Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa: A Comprehensive Review of Singapore’s Beachfront Haven

Imagine vibrant kayaks floating on the azure waters of the South China Sea and peacocks wandering along soft, sandy shores; it’s impressive to realize you’re just 20 minutes from the iconic skyline of Singapore. This longstanding seaside resort, featuring a striking whitewashed building with 454 rooms — each equipped with balconies and infused with a natural decor — has proudly claimed its spot at the western end of Siloso Beach on Sentosa Island since the 1990s. While the allure of the sandy beach and Shangri-La’s exclusive stretch of it is unmistakable, the resort excels in catering to families with beach bar snacks delivered directly to loungers, exciting splash zones, and an enthusiastic activity team that engages children in fun challenges. Attentive staff are quirky and offer great suggestions for local attractions to enhance the beach experience. Mealtime service is generally very good, albeit a bit relaxed during peak hours.

Overall rating: 8/10

Rooms and Suites

Rating: 8/10. The calming rooms serve as a welcome retreat from the lively pool areas that echo with early 2000s hits. These accommodations reflect the lush surroundings with vine-patterned carpets, lotus flower artwork, light wooden furniture, fern-colored cushions, and crisp white linens. Some rooms offer views of lush hills while others provide glimpses of water. Lower floor rooms overlook the freeform pool, surrounded by tropical palm trees, while higher floors offer stunning ocean views; the tenth and eleventh floors deliver sweeping seascapes.

All accommodations come with balconies, except for ground-level rooms, which open directly onto gardens frequented by orioles. A unique design aspect is that some smaller rooms (Superior Hill View and Deluxe Sea View) have bathtubs, while others in larger categories feature showers. Premium room types typically offer both options.

Culinary Experience

Rating: 8/10. Breakfast favorites include nasi goreng and three-egg omelettes, along with uniquely crafted appams topped with coconut at the expansive Silver Shell Café, which serves a diverse menu from breakfast to dinner. Most visitors enjoy the buffet, which features a variety of options including a satay station, noodle bar, and an assortment of desserts like mango cream puffs and red velvet cakes. Additionally, a rotating selection of dishes is offered every evening, showcasing local Singaporean flavors one night and seafood the next.

Children can choose from an array of options including tomato pasta and chicken fried rice, and there is a fun cotton candy station. Although breakfast tends to get busy, with wait times that might reach half an hour, staff proactively provide coffee, juice, and balloon sculpture entertainment while guests wait. For convenient dining at the beach, guests can order items like passionfruit mint sodas and wagyu burgers via QR codes from Siloso Beach Bar, complemented by the Bubble Bar’s whimsical cocktails.

Resort Amenities

Rating: 9/10. The beautiful pool, framed by fragrant frangipani and vibrant flame trees, provides a lively atmosphere filled with fun activities such as bingo and face painting for kids, and aqua aerobic classes for adults. The pool is thoughtfully divided into three areas: a shallow section for children, a deeper zone for families, and an adults-only lap pool, all featuring relaxing whirlpools. Additionally, multiple splash zones with jets and slides decorated with playful monkey sculptures are ideal for keeping children entertained. The beachside Sea Sports Centre offers kayaks, pedal boats, and stand-up paddleboards, while kids aged 5-12 can enjoy the Cool Zone with crafts and sports activities, supervised by a friendly team. Parents are able to access the gym or visit Chi, the Spa for soothing treatments. The day can be concluded with sunrise yoga sessions or outdoor movie screenings on the beach.

Location Details

Rating: 9/10. Located on a small island, the resort is only a 30-minute drive from the heart of Singapore. Siloso Beach, right at the doorstep, has an energetic vibe with thrilling zip lines and vibrant beach bars. Nearby attractions include bungee jumping, interactive experiences such as creating custom perfumes at Scentopia, and dining options like Trapizza’s renowned pinsas. The Siloso Point cable car station is also conveniently close, as is the Imbiah Trail, where guided night safaris offer opportunities to spot fascinating wildlife. Easy transportation options like an electric monorail and beach shuttles connect to major attractions, including the shops at Beach Station and the sensory experiences at Sensoryscape. The family-friendly Palawan Beach, a short shuttle ride away, features the HyperDrive e-karting track and beach club amenities.

Room rates start from £227 per night for doubles, while main courses at the restaurant begin from £11. The resort is wheelchair accessible and welcomes families.

Ianthe Butt experienced the Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa as a guest.