Sneak peek: Singapore is about to get its second Raffles hotel

It's going to be the country's first all-villa property.

Raffles Sentosa.

By Akash Arora

Updated April 1, 2025, first published February 2, 2025

"The Raffles, please." These are probably the only words you would have needed to utter in the past to a taxi driver in Singapore when heading to what has to be the city's most august address. Next time around, though, you will have to specify which one.

Because 138 years after the opening of the world's first Raffles, an outpost is opening on the Lion City's Sentosa Island on March 1. And while you may think it'll be impossible to beat the outstanding architecture, service and aura of the OG, the new establishment seems determined to raise the bar.

Raffles Sentosa.

Set on a lush 100,000-square-metre property, it'll become Singapore's first all-villa hotel, with just 62 lodgings - from 210-square-metre one-bedroom abodes to 650-square-metre four-bedroom options. Irrespective of the size, each villa will feature its own pool and terrace.

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Raffles Sentosa.

A swank spa and five gourmet haunts - from Cantonese restaurant Royal China to Japanese den Hashida - will complete the picture. raffles.com/sentosa

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Words byAkash Arora

Akash is the Deputy Travel Editor for Australian Community Media. He has lived and worked in four cities around the world – Sydney, London, New Delhi and New York – and, at last count, travelled to 42 countries.

My all-time favourite destination is ... New York. You can drop a pin anywhere in Manhattan and start walking in any direction, and the sights and sounds of the city that never stops will begin to stimulate all your senses in an instant.

Next on my bucket list is … Scandinavia - at the peak of summer, when the sun almost never sets.

My top travel tip is … If you’re flying to Sydney from anywhere in the world, pick a window seat far from the wing on the left-hand-side of the aeroplane. If the weather gods and flight path align, you’ll have the most incredible views of the Sydney Harbour and Opera House.