Overview: W Hotels Worldwide’s seventh Asia Pacific spot sure is lavish—ostentatious even—right down to the Sentosa Cove location, 250 sea and marina-facing guest rooms (including the Extreme WOW Suite, which blows even MBS’ most expensive spot completely out of the water) and private berthing stations. W’s signature watering hole Woobar makes an appearance here, as do two great restaurants The Kitchen Table and Skirt.
Design: This is W, so cutting edge art and design comes fitted as standard—you’ll see a glorious waterfall with graphic projections when you enter, quirky art installations like flying potato chips in the basement, and even coveted works by Andy Warhol and Damien Hirst in the hall. And they’ve gone overboard on the Vanda Miss Joaquim—national orchid or not. There are flowers everywhere—on the bed frames, rosewood carpeting and Swarovski chandeliers.
Rave: Just like its cheekily named Whatever/Whenever concierge, the hotel’s attempt at personalizing the guest experience is omnipresent. There are greetings on the bathmats as well as the top of staircases; even the light switches are marked “hello”, “escape” and “flirt”. Then there’s the Away Spa, a real stunner with a glowing purple jacuzzi area, as well as the WET outdoor terrace. Likely to host wild rock star parties in the near future, WET is easily the city’s best-looking poolside with its lighthouse, glowing grass and rock-shaped daybeds. And as if that wasn’t enough, a quick plunge into the 1,300 sq. meter pool reveals 24 underwater speakers blasting W’s signature lounge music.
Rant: It’s a real no compromise, no surrender approach and, if you don’t buy into the glam rock overkill, you’re not going to be very happy. And while the Cove is getting livelier, it’s still out of the way.
Price: $388++ for the Island Glamour Welcome package (through March 2013), which includes accommodation in the Wonderful guestroom, breakfast for two at The Kitchen Table and cocktails at Woobar.
