“Islands within an island?” That’s what they say about Sentosa Cove. It is Singapore’s unique residential marina community. Today we’re exploring this luxurious enclave. Sentosa Cove is more than just a place. It is a concept of waterfront living.
Sentosa Cove sits on the eastern coast of Sentosa Island. This area includes reclaimed land and what was once Buran Darat isle. The government planned to develop Buran Darat into a recreational center in the 1970s. By the late 1980s, plans shifted to high-end homes and a world-class marina.
In 1992, French architect Bernard Spoerry helped create a land-use master plan. He was known for Port Grimaud in France. Sentosa Cove was modeled after it. The Urban Redevelopment Authority incorporated the Sentosa Cove plan in April 1996.
Reclamation merged Buran Darat with Sentosa by September 1993. Infrastructure and landscaping followed in 1994. The marina opened by 1999. Land sales for private development began in 2003. The Sentosa Development Corporation spent about S$250 million on infrastructure.
Sentosa Cove spans 117 hectares. It features five artificial islands. These are Coral Island, Paradise Island, Treasure Island, Sandy Island and Pearl Island. Most land is for homes. The five islands are reserved for bungalows.
As of 2014, Sentosa Cove had about 2100 homes. These included condos, terrace houses and bungalows. By June 2015, over 5000 people lived here. They occupied 2160 homes. Foreigners can buy condos without restrictions. But they need government approval for terrace houses and bungalows. The government has expedited this process.
Sentosa Cove is the only place in Singapore where non-permanent residents can buy landed property. They get a 99-year leasehold. About 60% of Sentosa Cove buyers are foreigners.
ONE°15 Marina Club is a key feature. It has 270 wet berths. Thirteen are for mega-yachts. It’s one of the few marinas worldwide that can accommodate large vessels. A five-star hotel and a three-story commercial complex complement the residences and marina. You can find many shops and restaurants here. Quayside Isle offers an upscale waterfront shopping experience. Food and beverage options are available.
Bentleys and Porsches cruise down Ocean Drive. This thoroughfare is lined with condos and homes. Sentosa Island enjoys a reputation for being safe and clean like mainland Singapore.
Sentosa Cove appears to be making a comeback after a pre-pandemic downturn. Sales in 2021 were $610 million. This was up 72% from 2020.
Each island has distinct architecture. This cannot be altered in terms of waterfront views. Coral Island features 21 waterfront villas. Paradise Island has 29 two-story villas in a tropical style. Sandy Island’s 18 villas are stone monoliths with glass walls. Pearl Island sets each of its 19 bungalows on reflecting pools. It’s an island within an island.
Life in Sentosa Cove offers a unique blend of luxury. It is a blend of tranquility and exclusivity. From its reclaimed origins to its modern amenities, Sentosa Cove stands as a testament to Singapore’s vision.