A ‘Staycation’ with a Difference:
Singapore is a world-class travel hub that is not short of good hotels. However to stay in a good hotel that not only offers that much needed escape but also makes your stay all that bit more memorable and meaningful, is rare.
Enter Amara Sanctuary Resort. From 8th September 2018, guests and members of the public can step into part of Singapore’s rich heritage and historical past right at the compound of the hotel which was the former site for colonial soldiers’ quarters built since the late 19th century.
Watch a video of the highlights from the Amara Sanctuary Heritage Trail.
The Heritage Trail is a guided walking trail that spans part of the hotel’s 10-acre site. It lasts about 60 minutes. After the trail, guests can opt to enjoy the Amara Heritage Trail Colonial set menu lunch to complete the experience.
The trail is open to guests and the public on weekends for a nominal fee which includes the following in its interesting itinerary:
- Get to know some of Singapore’s heritage trees that is on the hotel’s compound including the Saga tree, Petai tree and even a sacred tree.
- Discover how Sentosa got its current name
- Visit an actual air-raid bunker used by the British and hear actual account from a British resident who hid in the air raid shelter
- Discover the history behind the current building that houses the Courtyard and Verandah suites and why one of them was called ‘The Married Soldiers’ Quarters.’
The Experience
Combining heritage trails and hotel stays are quite tricky. On one hand, you wouldn’t want to inundate guests with boring historical details neither do you want the trail to be too simplistic where info can be gleaned from a tourist brochure. However, in the hands of the experienced and engaging guides, the Amara Heritage Trail had a good balance which allows everyone to tour the sights at a leisurely pace and bring home interesting nuggets about Singapore. We brought our 4 year-old along and was pleasantly surprised to see him so engaged.
The trail begins from the hotel’s lobby, right through to the Courtyard suites and ends at a site in the hotel that harbours a rather interesting item with an interesting true story (a surprise!). It was an enriching experience which allows guests to see Sentosa beyond just an adrenalin-packed, theme-park island but also a place which offers a slice of rich historical significance in Singapore.
Savouring the Colonial Set Menu at Shutters, the hotel’s contemporary dining restaurant, was a fitting end to the experience. The menu consisted of dishes that were de-riguer with the British officers here in Singapore.
How do I prepare for the Trail?
Guests going for the walk are advised to dress in comfy clothes with good walking shoes although the terrain is not too challenging (just a couple of light climbing of steps). The trails do predominantly go through large uncovered parts of the hotel so do bring along insect repellant. Bring your cameras to capture the unique sights along the way. Kids are welcomed as it’s an easy walking trail but do note that some parts of the terrain is not stroller-friendly.
Other Facts:
a) Pricing and Booking Details of the Guided Trail:
Days: Saturdays & Sundays | Time: 10am
Ticket Prices S$18 nett (Public) | S$12 nett (Amara Sanctuary In-House Guests)
Complimentary (for Amara Sanctuary Suite and Villa Room Guests)
Duration: One hour
Reservation Call +65 6825 3888 or email [email protected]
b) Self-Guided Trail:
There is a Self-guided option where a copy of the self-guided trail brochure can be obtained at the Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa Concierge.
c) Amara Heritage Trail Colonial Set Menu
The Colonial Set Menu is priced at S$38++ for 2 person
AMARA SANCTUARY RESORT SENTOSA
1 Larkhill Road, Sentosa Island,
Singapore 099394
Tel: +65 6825 3888
Email: [email protected]
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