Sentosa’s hidden histories in The Pineapple Room

DEEP within Capella Singapore lies a tribute to Sentosa Island’s history. From the lobby of the heritage Tanah Merah military building that houses the hotel, a staircase leads up toThe Living Room, an intimate space for afternoon tea. Walk past the sofa chairs and further back lies The Pineapple Room, named for Sentosa’s little-known history as a pineapple plantation in the 1880s.

Rattan chairs, warm lighting and a dark teak bar crowned with a Carrara marble top create a nostalgic yet elegant aura. History is written quite literally on its walls, on which hang photographs of Singapore from the 1940s to 1960s; vintage maps of the country; and botanical paintings – including, of course, pineapples – commissioned from local artists.

In addition to seven seats at the bar, there are five tables that can seat up to three persons each, and a pair of four-seater tables. Arched casement windows let in the light. Two al fresco terraces offer another 10 seats – as well as a pool table and foosball table – with a view of serene greenery.

While the bar draws on history, it is brand new, having opened in October.

Singapore has firmly established itself as a global cocktail destination, said Yngvar Stray, general manager of Capella Singapore. It was thus natural to create a bar where travellers can immerse themselves in the city’s vibrant cocktail culture without having to leave the resort.

“At the same time, it provides locals with a tranquil escape from the city’s bustle, offering a chance to enjoy exceptional cocktails in a serene and historic setting,” added Stray.

The cocktail menu, One Degree Above, is named for Singapore’s location one degree north of the equator – while also signifying Capella’s top-class hospitality, said head bartender Franz Karl Lagajino.

The current seven cocktails all contain tropical botanicals and local fruits, with pineapple in many of them.

The bar’s signature is the Triple P – for “prolific pineapple pinery”, explains the menu, referring to the history of an area of Sentosa Island now known as Palawan Ridge.

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Inspired by the classic Margarita, the tropical tipple features reposado tequila, agave nectar, lime and orange bitters on top of pineapple juice. Half of the glass is rimmed with chilli salt, adding a savoury yet optional kick to the refreshing flavour.

One crowd favourite is Compass Rose, a gin-based cocktail with floral notes from house-made rosewater. The drink spotlights the bar’s own “heritage spices” mix, which includes both young ginger and old ginger to balance the floral sweetness.

Another popular choice is Scarlet Rouge, a reinterpretation of the iconic pineapple-featuring Mary Pickford cocktail, noted Lagajino.

Instead of the traditional white rum, The Pineapple Room’s version uses a blend of aged rum and pineapple-infused rum, combined with cherry liqueur, pomegranate and bitters, then garnished with edible gold.

Early next year, the bar will extend its menu with another seven drinks, which will be classics reinvented with local ingredients, said Lagajino.

While sipping their drinks, patrons can also ask for a set of The Pineapple Room’s bespoke card game, Room for Conversation. The cards provide conversation-starter questions across four categories: laughter, love, “deep thinking” and “life’s joyful moments”.

“This game encourages participants to step away from digital distractions, embrace the present, and engage with one another,” said Stray.

Triple P

• 45ml Reposado tequila
• 20ml fresh lime juice
• 20ml agave nectar
• 20ml pineapple juice
• 3 dashes of orange bitters
• Chilli salt on rim