We review W Singapore – Sentosa Cove, where a design refresh has recently been unveiled
Modern glamour meets island ease.
Singapore is jampacked full of boutique stays and heritage hotels that nod to the island’s colourful history. And over on Sentosa, where the vibe is always decidedly more resorty, we headed to W Singapore – Sentosa Cove, where rooms and interiors have recently undergone a redesign that speaks to its tropical location through a contemporary vernacular.
While this stay was complimentary, all thoughts and opinions are our own.
W Singapore – Sentosa Cove review
Some hotels are places to sleep. Others coax you to become a better-dressed, calmer, and
noticeably more hydrated version of yourself. W Singapore – Sentosa Cove is firmly the latter.
From the moment I arrived, the city version of me, chronically online, mildly frazzled, sustaining on ridiculously overpriced iced coffee, was swiftly and discreetly decommissioned. In her absence, someone far more relaxed took over, shamelessly regarding late-night room service not as excess, but as good judgment.
Set against Sentosa’s yacht-studded marina, the hotel feels like Singapore on holiday from
itself. It’s glossy without being conceited, playful without trying too hard. It’s luxury that knows it’s the most attractive being in the room and doesn’t beg for validation.
The rooms
My room was a masterclass in contemporary indulgence: coral-orange accents, modern lines, a balcony overlooking the marina, and the signature W bed. The pillow-top mattress was dangerously convincing. I contemplated quite hard about switching out all my plans and seeing how many hours one could realistically spend horizontally before it morphed into a personality trait.
The rhythms of home flow easily here, aided by tech-forward touches that feel intuitive
rather than ostentatious. In particular, we appreciated the 65-inch TV and the in-room Nespresso machine. Bath time is left to personal preference, either a rainforest shower or a separate bathtub, elevated by plush robes and MOMO bath amenities that sealed the deal, making my hair feel emotionally supported.
The penthouse and supreme suites, I’m told, are the final boss level of luxury living where bold design merges with island glamour. I believe it. Everything here operates on the principle of effortless but extra, which, frankly, is my favourite genre of indulgence.
The facilities
Downstairs, WET Deck is where the restraint officially clocks out. Open 24/7 (a detail that feels both generous and vaguely enabling), the free-form pool is one of the largest in Singapore and comes complete with a slide because fun should be non-negotiable. By day, it’s sun-drenched languor. By night, it buzzes with energy, cocktails, and an unspoken agreement that the worries of tomorrow can be dealt with later.
When overstimulation inevitably called for penance, AWAY Spa delivered. Wrapped in
rainforest-inspired calm, it’s designed to gently but firmly talk your nervous system down from the ledge.
I opted for a massage that unfolded with deliberate precision. Long, grounding strokes worked through the tension in my back, accumulated from too much sitting and a stubborn sense of urgency. It was a complete recalibration. Between the decompression lounge, infrared therapy, steam room, whirlpool, vitality pools, experiential showers, and ice bath, I experienced something close to enlightenment (or possibly mild hypothermia). Either
way, I emerged calmer, quieter, and briefly convinced I could manage my chaotic inbox.
For those feeling ambitious or guilty, FIT is open 24/7 and fully stocked with serious equipment for cardio, strength, and kickboxing. I admired it. I respected it. I briefly considered it (that counts). But in the end, we nodded at each other respectfully and agreed not to interfere in one another’s plans, ending my brief flirtation with the gym.
As part of its recent transformation, the property has subtly reimagined what it means to tread lightly in paradise without sacrificing comfort in the name of virtue. Single-use plastics have been thoughtfully retired, replaced by in-room water filtration taps and in-house bottling across restaurants and event spaces. It’s sustainability without sermonising, and we are here for it.
The food
At SKIRT, fire is not a metaphor; it is policy. Exceptional Wagyu, expertly dry-aged meats, and seafood cooked over the Josper Basque Grill and binchotan arrive at our table with quiet confidence. The food is primal, polished and carnivorous. The meat shines on its own and doesn’t require garnish theatrics to prove a point. Even the sides know their place. The charred hispi cabbage is smoky, sweet, and improbably elegant, making a compelling argument for vegetables without sounding preachy. Dessert, meanwhile, takes a turn for the unexpected. The smoked cheesecake is excellent, all depth and balance, proving that even indulgence can have self-control.
Meanwhile, the kitchen table handles all-day dining. International, vibrant, and entirely unpretentious. Breakfast drifts into brunch, brunch casually becomes lunch, and before anyone intervenes, it’s dinner again. Our mussels arrive generous and deeply comforting, the sort of dish that encourages bread to be used with enthusiasm and restraint to be temporarily abandoned. The truffle fries are predictably dangerous, crispy and engineered for “just one more” behaviour.
Overall
In short, W Singapore – Sentosa Cove functions as an elegant rebuttal to everyday life. One
where you escape the treachery of everyday living, indulge with abandon, and luxury feels less like a treat and more like a sensible adjustment. Come for the marina views, stay for the bed, and leave wondering why everyday life refuses to be this accommodating.
Learn more about W Singapore – Sentosa Cove or Book through Booking.com Book through Expedia Book through Agoda
But wait, there’s more…
- These are the very best boutique hotels in Hong Kong
- Discover Bali’s coolest eco-friendly stays
- And we recently stayed at Niseko Kyo in Japan
