Short getaway, weekend celebration, or simply a pause from it all.
Whatever you’re looking for, a staycation on Singapore shores offers us all luxury of respite, minus the hassle of nearly-missed flights and queuing up at the currency exchange booth.
Here are two of Singapore’s newest and shiniest spots for your next urban retreat.
Insta-worthy Stay at the Intercontinental, Robertson Quay
Get your camera phones ready for an abundance of rich Italian marble, cool slate, brushed copper, tanned leather, and lots of mirrored and reflective surfaces. The new InterContinental Singapore Robertson Quay is a beautiful hideaway right in the heart of the city.
Located at the far end of Robertson Quay in place of the old Gallery Hotel, this is the InterContinental Hotels Group’s second property in Singapore and it just opened in October at The Quayside, pegged as the city’s hot new riverfront lifestyle enclave with a host of fab dining concepts.
There are only 225 studios and suites, and a chic Club Lounge offering a complimentary selection of afternoon tea delights and evening cocktails crafted upon request.
The hotel’s in-house Italian restaurant and bar, Publico Ristorante, serves up Italian classics with a laidback vibe, and a romantic alfresco area by the riverfront prettified with fairylights.
Wolfgang’s Steakhouse by Wolfgang Zwiener is a New York institution and another fab dining option located within the building. The hotel is also home to private members’ club, 1880, on level 3; so exclusive that even usual hotel guests aren’t allowed to pop in to take a peek at its handsome and much-hyped interiors.
Topping off your Instagram feed is Publico Deli, the charming Italian delicatessen where guests also go for brekkie. Doll up in your 1920s best because every corner of this space channeling New York City’s West Village vibes is seriously Insta-worthy.
Staycay in the Sky at Andaz
The Andaz experience begins on the 25th floor. Instead of the typical check-in counters that greet you the moment you step through the door of most hotels, the lobby at Andaz is a little bit more exclusive. You take the elevator up to the 25th storey and there, the check-in is casual and relaxed at open counters in the free-flowing space. It all feels very social and communal yet exclusive, perched high above the city centre with a spectacular panorama for a backdrop.
Yes, Andaz is all about the view.
The boutique hotel by the Hyatt group is housed in the gleaming new DUO twin towers at Bugis comprising offices, residences and a retail gallery distinguished by its honeycomb-patterned exterior designed by renowned German architect Ole Scheeren.
The hotel’s 342 designer guestrooms by famed architect Andre Fu and his design studio AFSO occupy levels 26 and up, each with stunning vistas of the Singapore skyline stretching to the Marina Bay harbour. The rooms are washed in a soothing palette of warm russet, paprika, aubergine and mustard tones for a natural, earthy and homely feel.
Soak up this fabulous view from the infinity pool in the day, and at dusk, take in the beautiful sunset from rooftop bar Mr Stork on level 39 flaunting an amazing 360-degree view of the city. And when you tire of the scene and being seen, just retreat to any of the 10 super cosy teepee huts peppered around the lush, landscaped grounds of the rooftop.