Singapore is known for its iconic architecture (the Marina Bay skyline even made its way onto a collection of stamps this year), luxurious shopping centers and its status as the go-to city for hosting high-profile events such as the Grand Prix Formula 1 and Chanel Cruise Fashion Show. It only stands to reason, then, that its hotels are equally glamorous and enchanting. While visiting this unique Southeast Asian island city, check into one of these five stunning hotels:
The Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel is home to some of the most coveted rooms in the city. It’s a top choice for business travelers due to its proximity to the financial district and its location on Singapore’s Marina Bay. The stylish lobby is decorated with marble floors and bright lighting, which give the space an air of contemporary luxury as soon as you enter its doors. That sleek sensibility is seen throughout the hotel, thanks to the work of famous Hong Kong designer André Fu (his portfolio includes other notable Asia properties, such as The Upper House, a Four-Star hotel in Hong Kong, and The IFC Residence in Shanghai). The posh hotel features a rooftop pool and cabanas that offer an unparalleled skyline vista. For those who prefer a more intimate experience outdoors, opt for the Premium Bay View Room, where you can sit in a private Jacuzzi that overlooks the bay.
The Forbes Travel Guide Recommended hotel is one of the most recognizable in Singapore’s skyline, with the outline of a ship above three strong pillars that house the guest rooms. On the bottom of the hotel is the famous Sands casino, internationally renowned celebrity chefs’ restaurants (including Cut by Forbes Travel Guide Tastemaker Wolfgang Puck and db Bistro Moderne by Daniel Boulud), a theater known to host the best of Broadway and all the luxury designer wear you could spend your casino winnings on. The rooftop boasts SkyPark, which is where you’ll find the hotel’s famous infinity pool overlooking the city, an observation deck and the exclusive Ku De Ta restaurant and lounge. Don’t spend all your time up on the roof, though — before you leave, make sure you snap a photo of the visually striking hotel from the ground level. That’s where the grandeur of the $5.7 billion structure is most evident.
Capella Singapore
This Five-Star hotel appeals to design aficionados. Situated on Sentosa Island, home to three of Singapore’s most famous beaches (Palawan, Siloso and Tanjong), this luxury hotel is at the end of a long, private driveway; upon arrival, you’ll notice that four restored buildings are listed on the Conservation of Built Heritage, with the Colonial Manordating dating back to the 1880s. It’s a stylized mansion that Gatsby would adore, with the South China sea as its backdrop — that’s the best way to describe the refined sophistication of this historic yet contemporary hotel, where modern art and fresh orchids decorate centuries-old spaces. Capella is great for families seeking peaceful accommodations at night and days spent at the beach or Universal Studios Singapore, as well as duffers looking for a weekend of hitting the greens at the private Sentosa Golf Club next door.
Set near Singapore’s fashion district (which also happens to be one of the most coveted zip codes on Orchard Avenue), the Four-Star hotel is the ideal getaway for families. It offers suites that accommodate up to six people, an outdoor pool overlooking the city with a kids’ corner and separate children’s menu and babysitting services (with advance notice). For twosomes seeking a more quiet retreat, the Four Seasons has a specially designated couples floor; rooms come with candles for a bubble bath and appropriate mood music for the romantic occasion. Regardless of which room you choose, though, rest assured it will be stylish — in July 2008, the luxury Singapore hotel unveiled a fresh interior design in all of its accommodations. The redesign, which was led by Hirsch Bedner and Associates, added details such as headboards made of tufted leather and original artwork from across Asia.
The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore
Located in the heart of the city, The Ritz-Carlton has a section of rooms looking out on Marina Bay. With nearly floor-to-ceiling windows and a view capturing the city’s remarkable skyline, it’s a good hotel for business travelers, families or those who want to be near the area’s most-frequented sights, including the Singapore Flyer and Esplanade Bay. The guest rooms are spacious with wooden and marble floors and large bathrooms featuring a lavish tub that offers another vista of the city from its hexagonal window. Architect Kevin Roche designed the luxury hotel (if you’ve ever visited the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, you’re familiar with his work), and throughout the rooms and public spaces, you’ll experience his seamless design in action. Not only is the hotel tower visually striking on the outside, inside, masterpieces by Roy Lichtenstein, James Rosenquist and Dale Chihuly add color and intrigue to public spaces.
Photos Courtesy of Capella Hotels and Resorts, Marina Bay Sands and The Ritz Carlton Hotel Company LLC
