Behind-the-scenes at The Barracks Hotel Sentosa

31 12月 2022

While Sentosa is known for fun-filled attractions and exciting theme parks, little is known about the island’s rich military history.

Read on to uncover a behind-the-scenes look at the dramatic transformation of The Barracks Hotel – from an active military base in 1904, to a present-day icon of sophisticated luxury, steeped in heritage, nostalgia and timeless romance.

Get the inside story on how traditional architecture and contemporary design intersect to create the unparalleled look of a classic that is updated for the future.

To make your stay immersive, we sourced and retained military styled artefacts, memorabilia, and decorative elements from the period, such as the original doorknobs and the exploratory tools that are framed and showcased along the corridors.

Be captivated by the elegant military aesthetic that reflects the buildings’ storied past and lounge in British-style furniture that was specifically commissioned to complement the military-inspired finishes in the lobby and suites. Where attention to detail and consistency draw you into a more authentic, immersive experience.

The site of the hotel, comprising our heritage building, has witnessed fascinating tales of intrigue and valour.

Embark on The Barracks Heritage Tour where your guides are army veterans who served on the island in the past. As you can imagine, they have no shortage of stories to tell. Recreate your very own military exploration as they regale you with tales from the past, making history come alive with their personal accounts and experiences.

It is the perfect activity for all history buffs, culture vultures or those simply looking to spend time bonding with friends and family.

Curated to pay tribute to the light repast shared by comrades amid elegant quarters the dining experience at The Living Room offers an impressive line-up on the menus.

In our kitchens, tradition rubs shoulders with modern, while our creations draw inspiration from our colonial past. Resulting in an explosion of fusion flavours, designed to always surprise your taste buds.

To reflect the locale’s rich history, we have introduced a menu of diverse cultural influences, where at tea time, local favourites share the limelight with British staples like English scones and canapés.

Our Afternoon Tea at The Living Room offers an eclectic mix of local favourites like Nasi Lemak, Otah and Teochew Porridge, along with a line-up of delectable European selections. Click here to view the menu.

For our cocktail menu, we decided to use an element that was undeniably British - tea. Our tea-infused libations bring together signature tastes that are refreshing and can be tailored just for your preferences.

For a more invigorating choice, try the Barracks Spritz – inspired by the classic wine-based cocktail from 1800. Our British-inspired version, conjures up the pomp and pageantry at Ascot, featuring fresh botanicals paired with the crisp citrus flavours of pink grapefruit.

Named after the year the original military barracks were built, our 1904 Barracks Signature Tea is a custom creation. Inspired by the daily cuppa of British soldiers back in the day, this robust blend contains delightful accents of Neroli and Nutmeg. Whether enjoyed on its own, or imbibed in an elegant cocktail, 1904 rewards the drinker with its subtle yet lingering notes.

We collaborated with an award-winning local tea atelier to design this custom blend of tea that can be mixed well with classic cocktail spirits like gin and bourbon. That’s something we can all drink to.

Click here for more one-of-a-kind experience and embark on a journey of discovery.