Culture | Travel

The interview: Cavaliere Giovanni Viterale on why now’s the right time for Singapore’s first villa-only resort, Raffles Sentosa Singapore

Cluster general manager of Raffles Sentosa Singapore, Cavaliere Giovanni Viterale, on the vision behind the resort and the growing demand for private, nature-inspired escapes in the post-pandemic world.

With 62 villas, each featuring its own private pool, Raffles Sentosa Singapore stands out among the city’s recent hotel openings, including Artyzen Singapore, The Edition, and The Standard.

As you drive up the resort’s driveway, the iconic Raffles doorman greets you, with a fountain and a sculpture of a horse creating a dramatic first impression. This sets the tone for what is Singapore’s first and only all-villa resort.

The 100,000 sqm resort is designed to blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings of Sentosa, with a focus on incorporating the local flora and fauna into the design. Led by Yabu Pushelberg, the renowned design team behind projects like Tokyo’s Aman Residences and the London Edition, the space integrates nature’s calming influence throughout the resort.

Opened in March 2025, Raffles Sentosa merges modern luxury with the brand’s established heritage. The resort also offers a selection of dining options, including Chairman’s Bar, Empire Grill, and Royal China, each contributing to the resort’s refined experience.

Cluster general manager Cavaliere Giovanni Viterale talks about the vision behind the space.

Boulevard: How did you balance Raffles’ heritage with this location?

Cavaliere Giovanni Viterale: Raffles is a 138-year-old brand with a rich legacy. The challenge was to respect that heritage while introducing the modernity and uniqueness of this location. We wanted to keep the iconic elements of Raffles but also enhance them with the natural surroundings and the space itself, which complements the service that Raffles is known for.

We’ve also named many of our restaurants after historic Raffles establishments, such as the Chairman’s Room, Empire Grill, and Royal China, maintaining a connection to the brand’s legacy while offering something new and refreshing for our guests.

Blvd: What was behind the decision to make this an all-villa resort?

Viterale: After COVID, people began to prefer more private, spacious accommodations, particularly in nature-filled environments. Villas offer that sense of privacy and freedom, with large indoor and outdoor spaces. We saw a significant demand for villas, especially from domestic tourists in Singapore who wanted a break from the busy city. Even though some people have access to similar private spaces nearby, they still crave the experience of being surrounded by nature.

The concept of slowing down starts as soon as you arrive. When you cross the bridge into Sentosa, the speed limit lowers, immediately putting you in a more relaxed state of mind. This sense of tranquillity sets the tone for your stay, helping you disconnect from everyday worries.

Blvd: Tell us about the design of the resort.

Viterale: We worked with Yabu Pushelberg, a renowned design team that understands Singapore’s natural beauty and how to integrate it into the property. They created a unique design concept that reflects the essence of Sentosa’s nature. Local artists contributed beautiful pieces that are displayed throughout the resort, from the lobby to the villas. As soon as you enter, you’re greeted by a stunning tapestry in the living room that represents local trees and animals, making you feel like you’re in a different place entirely.

The plants and flowers we use are all local species, adapted to the environment. If you walk around the resort, you’ll see native plants that are part of Sentosa and Singapore’s ecosystem, creating an immersive, nature-inspired experience.

Blvd: What were the biggest challenges in bringing the hotel to life?

Viterale: One of the biggest challenges was maintaining the strong brand identity of Raffles while adapting it to the unique location of Sentosa. Yabu Pushelberg spent a lot of time planning how to complement Raffles’ legacy while creating a modern, nature-filled resort. The landscaping, in particular, was crucial. It needed to feel natural, wild, and organic, which meant designing it in a way that looked as though it had been there for years.

Despite the challenge of creating such a seamless connection with nature, we’ve seen the landscape flourish in just a few months. In six months, it’s going to be even more lush and vibrant. This organic approach to landscaping is part of what makes the resort feel so different from a typical hotel. Guests feel immersed in nature, which enhances the overall experience.

Blvd: According to you, what is the definition of luxury today?

Viterale: Luxury is about how you feel. It’s that sense of awe when you arrive at or leave a property—the feeling that you’ve had a wonderful stay. It’s about comfort, space, and the people around you. It’s not just the material things, but the emotions and experiences that come with them. While details like materials and design matter, true luxury is about the lasting emotions you carry with you after your stay.

Blvd: How do you design a space that conveys emotion?

Viterale: Designing a space that conveys emotion requires understanding what today’s frequent travellers are looking for, especially in a post-COVID world. People are now seeking more space, a sense of belonging, and an environment where nature is at the forefront. We are lucky to have 100,000 sqm of greenery surrounding our property, located right in the heart of Sentosa, Singapore. The pristine landscaping and natural beauty here create a tranquil environment that surprises guests, especially when they think about being in Singapore.

We recently planted an additional 60 trees to celebrate Singapore’s 60th anniversary. In total, we have planted over 1,000 species of trees throughout the resort, and this is just the beginning. The tree visible from the lobby is nearly 200 years old, adding to the serene, almost unbelievable atmosphere when you enter the space. The connection to nature evokes a sense of peace, and when you leave, you truly feel like you’ve been somewhere special, not just in Singapore.

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