Sentosa’s reputation as a tourist destination and theme park hotspot may be well but there’s also the fact that the island contains some of the most pristine beaches – albeit manufactured – in Singapore. So why not take advantage of the miles of sandy beaches, swaying palm trees and the general holiday vibe more frequently? With the opening of Ola Beach Club on Siloso Beach, there is now even more reason to visit the small Southern Island.
Touted as a Hawaiian-themed family destination, the 20,000-square foot venue is a water sports station, bar, restaurant and beach hangout all rolled into one. As the island’s only place that offers Jetpack and Jetblade rentals alongside more traditional water sports like stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking, we can see the beach club becoming very popular with thrill-seeking families.
The family-friendly Ola Beach Club on Siloso Beach lets you spend the weekend in a tropical daze.
For those who prefer to take it easy (and perhaps work on their tan), Ola Beach Club comes up tops too. With its prime position right at the heart of Siloso Beach and its laidback Hawaiian-themed decor – which is all distressed wood, bamboo decks, rustic greenery and kaleidoscopic murals – the place encourages one to spend the entire weekend in a tropical daze. Step through the oversized barn doors into a bright and airy outdoor dining spot complete with striped umbrellas, daybeds, cabanas and a 20m pool. The decor, conceptualised by interior design studio Genius Loci, takes its inspiration from modern beach resorts and Hawaiian life. You’ll find a ceiling lined with pre-loved surfboards and colourful murals, one of which depicts the sunset view of Diamond Head Volcano and the ocean in O’ahu, where Ola’s owner Christina Tan hails from.
Sunset Bar on the second floor is the perfect place to watch the stunning sunset while sipping Tiki-style cocktails.
All these make for the perfect setting for relaxed all-day dining. Choose a seat at the ground floor al fresco zone, sink your feet into the sand and order up a hearty feast of Ahi Poke Bowl ($20) comprising diced raw tuna marinated in either shoyu, kimchi or togarashi dressing, cold Saimin Salad ($15) with homemade fishcake, spam and omelette, Kalua Pig Taco ($25) made with day-old cured pork shoulder paired with tomato relish, guacamole and gooey cheddar cheese, and tender Grilled Octopus ($18.50) served with olive tapenade, confit tomatoes, artichoke and house-made garlic and saffron mayonnaise. Wash all these down with Polynesian-style cocktails like the Uliuli Tiki ($22) made with Blue Curacao, vodka, vanilla passion fruit puree and coconut froth, or the Melemele Tiki ($22) made with rum, coconut juice and homemade cinnamon-banana puree, and you’ll truly feel like you’ve slipped into vacation mode.
Kalua pig taco at Ola Beach Club
On weekends, the nautical-themed Sunset Bar on the second floor welcomes guests to lounge around with a drink in hand as they take in sweeping views of the beach and sunset off the coast. With its chilled-out vibe, family friendly atmosphere and sun-kissed location, Ola Beach Club is an easy weekend escape without any of the holiday hassle.
Tiki-style cocktails made with tropical ingredients
This was adapted from an article originally published in the March 2017 issue of SquareRooms.
