Love the life at W Singapore-Sentosa Cove

Many things will catch your eye, but only a few will catch your heart.

Imagine yourself on a fiberglass chair that is a multi-sensory work of art. A unique combination of color, shape, light and sound. The warm light that glows from the center sends heat waves that immerse you in deep relaxation. The soothing music that emanates brings you back to the feeling of being in your mother’s womb. The experience is assimilated as one luxuriates on the Alpha Lounger. You are at peace, you are joyful, and you are nurtured. In this tropical escape of exhilaration and contemporary sophistication, you are enchanted by the modern vibe and dazzling design.

Welcome to the W Singapore in the hip and happening Sentosa Cove. At this haven, the sun seems to shine 365 days of the year. The season of sun is celebrated here, where endless pool summers, new dining concepts and liquid luxe await you.

The excitement of making W Singapore my home away from home began to build up when my traveling companion and childhood friend Rita Trinidad and I boarded the Cebu Pacific A330 plane in Manila en route to Singapore. We were pleasantly surprised by the size and the comfort of the new plane.

Lance Gokongwei, Cebu Pacific president and chief executive officer, was beaming in delight as he shared that the airline company has taken delivery of its first A330-300 during a special ceremony in Toulouse, France. The addition of the highly efficient aircraft to their fleet ultimately translates to unbeatable operating costs, enabling Cebu Pacific to offer the lowest possible fares to their guests.

Certainly, Rita and I felt so blessed to have two new reasons to luxuriate — flying to Singapore aboard Cebu Pacific’s new plane and loving life at the fabulous W Singapore as we celebrated Rita’s upcoming birthday. The gracious general manager Stephane Fabregoul shared that W Singapore’s endless summer series is a sensational wet deck party featuring an eclectic mix of dance-worthy tracks with a different DJ and theme and a sonic tapestry spun by Mr. Has, W Singapore’s artistic director. Guests can turn up the glamour pizzazz factor by boarding a private yacht and docking at the hotel’s private berthing station for a movie star entrance.

I have often said that if I were to be a hotel brand, I would want to be a W, which means “whatever,” “whenever,” and “what else?” Like a genie fulfilling your every command, the W’s wish desk is there to make your dreams come true (as long as it is legal).

Each W property has its own particular charm though brimming with the kind of brand identity that spells fun, fantasy and flirtatiousness. Eclectic and enigmatic, the design element is one to beat.

Starting with the lobby, well-designed, open spaces ingenuously feature cozy regional and international twists of furniture and mood lighting inevitably commanding attention and reverence. Everyone in the resort exudes graciousness and loving kindness. Marketing communications manager Michelle Kam shared that the staff is like one big happy family and this innate joy is passed on to their valued guests.

W’s custom music mix delights the senses with tunes that epitomize the chic brand. We could hardly believe this wonderful welcome as we were escorted to our fabulous suite fronting the azure ocean with breathtaking views of the yachts docked in the posh marina. What could be more sensational than feeling the gentle breeze while luxuriating in W’s signature bed and slipping between the 350-thread-count sheets and down comforter? The overhead accent of an orchid in seamless laser cut-outs showcase a diaphanous changing of the mood lights from yellow to purple echoing the room’s deep violet and gold hues.

At Skirt, the hotel’s cowboy-themed modern grill restaurant, I was reminded of the churrascarias in Argentina where prime meats take center stage. The Blackmore Charcuterie, served on a wooden chopping, block was a myriad of mind-blowing flavors from the slow-cooked shredded oxtail meat, home-cured smoked meats, and our favorite — the liver pate with truffle oil served in an individual copper pot. It was simply sublime especially when paired with crisp Riesling wine. Our next course was grilled king prawns, fresh and succulent and seasoned to perfection.  The seafood feast continued with seared US scallops delicately draped with paper-thin dashi jelly. The palate cleanser of apple bourbon with fresh mint was the perfect intermezzo.

Our main course, the skirt steak sandwich, was a deconstructed sandwich of Blackmore Australian Full Blood Wagyu, served with oven-dried tomatoes, Jamon Frites, golden fried onion, twice-cooked quail egg, over pureed beetroot. Skirt’s head chef Andrew Nocente shared that beetroot is a common burger “fixing” in his native Australia. Our sweet ending to complement our dinner was a Banouffe Pie, a banana parfait cylinder, bitter caramel sauce, chocolate crumbs, caramelized puff pastry, bruleed banana slices, and a drizzle of coffee syrup. Perfection!

The Kitchen Table boasts Food from the Heart featuring international flavors. The concept is an interactive experience, browsing through various cooking stations and tastings at the chef’s whim! Be amused and intrigued by the unique décor where giant tables are overturned and hung from the ceiling. Colored rubber ducky salt and peppershakers plus colorful cutleries will surely enhance your appetite. The dim sum and noodle bar serves up fresh steamed buns and prawn dumplings. There is also a selection of spicy and aromatic tandoor dishes and wood fired pizzas. A raw bar features fresh, succulent seafood.

For that out-of-this-world molecular mixology experience, check out the WooBar, replete with hanging cocoon chairs, lush ottomans, cage-like lamps and their delicious cocktail menu using organic ingredients. Try its delectable version of Singapore Sling, Cocktail Bong, Pina Colada, Plantation Punch, Martini, The Cove Royale and Sentosa Spritz. Clink glasses at one of the W’s signature restaurants, enjoy high tea for two or turn up the fun factor with family at this hip harbor-front resort. 

A private tour of the rooms left us in a state of awe and amazement. Just when we thought we had seen the best room, the next ones wowed us even more.

It’s been said that the way the interiors of our spaces are designed can affect our happiness, productivity and health. Each meticulously designed suite at the W creates a unique experience.

One of my favorite authors, Anne Lamott, said, “’Wow!’ is often offered with a gasp when we can’t think of another way to capture the sight of shocking beauty.” The Extreme Wow Suite surpassed all other suites with its marble foyer, and mini bar pantry stocked with spirits. 
Tap into your inner mixologist on the black granite bar counter surrounded with patent-leather panels. The adjacent 10-person dining area with antique-style chairs and an oval table is ideal for epicurean indulgences. Traipse into the living room and stand in awe at the imposing chandelier that reflects off the stone floors and smooth ceiling, a cutting-edge white leather, egg-shaped hanging chair and posh L-shaped sofa and modern chairs. Nature-inspired accents — from metal floral details to a floral area carpet — are synergized with top technology, including a 55-inch Bang & Olufsen LED IPTV with Blu-ray DVD player and Bose Surround Sound System with iPod docking station.

On our last morning at the W Singapore, we basked in the comforts of the Away Spa where manager Jory Montilla escorted us in this haven of holistic rejuvenation. The Away Spa was designed as a hydrochloro-thermal circuit, comprising of alternating hot and cold thermal cabins with flotation beds, aroma steam chamber, showers and vitality pools. In this magical space, I allowed my senses to gently surrender to the illumination of this spectrum of multi-colored lights. Truly, this is a sanctuary of nurturing, relaxation and inner peace.

Many things may have caught my eye but the weekend spent luxuriating at the W Singapore caught my heart.

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CEB flies direct from Manila to Singapore 25 times weekly. It also offers direct services from Cebu, Clark and Iloilo to Singapore. CEB will launch its flights from Manila to Dubai next month. For inquiries, log on to www.cebupacificair.com or call (02) 702-0888.

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E-mail the author at miladay.star@gmail.com.