirits - after all, I'm here to enjoy a relaxing retreat away from the city. The destination: A recently revamped one-bedroom villa in the tranquil environs of Amara Sanctuary Resort.
The interior
Unlike conventional villa floorplans which usually open into the living room, the first thing my eyes meet beyond its wooden doors is a personal lounge pool and a cosy area for suntanning or chilling with a book in hand - props to the designers for making it a statement feature. Another unusual aspect: The living quarters are split into two distinct sections. To the left, the bedroom and ensuite bathroom; to the right, the living room.
The latter has all the modern-day trappings required for an always-connected urbanite: a 42-inch LED television, a Nespresso coffee machine, a complimentary mini bar and free wifi. Decked in soft, earthen hues with an expansive window overlooking a mini garden, it gives off an immediately restorative aura not unlike a spa lounge. I spend an hour lounging on the couch waiting for the rain to cease, a glass jar of chocolate chip cookies conveniently within reach on the coffee table. The best part: There's a washroom here, too, so you don't have to cross over to the bedroom to use the facilities.
While there's no indoor dining table, the villa offers a more pleasant alternative: An outdoor patio with a retractable overhead canopy, which serves as the perfect place for pre- and post-dinner drinks, especially when the weather gets cooler.
Over on the opposite end, I discover that the bedroom is surprisingly spacious. A king-size canopy bed takes centre-stage (if you're looking to organise a stayover with girlfriends, this bed can comfortably accommodate three). The bathroom, likewise, is sizeable, with two sinks, a shower stall and a separate toilet.
After a hearty breakfast the next morning, I check out another interesting design feature: An outdoor stone bath, separated from the bathroom by a pair of glass-panelled doors. It offers sufficient privacy from prying eyes and the opportunity to luxuriate in a relaxing soak - how can I resist? And although the faint screams of people riding the Battlestar Galactica in the distance do reach my ears from time to time, I'm more than happy to #wakeuplikethis everyday.
On our packing list
Who says style has to be compromised on a staycay? Below, all the accessories you need to ace those OOTDs during a weekend getaway:
1. Silk scarf, $1,150, Louis Vuitton 2. Silver, clear and pink metal and acetate sunglasses, Michael Kors 3. Bamboo necklace, $185, Bimba Y Lola 4. Leather and PVC tote, Mulberry 5. Gold-plated metal earrings, $140, Kate Spade New York
6. Viscose jumpsuit, $589, Diesel 7. 3.1 Phillip Lim suede and leather backpack, Club 21 8. Leather clutch, Lanvin 9. Marni leather tote, Club 21 10. Mellflex slides, $175, Melissa
11. Leather sandals, Michael Michael Kors 12. Calfskin leather clutch, $930, Celine 13. Silk dress, $1,120, Coach 14. Metal and acetate sunglasses, $870, Dior 15. Leather wedge espadrilles, Castaner. Prices unavailable unless stated
The Amara Sanctuary Resort Villa's best available rate is from $888 onwards. Make a reservation here.
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