If it’s a sumptuous, resort staycation you seek, check into Shangri-La Hotel Singapore. The five-star hotel has recently unveiled its recently refurbished Tower Wing, which features a stunning new tropical look in its lobby and rooms, as well as new restaurants and a swanky club lounge
Something we love best about living in Singapore is its location in Southeast Asia – holiday destinations like Bali and Phuket are a mere hop and a skip away. But for those times when we just can’t find seem to get away, we pack an overnight bag for a staycation.
For serial staycationers such as ourselves, the options for a plush hotel stay in Singapore are endless. But for the time-crunched yet vacation-hungry, Shangri-La Hotel Singapore’s heady mix of five-star services, resort atmosphere, and urban accommodation makes it hard to beat. Located just off Orchard Road in a leafy residential neighbourhood, the hotel has recently unveiled its newly refurbished Tower Wing. Keep reading to find out why the addition of the hotel’s luxurious, elegant wing makes the property an urbanite’s dream retreat.
Stepping through Shangri-La’s doors, my eyes were immediately drawn to the indoor garden interiors of the revamped lobby. Potted ficus trees stand tall alongside an infinity black pool, while imposing pillars tower high above, framing the space’s striking feature wall of basalt rock covered in ferns and moss. Cream and copper furnishings add a soothing element to the sun-drenched area, while artwork of metallic leaves gently swirling from the ceiling elevates its light atmosphere.
Let’s talk rooms
Let’s get to what you’re dying to know. Next to the lobby, the rooms are tamer in design but no less stunning. My room for the weekend was the Horizon Club Deluxe Room. At 38 square metres each, these roomy abodes boast calming, earthy colour palettes, floor-to-ceiling windows, marble clad bathrobes and glorious views of the pool or city.
For beauty junkies, a treat awaits: In the corner of your room, you’ll find a light-up vanity area that’s sure to set your hearts aflutter. Oh, did we mention that La Prairie toiletries are provided? It can’t get more luxurious than that.
The Horizon Club Lounge
We’d strongly recommend staying in the Horizon Club rooms as it grants you access to the Horizon Club Lounge. Open 24 hours a day, here’s where you’ll have your breakfast, as well as tea and cocktails over panoramic views. The breakfast spread is perfect for healthy eaters – think an array of fruits, grains as well as milk and yoghurt (with non-dairy alternatives, of course). Not one for clean brekkies? There’s a fair mix of breakfast usuals like pancakes, eggs, bread and Asian staples of fried rice and porridge.
Swing by for tea if you’re feeling peckish – there’ll be warm pastries and light bites – and kick-start your Saturday night buzz early with cocktails and canapes from 5pm to 7pm. There’s a wine dispensing machine as well as a DIY cocktail area with all the spirits, mixers and garnishes you need. Kick back on those plush couches and let the booze do its job.
Wine and dine within the hotel
You don’t have to leave the vicinity of the hotel for great grub. Head to newly opened NAMI for a Japanese fine dining experience; the restaurant offers the signature and unparalleled Japanese hospitality, unobstructed views of the city, an outdoor terrace as well as an omakase menu and tapas made with fresh, seasonal produce.
Feeling like a hearty feast instead? Head to Waterfall, which serves up Southern Italian cuisine near the swimming pool. Prepare for a food coma – on the menu are bubbling pots of fresh seafood stew, succulent slabs of tenderloin beef and classic pasta dishes with recipes gleaned from Chef Marco’s grandma.
The Lobby Lounge
Make one last pitstop before you leave – pop by The Lobby Lounge for a Sunday feast. Served on Peranakan crockery, the restaurant’s menu includes heritage hawker fare like Hainanese Chicken Rice, Katong Laksa and Chilli Crab and Mantou (fried buns) with a semi-buffet of dishes like rendang and rojak. Nope, I’m not even a little bit ashamed to admit that I went back for seconds. Sweet treats are available too, with Nyonya Kueh, and dishes like Bubur Chacha and Bubur Pulut Hitam included in the buffet lineup.
Shangri-La Hotel Singapore, 22 Orange Grove Road, Singapore 258350
Want more guides to weekend getaways? Start planning your holidays with our breakdown of 2018’s long weekends, or best cruises from Singapore.