Monica Tindall
A rare gem in Singapore is found in the boutique hotel, Villa Samadhi. Set in the 22-hectare Labrador Nature Reserve, the property offers uninterrupted greenery and an intimacy in lodgings infrequently found in the ever-growing island city. Respecting both the natural surrounds and local heritage, Villa Samadhi pledges a stay rooted in old-world charm, and polished with modern convenience.
A former 1920’s garrison houses 20 elegant rooms stylishly fit with Asian antique furnishings blending harmoniously with all the mod cons expected of a hotel of this standing. Vintage centrepieces in each room are the fruits of the owners’ adventures across Southeast Asia and fit flawlessly in the high-ceilinged chandelier clad rooms.
Rooms, each with their own distinctive finishes, are grouped into four categories: starting with the Crib and climbing up the luxury ladder with the Luxe Crib, Sarang and the ultimate, Luxe Sarang. King-sized beds dressed in quality cottons, individually controlled air-conditioning, cable TV, WiFi, blue-tooth enabled speakers and views of lush tropical foliage are the basics. Rain showers, wooden bathtubs and private plunge pools append the extra frills.
Our Sarang room brings to fruition its Malay meaning of nest by embracing us with elegance in design, and nourishes us in the thoughtfulness of the details. A welcome afternoon tea set greets our arrival, and signature turn down service gifts us with Port, chocolate and local snacks. Complimentary use of a Handy Phone relieves us of the need to connect with expensive overseas roaming and assists us in getting around the city just as effortlessly as we would at home.
Our package includes daily breakfast for two, and an evening cocktail hour in the neighbouring contemporary Thai and Burmese restaurant, Tamarind Hill. Although it’s only a two-minute meander from the hotel, the jungle boardwalk, adeptly lit with soft lighting leading to the colonial bungalow stimulates an exciting feel of the exotic. Dramatic four-metre long light features and flickering tea lights enhance the neo-classical architecture with a warm glow. The food menu is extensive and the comprehensive wine list impressive with over forty labels offered by the glass!
Breakfast rejoices in natural light muted by the surrounding abundant vegetation. The daytime experience is equally as fetching as the evening one, yet with its own alluring appeal. The morning line-up sees a compact buffet of Asian and western small bites complementing mains ordered a la carte. The usual suspects of eggs, pancakes and French toast catch our eye, and freshly squeezed juices and decent coffee sew up the offerings.
As mentioned in the opening, the grounds are a rare treasure. Well-marked trails lead us through flourishing rainforest right down to the edge of the sea. The story of World War II is told on storyboards with remnants of military artefacts en route. How many hotels can offer both jungle and sea in the same property in the city? The hotel doesn’t currently contain any fitness facilities but we find plenty of exercise in jogging the jungle trails and using the park’s fitness equipment.
Nature lovers and those just looking for a little bit of peace and quiet should find Villa Samadhi Singapore a perfect match.
Reasons to visit: beautifully restored Colonial property; fab bathrooms; stunning green grounds and location by the sea.
Villa Samadhi Singapore
20 Labrador Villa Road
Singapore 119189
+65 6274 5674
www.villasamadhi.com.sg