ATCHED over by centuries-old ficus trees in a secluded island corner alive with tropical mystery and the occasional call of peacocks, the Raffles Sentosa Singapore offers a reflective inward journey in one of the top Singapore luxury resorts on this coast. The 62-villa resort — a nuanced pairing of heritage and hi-tech — is at once a dream getaway for families as well as romantics, with space aplenty for serious CEO chinwags and zen contemplation amidst swaying fronds and voluptuous blooms of White Costus (or crepe ginger) that hang down like overripe fruit.

The spa is housed a short stroll away in a historic 1930s British military barracks where smartly polished boots once stomped about. Quiet colonial charm blends with the manicured gardens, rock features and whirlpools that set the stage for a relaxing wellness escape.

Work up a sweat at the sauna and fitness centre or cool down in a 22m lap pool. Crafted wellness offerings — tailored for individual needs — are on hand at 13 treatment rooms. Later, apres-massage, guests can amble down to Tanjong Beach to get some sand between their city toes.

Secluded, self-embracing, low-slung grey-walled villas with plush interiors and spoiling toiletries run along an encircling buggy track, their private gardens festooned with flowers. Each villa is uniquely configured as a home away from home with a generous pool, sun deck, private courtyard, a broad range of coffee-table books and an inviting plump virginal white bed. A Garden One Bedroom Pool Villa starts at a generous 211sq m. Expect ceiling fans, marble twin vanities, soaking tub, 55-inch flat-screen TVs, pillow menus for every stressed neck and butlers on call any time of day. Signature One Bedroom Pool Villas stretch to 235sq m and two-bedroom escapes go up to 300sq m. A plush Royal Villa hosts eight persons in 650sq m. Decor is sumptuous but tastefully muted.

Sample omakase delights at Iyasaka by Hashida or a signature Sentosa Sling at the speakeasy Chairman's Room before exploring the menus at Royal China and Empire Grill. Large floor to ceiling windows stream in natural light and afford views of the 30m alfresco pool. Atop the intimate Grand Ballroom (400 for banquets) is the Garden Room with a breezy outdoor section and open views. Luxe trimmings, intuitive service and green credentials make this one of the best Singapore villa resorts for your diary.