From historic monuments to architectural landmarks, the Garden City of Singapore is abloom with bucket list hotels that every discerning traveller should experience. Discover modern masterpieces and colonial dames rich in Peranakan charm, framed by lush landscapes and glistening waterways. Here are some gems to book when borders reopen…
The Fullerton Hotel Singapore
Classed as a National Monument, this grand dame of a hotel at the mouth of the Singapore River is a hop and a skip from the historic 1870 Cavenagh Bridge. It hasn’t always been a hotel; previously the Fullerton served as the stately home of Singapore’s General Post Office and multiple government agencies. Since 2001, its Neoclassical façade, caged in Doric columns, has welcomed guests to wander among its splendour of luxury suites, sparkling chandeliers and polished marble staircases. Five-star facilities include an outdoor infinity pool, a spa and large gym, while dining serves a taste for heritage at the Lighthouse Restaurant and Rooftop Bar, which was once a working lighthouse.
https://www.fullertonhotels.com/fullerton-hotel-singapore
The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore
Related to – but not to be confused with – The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, the Bay edition of the chain is a thoroughly modern marvel. Its six storeys contain brown and gold hued rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Marina Bay. There’s a glamorous marble lobby, a small but well-stocked gym and a must-see-and-be-seen-in rooftop bar called Lantern. If you want to experience the legacy of Fullerton Bay’s older sister, book an appointment at its spa. To compensate for not having one of its own, the Bay branch offers limousine transfers to guests going to Fullerton Hotel Singapore spa ensuring they arrive in style.
https://www.fullertonhotels.com/fullerton-bay-hotel-singapore
Marina Bay Sands
One of the most sought-after rooms that money can buy in Singapore is the Chairman Suite. Overlooking the South China Sea, this 600-square-metre, four-bedroom, four-bathroom penthouse, with three private balconies, occupies the uppermost floors of the Moshe Safdie-designed Marina Bay Sands. Famous for its triple towers linked by a rooftop garden, Marina Bay Sands is one of the biggest hotels in the world. Shop until you drop and eat until you pop; The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands houses more than 270 retail outlets and there are more than 80 restaurants dotted across this mega development, including Bread Street Kitchen by Gordon Ramsay, Bistro and Oyster Bar by Daniel Boulud, and Spago by Wolfgang Park. The vast casino, sprawling Banyan Tree Spa and Fitness Club and world-famous 57th-floor infinity pool have to be seen to be believed – but only hotel guests can visit the pool.
https://www.marinabaysands.com/
Raffles Singapore
The legendary Raffles Singapore is famous for many things. Opened it 1887, the Beach Road property is named after the founder of Singapore, Sir Stamford Raffles. Horse-drawn carriages once chauffeured dignitaries up the gravel driveway of this grand Renaissance Revival landmark, now a National Monument; the mode of transfer has been updated but the luxurious crunch of gravel remains. Famous guests, who adorn the walls in commemorative photographs, range from British monarch Queen Elizabeth II to Hollywood superstar Elizabeth Taylor. Since 1915, each one has been welcomed with a Singapore Sling, the hotel’s iconic pineapple juice cocktail invented at its Long Bar. Today, the cocktail and colonial-era splendour endure, following major renovations with fitting Peranakan-inspired embellishments by designer Alexandra Champalimaud. Dark wood floors and ceiling fans sandwich fourposter beds, cocktail cabinets, wood and wicker armchairs and Bianco Dolomite marble-clad bathrooms with amenities by Ormonde Jayne. Each guest is assigned an around-the-clock butler to unpack, serve drinks and make reservations. Restaurants by Anne-Sophie Pic, Jereme Leung and Alain Ducasse have joined the traditional Tiffin Room, creating a palatable fine-dining portfolio fit for royalty – which, considering past clientele, is essential.
https://www.raffles.com/singapore/
Shangri-La Hotel Singapore
Launched in 1971, Shangri-La’s maiden property is gift-wrapped in 15 acres of beautifully manicured gardens, verdant with Asian herbs, ornamental trees and exotic flowers. Offering 792 rooms across three towers (tropical Garden Wing, family-friendly Tower Wing and ultra-luxurious Valley Wing), it’s just minutes from retail hub Orchard Road. Facilities onsite include a seven-room spa, a 24-hour gym, four floodlit tennis courts and a free-form outdoor pool. Begin long lazy days with east-meets-west breakfast buffets at The Line. Sample Peranakan-inspired buffets with dishes made from local market ingredients and recipes at The Lobby Lounge. Experience authentic Cantonese fare at old Shang Palace and Japanese delicacies at NAMI; chef Shigeo Akiba’s eel stuffed with uni and melon is a must.
