Following a tranquil transformation led by design studio FARM, Amara Sanctuary Sentosa unveils a renewed vision of rest and refinement. Nestled in Sentosa’s lush hillside, the resort celebrates heritage, nature, and soulful connection—setting a new benchmark in hospitality and hosting the closing cocktails of IMM Asia 2024 with TravMedia.
In the heart of Sentosa Island, where Singapore’s lush coastline whispers of colonial history and quiet elegance, Amara Sanctuary Sentosa emerges anew. Following an ambitious reimagining by cross-disciplinary design studio FARM, the estate's refreshed interiors signal more than a design update they mark the beginning of a new hospitality philosophy: one that roots itself deeply in serenity, sustainability, and soul.
This new vision was shared with the global travel community in a moment of celebration, as Amara Sanctuary Sentosa partnered with TravMedia and IMM Asia 2024 to host the event’s closing cocktails. Surrounded by heritage architecture, swaying palms, and glowing lanterns, delegates experienced firsthand the estate’s renewed commitment to tranquil luxury and thoughtful design.
Inspired by Sentosa’s maritime legacy and the property’s 100-year-old heritage as a former military site, the redesign embraces the past while laying down pathways for the future. A tactile symphony of indigenous stone, aged timber, and reclaimed wood—some salvaged from traditional fishing vessels—sets the tone. Nature is not just present; it’s revered. Towering palms and curated greenery animate once-overlooked spaces, transforming them into green sanctuaries for stillness, reflection, and quiet renewal.
“We revitalise our cherished heritage while ensuring its relevance for future generations,” shares Dawn Teo, COO of Amara Holdings. “In today’s fast-paced world, we offer more than accommodation we offer an immersive experience that renews the spirit.”
This sentiment is encapsulated the moment guests enter the transcendent new lobby. Crowned by a skylight that dances with natural light, the space is anchored by a majestic four-metre Everfresh Tree, accompanied by a Davallia Fejeensis shrub—a gentle nod to the beauty of impermanence as the tree’s leaves close each evening. The lobby is as much a place of social interaction as it is a haven for solitude, with plush corners for repose and forthcoming retail pop-ins that echo the brand’s lifestyle essence.
The villas and suites follow suit in their transformation, seamlessly integrating indoor-outdoor flow with garden courtyards, hammocks, and lush foyers dressed in natural textures and tones. Within the rooms, hues of sand, sage, and sea mirror Palawan Beach nearby. Dual-key apartments in the Verandah Studios and Suites now feature kitchenettes—an intentional nod to multi-generational travellers seeking shared yet private experiences.
Anchoring the estate’s culinary journey is the newly unveiled Sanctuary Tearoom, the resort’s signature dining venue. Earth-toned furnishings meet handwoven rattan lanterns under a soaring ceiling, offering a fluid transition between a hearty local breakfast buffet, private celebrations, or afternoon sojourns overlooking a glimmering water feature. Indoors or alfresco, the space is a visual and emotional extension of the resort’s organic soul a dream canvas for weddings, retreats, or reflective solitude.
For Selwyn Low, Director of FARM, the commission was a rare gift: “The property was already a masterpiece. We simply unlocked pockets of possibility celebrating the lush greenery and allowing guests to rediscover the soul of the space.”
Nestled within 3.8 hectares of manicured gardens and tropical rainforest, Amara Sanctuary Sentosa now offers more than a peaceful escape it’s a return to essence. With free-roaming peacocks, timeless colonial architecture, and renewed purpose, the resort embodies a delicate balance between legacy and evolution.
In a world increasingly drawn to destinations that whisper rather than shout, Amara Sanctuary Sentosa invites guests to slow down, breathe deep, and be truly present. Not just a sanctuary in name but in every sense of the word.