By Harry Jacques
Photography by Caleb Ming
—THE ADDRESS Designed by New York’s Rockwell Group and London-based architects WATG, the 240-room W Singapore – Sentosa Cove opened in September on a finger of reclaimed land on the east side of Sentosa Island. Expect views of a yacht marina or adjacent seaside condo towers—and a 15-minute cab ride into town.
—THE LOOK The sassy design sensibility of the W brand is on full display here; guests encounter a kaleidoscopic video installation and an LED waterfall even before they reach reception. What makes this pink-and-purple-accented property stand out from its brethren, however, is the gallery-quality artwork dotted around its public spaces. Of particular note is David Hockney’s Amaryllis in Vase (originally a gift from the celebrated British artist to Elizabeth Taylor), on loan from the owner’s wife, Cecilia Kwek. Nearby you can cast an eye over Damien Hirst’s Cathedral Print, St. Paul’s, Andy Warhol’s Kiku, and, just off the lobby, Arman Fernandez’s Jugenstill, a sculpture of twisted French horns.
—THE ROOMS Guest quarters start at 40 square meters and come with all the requisite W amenities: signature bed and bathrobes, rainforest shower, Bose sound system, mood lighting, and a snack-filled Munchie Box (here complete with canned oxygen, presumably for overindulgent revelers). Touches like the plaster fists that punch out of the rooms’ walls and mirrors that sport Hercule Poirot mustaches might be off-putting to some, but the backlit orchid motif above each bed offers a clever nod to Singapore’s national flower. Upping the bling factor considerably is the Extreme Wow (i.e., presidential) suite, where over-the-top features include a gold-painted swimming pool.