In this nation of nearly 6 million people, the shining glory of Hollywood and politics can easily be tarnished by the annoyance brought on by great – and hard to meet – expectations. Now, more than ever, Singapore is constantly being compared with other cities on all manner of things, from its food to architecture.

Ironically, the tourism slogan of the past decade was “Uniquely Singapore”. Now, however, the country is in the limelight because of its super-rich denizens, not unlike Tokyo, New York or Paris.

Perhaps 2019 needs to be the year Singapore returns to its roots, renews its aspirations and updates its image. A good example of such reinvention is Sentosa Island’s Capella Singapore hotel, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year.

Like the Lion City, the ultra-luxe Capella Singapore was tremendously golden in 2018, when Trump and Kim Jong-un chose it to host their first conference. It was a historic occasion, but despite the fame and popularity it brought, the hotel is firmly looking to the future with newly announced renovation plans.

A magnificent white edifice erected in the 19th century, the former British army barracks stood derelict for more than 100 years before it was developed and restored as the Capella Singapore by renowned architect Norman Foster, who added strikingly modern curves while preserving the stately colonial buildings that anchor the property.

Few hotels can boast of such heritage, and fewer still have survived the onslaught of development and managed to emerge grander than ever.

Now, Capella Singapore’s management has set into motion extensive renovation plans for a complete facelift.

The hotel’s accommodation is unparalleled by other properties in the region – it boasts 112 rooms, suites and manors, and counts among its guests A-listers such as Madonna and Lady Gaga.

The manors – Colonial, Contemporary and Capella – range in size from 391 square metres to 524 square metres.

The two Colonial manors, with interiors by the late Indonesian designer Jaya Ibrahim, are actually century-old homes granted conservation status. Each has three bedrooms, a full kitchen, a generously-sized pool and palatial interiors with views over the surrounding greenery.

The Capella Manor recently underwent massive restoration and has been transformed into a vast, light-filled two-storey sanctuary. It is a good indication of the quality and standard of design to be expected of forthcoming refurbishment.

Then there’s Capella’s Bob’s Bar, a somewhat underrated watering hole – known for its Negronis concocted from barrel-aged rum – that saw a boost in popularity last year. If you happen to visit, relax with a drink in hand while watching the golden sun setting over the shimmering sea.

Singapore’s tourism sector can take a leaf out of the grand old Capella Singapore’s playbook, and look to secure the future even as the present unfurls, while balancing the traditional with the modern.

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