Different Singapore neighbourhoods appeal to different people – some swear by the East Coast; others are Holland Village diehards. Here, Swiss expats MARINA and STAN explain why this Sentosa condo – The Coast @ Sentosa Cove – is the perfect match for them and their children, Maya (13), Mila (10) and Mia (7).
Tell us a little about yourselves.
We come from the picturesque city of Zug in Switzerland. Singapore is sometimes referred to as the “Switzerland of Asia”, so we were very interested in the idea of relocating. Finally, three and a half years ago, amidst the challenges of COVID, we made the move with our children, aged nine, seven and four at the time.
The move was incredibly stressful; we found ourselves confined to a hotel room with a view of the pool and playground for a two-week quarantine. Each day, our four-year-old would wake up asking the same questions: “When are we going to Singapore?” and “When can we finally visit the pool and playground?”
Where did you live when you came to Singapore and why?
We initially chose temporary accommodation in the CBD – in Shenton Way. We were drawn to the proximity of Marina Bay, a neighbourhood we admired. However, we soon discovered it wasn’t the most suitable place for our family with kids.
After exploring various options near the school and offices, we eventually settled at W Residences on Sentosa. The spacious apartments and the allure of living by the ocean, with numerous options for walking, jogging and cycling, appealed to us.
Family reasons led us to temporarily move to Dubai, and on our return, we decided to explore other areas of Singapore, briefly residing at Fraser Suites @ River Valley and later moving into a house in Bukit Timah near the Swiss Club. Having experienced various parts of Singapore, we concluded that, overall, a Sentosa condo would be the best place for our family.
What areas and types of properties did you look at and why?
We initially explored the idea of freehold properties, mainly along Orchard Road, influenced by our familiarity with this concept in Europe. However, after understanding the drawbacks and realities, we realised that the price to pay did not offer significant advantages. Recognising the viability of the 99-year lease concept in Singapore, we concluded that there is no better place than Sentosa in that regard.
Opting to buy a residence, we carefully checked out all the Sentosa condominiums available. After careful consideration, The Coast @ Sentosa Cove emerged as the best fit, meeting most of our criteria, including ocean view and spacious apartments – a crucial requirement for our family of five.
Our search was focused on four-bedroom units, particularly on higher floors with unobstructed ocean views. By chance, we came across a ground-floor apartment that instantly captured our hearts. This unique unit felt more like a villa, boasting a picturesque ocean view, a spacious terrace and the added convenience of immediate access to the condo’s facilities.
You recently renovated your Sentosa condo – what did that involve?
Being close to the ocean, we were drawn to coastal-style homes and the concept of Swiss minimalism, which we apply to all our living spaces. While we had a clear vision for the style of our Sentosa condo; the challenge lay in finding a suitable designer and construction firm. Drawing upon our extensive experience in building and renovating properties in Europe, we ultimately decided to take on the role of designers ourselves. We embarked on the search for a construction company capable of bringing our vision to life and were delighted and impressed with the local firm we eventually discovered.
What do you love about The Coast, Sentosa and the area?
We adore the spaciousness and convenience of The Coast. It truly feels like home. Despite having built and lived in various places before, this is by far the most beautiful and most functional house we’ve ever had. Additionally, we’re thrilled to be back on Sentosa, a perfect hub for families with kids.
What are the pros and cons of living on Sentosa?
Sentosa is a great place for any family with kids and pets, and there is a nice community. It’s also super convenient, with stores and restaurants on your doorstep. Living in our apartment feels like being on a constant vacation – our only problem is that finding a nice beach resort for a getaway is harder now because not many places can beat our spot on Sentosa! It’s more than just a resort, too; it’s also a place where you can make friends very easily and get support when required.
There is a common misconception that Sentosa is very remote. However, we’ve discovered that everything in Singapore is a 20-minute drive away, no matter whether you live on Orchard Road, Bukit Timah or Sentosa. Additionally, being based on Sentosa comes with numerous advantages, including driving against the usual traffic flow, and the proximity of VivoCity.
What have been your best buys, furniture or home décor-wise?
Coming from Europe, we initially found furniture shopping in Singapore to be quite challenging and more expensive than what we were used to. Over the course of furnishing our apartment in Singapore a few times due to multiple moves, shops like Castlery and Island Living became our go-to partners. They consistently provided us high-quality furniture and décor, offering excellent value for money, exceptional service and flexibility.
Any advice for newcomers?
Singapore is a wonderful place, but no matter where you come from, it does require some adjustment. Embrace your experience, take the time to select the right neighbourhood, school and more, connect with diverse expat communities through social media platforms such as Facebook and WhatsApp, and savour the wonderful island lifestyle.
Name three of your best regional holidays and why they’re special
Australia, Japan and China – we enjoy discovering new places and cultures, but these three countries hold a special appeal for us. Australia captivates us with its breathtaking nature and laid-back atmosphere. Japan stands out for its exceptional food culture and authentic cultural sites. And we’re currently on holiday in China – we appreciate the country’s organisation and beauty, which make navigation effortless and the experience highly enjoyable.
Any regional trips on your bucket list?
In the coming months, we have exciting plans to delve into the wonders of Perth and the captivating west coast of Australia. We’ll also plan a return visit to China, where our focus will be on exploring the southern part of this vast and diverse country.
Marina’s Recommendations
Home Furniture & Decoration
Island Living | islandliving.sg
Castlery | castlery.com
International Schools
Swiss School | swiss-school.edu.sg
UWCSEA | uwcsea.edu.sg
Doctors & Dentists
Raffles Medical Group | rafflesmedicalgroup.com
Advanced Dental | advanceddental.co
Hair & Fashion
OM Salon at Swiss Club | omsalon.org
Restaurants, Cafés & Bars
Arbenz @ Swiss Club | swissclub.org.sg/restaurants
Luce By Davide Giacomelli | singapore.intercontinental.com/dine/luce-davide-giacomelli
Coucou | coucou.sg
Airlines & Hotels in Singapore
Airlines | singaporeair.com
Swiss | swiss.com/sg/en/homepage
Grand Hyatt Singapore | hyatt.com
Marriott Hotels | marriott.com
Things to Do in Singapore
UFIT (tennis for adults and kids) | ufit.com.sg
aquaDucks | aquaducks.com.sg
UWCSEA holiday camps and sports | uwcsea.edu.sg
Activities on Sentosa (outdoor sport and fitness, beach clubs, events)
Activities at Swiss Club Walks around Marina Bay Sands, Sentosa, River Valley
This article first appeared in the March 2024 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe so you never miss a copy!
To make the most of living in Singapore, read our latest City Guide here for free!
