Learning luxe from my butler: inside Raffles' next-level new property

Since the original grande dame's 1887 debut, Raffles hotels have spread from Singapore to 18 countries. This much-buzzed-about opening is the first back in the birthplace. Although just 15 minutes' drive apart, the flagship and newbie inhabit very different luxury universes: all-villa Raffles Sentosa is in every sense a breath of fresh air, embracing nature, wellness and sustainability, while its venerable grandma remains a bastion of the brand's old-world opulence.

You're cocooned in 100,000 square metres of forested, beachside slopes on Sentosa island's south, where peacocks wander, butterflies flutter and birdsong drifts on sea breezes. Almost implausibly, this tranquil tropical Eden is less than 30 minutes from populous Orchard Road and Changi Airport. In a neat stroke of historical symmetry, the Tanjong Beach location returns Raffles to the waterfront; before land reclamation, the city's flagship was once beachfront, too.

Wherever your gaze rests, it's a gentle landing. Designed to extend their serene surroundings (Sentosa means tranquillity), low-lying, airy buildings in sandy hues blend with the landscape. Infinity pools reflect emerald foliage, while floor-to-ceiling windows frame the resort's proudest landmarks: two centuries-old ficus trees. More than 1800 new trees are planted throughout. Amid the green, traditional flourishes remind you it's Raffles: liveried doormen, afternoon tea on elegant crockery and Rolls-Royce buggies to glide you around the gardens. I'm thrilled pets are welcome and we meet some discerning dogs.

Ranging from our 211-square-metre one-bedroom villa to the 650-square-metre four-bedroom Royal Villa, each of the 62 spacious (exceptionally so for Singapore) sanctuaries occupy their own walled tropical garden with private pool, canopied daybed and outdoor sofas. Our bedroom, dressing room and bathroom occupy a glass-fronted pavilion while another serves as living room, separating sleep and play (or parents and kids). A stunning botanical wall mural by local artist Andre Wee echoes the real foliage, and you're pampered with numerous extras like Raffles pillow spray and thongs in Raffles' jungle print. Every villa boasts a butler who'll materialise 24/7 at your behest.

Bjoern Alexander, culinary director, is a Michelin-bedazzled talent, but never too grand to serve you a bespoke in-villa meal in person or chat while rustling up Italian classics at Empire Grill, one of the resort's five venues. Royal China chef Ling Heng Yao's Cantonese touch is deft and delicate, and an omakase from Japanese star Kenjiro Hashida is forthcoming. Breakfast choices roam from super-healthy to outrageous indulgence. Laksa with a mimosa - why not?

Between basks, I create my custom scent with Maison 21G parfumier Johanna Monange and take a tai chi session with inspiring practitioner Simon Wong at the centrepiece spa, with 13 treatment rooms, high-tech gym and options for soaking, steaming and plunging.

Raffles butlers are renowned for their service, but in this wellness-focused setting, there's next-level nurturing from a team of new-gen Jeeveses as adept at emotional care as ironing. Our butler, Ardena has a mother's instinct for our moods. And she packs my suitcase so brilliantly I take how-to photos.

The writer was a guest of Raffles Sentosa Singapore