Family-friendly luxury at Capella Singapore

Style: Clash of the centuries
Setting: Southern Sentosa Island

Beaches, theme parks and water sports – it’s hard to imagine a more family-friendly Asian destination than Sentosa Island, Singapore. When you and your crew tire of zip-lining and 4D films, Capella Singapore provides the ultimate antidote, thanks to its blend of old-world colonial charm and contemporary chic, all with the turquoise backdrop of the South China Sea. Then there are the grounds: 30 acres of lush lawns dotted with age-old trees, roaming peacocks and artfully appointed sculptures, just steps from a blissful beach at the resort’s foot. It all adds up to a relaxing tropical getaway for all – particularly if you indulge at the award-winning Auriga spa while the kids hit Fantasy Island.

Need to know

Rooms 112, including 11 suites, 38 villas and two colonial manors.

Facilities Spa, gym, library of books and DVDs, business centre, tennis court, free WiFi throughout. In rooms: flat-screen TV, DVD player, Bose sound system, iPod dock, Nespresso coffee machine, mini-bar with free soft drinks.

In the know

Sleeping The one-bedroom Sentosa Suites and neighbouring Premier rooms can be connected for fuss-free family stays. If money is no object, the larger villas and manors are perfect for accommodating extra children and they all have private pools of differing dimensions.

Playing Sentosa Island has a host of family-focussed attractions, including Underwater World and Dolphin Lagoon, the Sentosa Luge and Universal Studios. As Capella Singapore is a refined retreat, the hotel caters best to older, low-maintenance children who don’t need a kids’ club. Children will love the cable car ride to Sentosa, and it’s just a 15-minute taxi ride back to the CBD for shopping and museum-hopping.

Splashing The three tree-shaded, lounger-lined swimming pools come with striking sea views. There’s a wading pool but no lifeguard on duty. Bring your own floats, arm bands and water toys.

Feasting Cassia is a chic fine-dining Chinese restaurant in shades of black, beige and ivory. It serves Cantonese and fusion dishes, such as barbecued duck with sliced mango and lemon sauce. All-day diner The Knolls offers an East-meets-West menu and a great range of teas. High chairs are available at Cassia and The Knolls, as is a kids’ menu. Expect oatmeal with maple syrup and French toast fingers for breakfast, and chicken noodle soup, hamburgers and grilled chicken with potato and veg throughout the rest of the day.

No need to pack High chairs – they have the super-practical Ikea wipedown ones. They can provide a travel cot, baby toiletries and plastic dishes and cutlery in The Knolls resto.

Time-out Babysitting can be arranged for SGD$25 an hour for a minimum of four hours, and an additional SGD$40 transportation fee for the nanny. Be sure to organise in advance, then use that me-time to indulge in one of four signature treatments at Auriga spa, which are designed around the cycles of the moon. Linger in the wet area, with its herbal steam room, ice fountains and vitality pools in a garden setting. Plus, if you book a Capella Singapore stay through Smith, you’ll receive free English high tea for two at The Knolls.

To book a child-friendly Smith stay visit www.mrandmrssmith.com or call the expert Travel Team on 800 905 326. What’s more, BlackSmith membership is now free for life, so sign up today to receive life-enhancing extras and exclusive offers at more than 850 hotels and holiday houses around the world.