SOUTHERN DELIGHTS: A SPECIAL FEATURE ON SENTOSA
This is the first of a four-part series brought to you by Sentosa Sentosa, the rejuvenated one-stop recreational precinct, offers a unique blend of leisure and lifestyle experiences
THE difference between breaking point and a break is in the mind. And it then shapes reality.
Revitalised: The 500-hectare Sentosa Island has diverse facilities, including family attractions, beaches, golf courses, a world-class yachting marina, exclusive residence, spa and resort accommodation.
Most of us yearn for the idyllic getaway, especially in the stone-cold concrete jungle of Singapore. But we don't always get what we want. Fly to an exotic far-away destination? Too much hassle. Don't fret. Sun-kissed beaches, pristine waters, spas and resorts are actually just 10 minutes' drive from the city.
In about three decades, Sentosa has undergone a series of makeovers which has progressively taken it from humble beginnings to the swanky southern delight it is today. With the highlights at Sentosa Island, Mount Faber, VivoCity, St James Power Station, Singapore Cruise Centre, HarbourFront Centre and Sentosa Cove, the rejuvenated one-stop leisure destination, with its myriad offerings and refreshing transformation lends Sentosa to its integral role in reinforcing Singapore's position as a global city. Forming the core of the precinct is Sentosa Island, which offers a unique blend of leisure and lifestyle experiences.
Getting to the 500ha island is not a hassle, especially with the completion of the $140 million Sentosa Express in January this year. Journey time is whittled down to a mere three minutes from VivoCity, but if you're the sort looking for a novelty high, then brace yourself for a cable car ride 70 metres above the sea.
Eat, drink and be merry
With diverse dining options including local fares, fast food, cafes and even chic restaurants, the island resort can perhaps be called a culinary goldmine too.
For instance, sitting on the peak of Mount Faber and tucked away from the bustling city life is The Jewel Box, where - true to its name - it houses a treasure trove of wine and dine venues such as The Altivo Bar, Faber Hill Bistro and Faber Rock.
Elsewhere in Sentosa, award-winning restaurants such as The Cliff at Sentosa, il Lido Italian Dining and Lounge Bar and Nogawa Japanese Restaurant whip up dishes from various cultures.
Singapore's largest and most diverse retail and lifestyle mall VivoCity is also nearby, housing a vibrant mix of over 300 retail, food and beverage and entertainment outlets. Plus there's also HarbourFront Centre to enhance your shopping pleasure.
The art of living well
Other recent developments include six completed hotels, one of which is the Amara Sanctuary Resort, a plush five-star boutique getaway. The luxurious Capella Singapore, a six-star, super luxury resort worth $250 million, is expected to be completed mid-next year.
Those pining for their dream home may just get their wishes granted at Sentosa Cove, a prestigious waterfront residential development. The exclusive residential district is the only one in Singapore with an adjoining boating marina with berths for mega yachts, an intimate marina village with amenities, bungalows, terrace houses, and condominium apartments. Also at Sentosa Cove is the One°15 Marina Club, a $80 million world-class marina club featuring 260 berths, a business centre, gym and meeting facilities.
Bigger and better
Sentosa's packed calendar sees a score of international and local events sitting on its turf every year. Expect a swinging good time when the Barclays Singapore Open 2007 - primed as Asia's richest national golf open with a whopping US$4 million prize up for grabs - tees off on the island's greens in the first week of November.
Not a golf fan but still looking for a ball of a time? Look out for the annual Siloso Beach Party where you can do the mambo on the sandy dancefloor from dusk till dawn to celebrate the New Year.Of course, you don't have to wait for the year-end for a reason to party. Just barge into beach bars such as the iconic Cafe Del Mar on Sentosa Island to groove after experiencing the sun, sand and the sea.
Or if pulsating beats are more your kind of tune, then the St James Power Station may just be the place to fuel you up. With nine thematic rooms, the entertainment hub certainly adds jazz to the nightlife scene in Asia.
Varied attractions
Other attractions down south include Sentosa Island's Songs of the Sea, a nightly show that strikes the right notes with the audiences with its spectacular water, fire and state-of-the-art laser effects. Designed by internationally-acclaimed director Yves Pepin, the $30 million high-tech extravaganza deserves a standing ovation - it has enjoyed sell-out shows since its opening day.
Still, many will be looking out for the highly-anticipated integrated family resort on Sentosa Island. The $5.2 billion Resorts World at Sentosa will feature a Universal Studios theme park, oceanarium and marine park, water park and MICE facilities amid other features in retail, dining, gaming and entertainment.
There's just so much to see and do at Sentosa that one is easily spoilt for choice. So come and discover the good life at Sentosa.
This is the first of a four-part series brought to you by Sentosa
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