A hotel straight out of a storybook on Singapore's Sentosa Island

Imagine the stories the walls at the Barracks Hotel would share if they could talk. They would gloat about the glory days in 1904 when they were built as a British artillery outpost, and sigh about the bleak February in 1942 when the Japanese forces invaded Singapore and turned these buildings into their admin offices. They would recount optimistic anecdotes from 1947 when the Second World War ended and the barracks were handed back to the British; and maybe even mention the decades they lay derelict after the British withdrew from Singapore in 1967. But of all the chapters, perhaps these walls would be most excited about the one that began in 2019; when the sprawling property was transformed into a magnificent hotel.

The artillery base was built on Singapore's Sentosa Island for a strategic reason: the British were expecting the Japanese to attack from the south and were totally surprised when they arrived from the north instead - but that's another story. Fast-forward 120 years and the buildings continue to be a strategic base: only this time for leisure travellers, who're keen for a deep dive into the adventure- and theme-park-filled haven Sentosa has now become. Having said that, if you want to explore "mainland Singapore", the Sentosa Express monorail will take you there within minutes.

Spotless white walls, endless corridors, lush manicured lawns and those beautiful rust-red roofs... The Barracks Hotel is everything you expect from British colonial buildings in Singapore and then some. In many ways it's similar to two of Singapore's other legendary hotels: Raffles and Capella (which is located right next door), but at a much smaller scale. While the other two establishments boast 100-plus rooms, this tranquil property has just 40.

Large dormitories, which once used to accommodate hundreds of soldiers here, have now been transformed into beautifully designed rooms and suites, with capacity for far fewer guests. My entry-level Premier Room is spacious at 39 square metres and has a balcony of its own, along with luxe flourishes such as a deep standalone bathtub and Marshall speaker. But if the budget allows, sign up for the Premier Room with Pool Access, which is similar in size and look to my room, but - as the name spells it out - offers direct access to the pool from your private patio.

All guests get access to the Living Room, the hotel's sunlight-drenched lounge, with a rolling roster of complimentary menus - from breakfast and afternoon tea during the day to wines and delicious canapes in the evening. And if you want something more substantial, there's no dearth of options nearby. For water views and casual fare (think chilli crab pasta), head to the rooftop 1-Altitude Coast bar at the Barracks' next-door sister property, the Outpost Hotel, while Miyoshi on Gunners Lane is the place for lip-smacking Japanese.

You're on Sentosa Island, which only means one thing: no dearth of things to do - from hiking, biking and zip-lining to gravity-defying rides at Universal Studios.

The walls at the Barracks Hotel may not talk, but the two Singapore army veterans who conduct historic tours of the precinct love to speak. The free excursions take place on Thursday, Friday and Saturday mornings, and are a lovely way to go back in time.

Read more on Explore:

What: The Barracks Hotel, 2 Gunner Lane, Singapore

How much: From $SG660 ($750) per night

Explore more: thebarrackshotel.com.sg

The writer was a guest of the Barracks Hotel.