For all the gleaming attractions that Singapore is known for, a deep legacy of resilience lies beneath the surface – a legacy celebrated every year on National Day, Aug 9. While visiting museums or reading about the country’s history are common ways to commemorate this rich past, there’s another way to immerse oneself in it: Staying at a heritage hotel. Far East Hospitality , a hospitality group from Singapore with over 100 properties in 10 countries, understands the significance of preserving the city’s cultural roots and weaving them into guest experiences.
Their thoughtfully curated properties and Singapore-inspired hospitality provide a unique window into the island’s past, with authentic encounters embedded within the premises. Whether you’re into exploring artful rituals from a tea master or wandering through traditional architecture, these hotels promise to add an enchanting narrative that elevates your stay. A COLONIAL REFUGE The Barracks Hotel Sentosa has undergone a stunning transformation, evolving from a military bastion to an opulent boudoir that captures the essence of its storied past while offering the comforts of modern luxury.
Originally built in 1904 as a British artillery outpost, the hotel has been beautifully conserved, with a colonial charm enhanced by a design that pays homage to the golden age of travel. Leather-bound trunks serve as cabinets while vintage lamps and polished floors evoke a bygone era. With only 40 rooms, The Barracks Hotel Sentosa exudes a touch of exclusivity.
For those seeking a deeper historical immersion, the Barracks Heritage Tales and Tea with Veterans experience is a must. Army veterans who lived and served in the barracks share personal anecdotes that bring the hotel’s history to life. It’s a compelling session that offers guests a new perspective on their surroundings.
Alternatively, a self-guided audio tour is available for those who wish to explore the grounds at their own pace. To complete the heritage experience, one can visit Fort Siloso located at the western tip of Sentosa. Enjoy a breathtaking skywalk over the fort, explore its fortified structures and hidden tunnels, and end your tour with an immersive presentation at the Surrender Chambers.
By the time you return to The Barracks Hotel Sentosa, you’ll have a newfound appreciation for this cherished property. Another way to capture an idyllic escape is with the Treasured Tranquillity package (from S$1,679 nett onwards). Enjoy a two-night stay at the hotel, starting with a ride in an eye-catching Barracks Jeep.
During your stay, you’ll have access to The Living Room, where you can indulge in all-day refreshments and evening canapés and cocktails. The package also includes a Champagne afternoon tea experience, designed to transport you back in time. FINDING YOUR TRIBE In the 19th century, early settlers with limited resources and social networks found support through their respective clans.
These associations provided essential services and acted as guardians of their heritage. Celebrating this formative chapter of Singapore’s past, The Clan Hotel Singapore offers its own creative gathering – dubbed the Clan Collective – to augment the guest experience with artisanal gifts. Even as you arrive, a tea master performs a welcome tea ritual to settle you in.
The in-room amenities include a sesame sable from homegrown Sinpopo brand, recalling the familiar flavours of humble treats. The soap bars in the room, crafted by Rough Beauty, bring regional notes such as lemongrass for an invigorating bathroom experience. Don’t forget to try the Orient Brew by The 1925 Brewing Co, inspired by the herbal chrysanthemum tea beloved as a traditional elixir.
Guests will also enjoy a complimentary local precinct tour led by knowledgeable Clan Keepers who highlight the diverse heritage sites and cultural spots around the hotel. From the oldest Hokkien temple Thian Hock Keng to the intricate carvings of the gopuram (ornamental tower) on Sri Mariamman Temple, the seasoned experts share tales of how these monuments play a role in creating community. For guests in the MASTER Series rooms, the Clan Keepers, much like wise clan members, also serve as personal advisors, helping with requests ranging from reservations to recommendations.
Guests are treated like family, enjoying exceptional concierge service. Always finding ways to elevate the experience, the hotel recently launched The Clan Uncovers: An Epicurean Voyage (from S$479 nett onwards). Included with a MASTER Series room, guests embark on a gastronomic journey crafted by the hotel’s culinary artisans.
Along with a bespoke drink at QĪN Restaurant and Bar, diners indulge in a sumptuous seven-course dinner that blends the flavours and techniques of both East and West. After an indulgent meal with prime views of the district, a complimentary breakfast caps off the stay. CURATED AND CUSTOMISED Amid the bustling eateries of Far East Square is a secret gem of a property that is big on boutique service and charm.
Except that AMOY Hotel isn’t just a place to stay – it’s also a passport to Singapore’s vibrant past. The hotel pays tribute to the Zhangzhou immigrants, one of the earliest groups that helped shape the country’s success. Their contributions to Singapore’s trading heritage are tastefully reflected in the hotel’s design and atmosphere.
The rooms at AMOY Hotel are as bold and unique as the Zhangzhou immigrants’ vision of establishing new lives in a foreign land. Forget cookie-cutter accommodations; instead, discover rooms that feature the surnames of early Chinese settlers and cultural elements like Chinese stools and porcelain sinks that recall their lifestyles. Experience a warm reception – always by name – and browse the historical collection from the turn of the century at the hotel lobby.
For the most riveting narratives, head to the adjoining Fuk Tak Chi Museum. As Singapore’s first hotel to include such a feature, the ornate shrine-turned-attraction is an archive detailing the journey of early immigrants, complete with a strikingly preserved entry. Enrich your stay with additional tailored experiences offered by some of AMOY Hotel’s partners.
Dive into the history of the typewriter with the guides at Type8ar during the Clackety Click Clack Fun workshop or create authentic Chinese designs on a keepsake tote through linocut printing with the LACA Art Academy. Don’t miss the Lion City Bike Tour – the hotel’s prime location makes cycling a splendid way to explore beyond the usual tourist trail, weaving through the picturesque Colonial District and lively neighbourhoods like Little India to capture memories that extend far beyond your hotel room..
