Summit: The unique appearance of the Capella Hotel was designed by architects Norman Foster. Photo / Supplied
Summit: The unique appearance of the Capella Hotel was designed by architects Norman Foster. Photo / Supplied
Tomorrow Singapore is set to host one of the most extraordinary diplomatic meetings in memory.
As the outspoken US President Donald Trump arrives with North Korean counterpart Chairman Kim, it will be the first time leaders of the two countries have met during a 70 year history.
Singapore was mooted as a neutral ground, but where to host such a meeting between two nuclear-armed adversaries?
The right accommodation will be key to harmonious peace talks. Only the best will do: ideally a secure island resort with suites offering unchallenged views and service staff with their fingers on the button.
It was revealed by White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders that the two men will meet in Singapore's Capella Hotel on Sentosa Island.
The Norman Foster designed hotel certainly fits the bill. Set in 30 acres of gardens the hotel blends a formidable colonial-style front tapering into a looping figure of eight of more modern architecture.
What the hotel describes itself as "where old and new fuse together in luxury."
Amenities offered by the hotel include a flexible check-in and check-out and 24-hour access to the Capella Library, all of which will be helpful should talks drag on.
Guests can book a room from NZ$580, though there is very little availability for the time being.
Of course there is also golf. Trump's passion for the links is catered for by a choice of two 18-hole courses. This includes the Serapong Golf Course, which host of the Singapore Open.
Then there is also a legend - encouraged by the hotel - of buried treasure. During the surrender of Singapore British regimental silverware was buried beneath the lawns of the hotel. Only part of the stash has ever been recovered, though it is unlikely the leaders will have time for digging in lawns or sand bunkers.
UPDATE: The venue for the Singapore summit between @POTUS and Leader Kim Jong Un will be the Capella Hotel on Sentosa Island. We thank our great Singaporean hosts for their hospitality.
Siloso Beach on Sentosa Island was the site of Japanese massacre during the Second World War. Photo / Olaf Protze, Getty Images
Sentosa Island's troubled history has raised some questions over its suitability for a peace summit.
It was the site of a POW camp during the Second World War. British and Australian servicemen were held on the island, then called Pulau Blakang Mati, after the fall of Singapore. The beach overlooked by the hotel was also the location for executions of Chinese-Singaporean men by Japanese soldiers, reported The Daily Mail.
Red rooms: Kim will be staying at the St. Regis Singapore. Photo / Supplied
While the summit will be taking place on the island the two leaders will most probably be staying elsewhere.
Trump is expected to stay at the Shangri-La Hotel, which has hosted previous US Presidents George Bush and Barack Obama. Meanwhile Kim is likely to be staying in the St. Regis Singapore.
