Clean, green and compact (it’s smaller than New York City), Singapore’s main island sits alongside a constellation of 63 smaller islands just off the tip of the Malay Peninsula. The country’s tropical paradise-like scenery, world-class shopping and excellent reputation as a multicultural crossroads offer visitors an enormous amount to discover. Here we round up Singapore’s best luxury hotels for your next trip to the Lion City.
Artyzen Singapore
Stunningly geometric from the outside, utterly luxurious within, the Artyzen Singapore bills itself as a ‘vertical oasis’.
The heritage landmark was once a tropical-garden mansion called Villa Marie. Today, the brand-new, modern, stacked-block hotel, which opened on 24 November, keeps that original spirit alive with lots of outdoors-in glass and plenty of lush, tumbling greenery.
The 142 rooms and suites all feature balconies, vaulted ceilings with fans, luxurious baths and a rich cream-and-black-accented color scheme. Each suite boasts large, landscaped terraces.
At the top of the building is The Roof Garden, where guests can go to feel improbably swept away to a tropical paradise 20 stories up, order drinks prepared by resident mixologists and ogle their surroundings.
The multi-award-winning property is just a stone’s throw from the glitz of the world-famous Orchard Road shopping destination.
For the best view of all, enjoy a dip in the 25-meter cantilevered infinity pool. Jutting out over the edge of the building, the pool’s partially transparent base gets swimmers up close to the iconic skyline.
Pan Pacific Orchard
Balanced like a giant game of Jenga, the new Pan Pacific Orchard offers luxury guests four exceptional experiences in a single hotel. The groundbreaking architecture divides the building into four nature-inspired sections that transport guests to Singapore’s varied landscapes.
Each of the Forest, Beach, Garden and Cloud sections with open-air terraces have decor and amenities that follow its theme. Forest Terrace creates a woodland-like space with a waterfall and landscaped pond. The beach level boasts an emerald lagoon, sandy beachfront, groves of palms and coastal species of flora.
A curated garden sets the scene in the next section with a gazebo and water sculpture. Cloud Terrace, overlooking the Lion City from 23 floors up, has an outdoor event space, reflective pools and a mirrored ceiling partially open to the sky.
Throughout, 347 guestrooms and suites are situated among huge open spaces filled with natural light, enormous living columns and more than 7,300 square meters of greenery. Awarded the Green Mark Platinum rating by Singapore’s Building and Construction Authority for its extensive and interconnected sustainable systems, the hotel makes it easy for guests to feel good about staying in such luxury.
Marina Bay Sands
Since the resort opened its doors and transformed the city-state’s skyline in 2010, arguably no other site is more emblematic of Singapore for travelers. The ship-shaped Marina Bay Sands, grounded atop three towers, includes world-class shopping, dining and entertainment, exhibitions at the ArtScience Museum, the world’s largest rooftop infinity pool and Singapore’s largest nightclub on the 57th floor.
This year, the complex has completed the first stage of a multiyear US$1 billion reinvestment program, with hundreds of guestrooms to be renovated. When finished, the project will see the reimagining of more than 2,000 rooms; an upgraded lounge; new premium dining, health and wellness offerings; and eventually, the building of a fourth tower.
In creating an elevated, home-away-from-home experience that feels, they say, like a warm embrace, no detail has been overlooked – not even the hangers in the wardrobes. Each room’s new soothing taupe palette and meticulously chosen (and environmentally friendly) materials and textures create a welcoming atmosphere.
Newly available smart amenities respond to a guest’s every whim – plus help conserve energy. But it’s each room’s black-lacquered Armoire, a bespoke minibar packed with coffee, wine, snacks and more, and the Cocktail Trolley, stocked with liquors, pre-mixed cocktails and garnishes for guests to enjoy in their own time and space, that signal true luxury.
Raffles Singapore
Open for more than a century, and still the epitome of the Golden Age of travel, Raffles Singapore is a property full of lore. The historic plantation-style hotel has bounced back from near ruin, provided shelter to soldiers in the calamity of World War II and welcomed a plethora of glamorous guests over the years.
Rudyard Kipling is said to have written The Jungle Book during a lengthy stay. And in 1915, Raffles Long Bar bartender Ngiam Tong Boon disguised gin and liqueurs in a frothy pink, pineapple-garnished, fruit juice-like concoction – the now world-famous Singapore Sling – making it acceptable for women to drink alcohol in public.
A stay in one of the 115 elegantly appointed guestrooms comes with a particularly fabled perk – the signature butler service. Available 24/7 to all guests, a Raffles butler is ready to shake up a favorite drink, dole out sightseeing recommendations or even pack your bags, if you’re having a hard time leaving the lap of luxury.
Today, the brand has since expanded to 18 properties around the globe – but nowhere else holds the romance of the original. Guests take their place among legends here.
InterContinental Singapore
No fewer than 11 separate accolades were awarded to the InterContinental Singapore for 2023, recognizing the property for excellence in fine dining and business, family friendliness and luxury lifestyle.
The 403-guestroom hotel, boasting a newly instated butler service, expertly caters to a wide range of guest needs at a five-star level – and all with Peranakan flair. Dating back to the 17th century, the hotel says, Chinese traders in search of opportunity found marriage matches in the women of the Malay Peninsula, resulting in a vibrant blend of language, food and lifestyle and the beginning of rich Peranakan culture.
Since opening in 1995, the hotel has become a landmark in the Bugis arts-and-culture district, celebrating Peranakan influences through its distinctive architecture, decor and dining. Exquisite fabrics and furniture and a collection of arts and artifacts are displayed throughout the interiors.
For guests seeking more history, sign up for the complimentary two-hour walking tour that winds its way along the local heritage trail and highlights the hotel’s connection to the surrounding cultural enclaves. It’s a peek back at old Singapore.
Capella Singapore
Sitting directly south of the Lion City’s main island, the five-square kilometer Sentosa is the site of tropical escape Capella Singapore. The 112 rooms, suites and villas are situated on 12 hectares of lush, landscaped grounds and gardens surrounded by the sea.
The property includes fine dining options and a relaxed outdoor bar. The celestially named Auriga Spa – rated five stars for the past 13 years – offers beauty and wellness treatments based on the phases of the moon.
Unique to the brand, the Capella Culturists, they say, come to life when acting in their roles as chief storytellers and hotel historians. Well-versed in local tales of Singapore’s colonial heritage and multicultural society, they hold court in the property’s Living Room, a thoughtfully restored bungalow built in the 1880s.
Guests are encouraged to attend the daily on-site workshops and activities led by the Capella Culturists as well as seek them out for questions or requests, big or small – be that a lesson in mahjong, a city tour via vintage sidecar or a local Peranakan cooking lesson.
W Singapore – Sentosa Cove
For luxury that’s less muted tones and hushed, soothing spaces, pop over to W Singapore – Sentosa Cove. The resort’s 240 guestrooms and common spaces throughout are full of vivid color and fun, magical-rainforest-esque design elements inspired by Singaporean symbols like the orchid flower, peacocks and lalang fields.
As you walk around, look closely to spot quirky art pieces by renowned artists – Andy Warhol included. The neon-lit room layouts are called Marvelous, Fabulous, Spectacular and Wonderful – all working their way up in extravagance and vibrancy to the 195-square-meter Extreme WOW Suite, which the hotel says is perfectly suited for larger-than-life scene-stealers.
A crystal bauble chandelier dangles from the reflective black ceiling over a living room and stocked bar. A giant chrome tub in the bathroom, outdoor terrace with private plunge pool and double turntables add to the party-ready vibe.
Outside of the suite, the resort features Singapore’s largest free-form pool, a fitness center, dining options and spa facilities – plus easy access to all the small island has to offer. Guests will head home fully energized.
Four Seasons
The Four Seasons along Orchard Boulevard is perfectly positioned to serve as a launch pad for the many adventures guests will want to have around the city. And the hotel makes it easy to get out and about, with a concierge service ready to offer up suggestions and design personalized tours to help every kind of traveler fully immerse themselves in the city.
The Singapore Botanic Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to thousands of orchid species, is a 20-minute stroll away. The Peranakan neighborhoods Joo Chiat and Katong have well-preserved shophouses scattered between colonial bungalows and old-world coffee shops. Stops for traditional food are all over the city, while shopping haven Orchard Road is practically at the hotel’s doorstop.
Six rooms and seven suites – plus spa and various dining options – welcome guests back after a long day of exploring. Make it in time to catch Nobu Social Hours, a daily sundowner rendezvous for signature cocktails and small bites.
The Fullerton Bay Hotel
Looking out over Marina Bay, The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore faces the Singapore Flyer Ferris wheel, the famed Marina Bay Sands complex and other twinkling buildings across the water. Guests will want to move from room to restaurant to bar, keeping that view within easy sight. And the property delivers.
Each of the 100 guestrooms make the most of the surroundings with balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows. The award-winning Lantern is consistently ranked as one of the Lion City’s best rooftops, offering a panoramic view plus cocktails and snacks. The indoor promenade – where guests can take tea – and onsite French bistro offer front-row seats to the Bay.
Turning their attention to the hotel’s interior, guests may notice the geometric, almost art deco design elements, high ceilings, lots of marble-tiled flooring and the lobby’s mammoth chandelier that create an opulent yet elegant feel reminiscent of a bygone era. All perfectly beautiful – and the iconic waterfront is showcased brilliantly.
The Mandarin Oriental Singapore
The Mandarin Oriental brand has been synonymous with luxury since it opened its flagship property, The Mandarin, in 1963 in Hong Kong. Today, it operates 37 hotels and nine residences in 25 countries around the globe – but it’s the otherworldly spas that are known to really transport guests.
The Lion City location has recently reopened after a number of upgrades to some of its 510 rooms; its configuration of restaurants, including the addition of award-winning, jewel-toned MO BAR; and The Spa.
The treatment list is extensive, covering body care and massage, facials, a nail salon and more. Products and scents, techniques and therapies are drawn from Asian and Singaporean influences. Get a massage with jade stones or realign the flow of energy along the meridians of the body. Opt for reiki, a sound bath or craniosacral therapy.
For something sweet after whatever treatment has you floating along in bliss, pop down to the lobby to the newly instated The Mandarin Cake Shop. Pastry chefs make everything on-premises, selling what the hotel calls a ‘veritable medley’ of locally inspired desserts. The shop is open all day for grab-and-go breakfasts, relaxing afternoon champagne tea or for whenever a craving hits.
The Singapore EDITION
EDITION is known for its 17 one-of-a-kind properties (with more scheduled to open soon), each totally unique, taking design, services and amenities inspiration from the far-flung locales in which they’re located. It’s the anti-hotel chain, they say, and the Singapore EDITION — the brand’s first in South-East Asia — is no different.
Drawing on the island nation’s Garden City goals and lush, tropical climate, the hotel brings the outdoors in wherever possible. A restaurant spills into a conservatory bursting with plants; leafy branches form a graceful canopy over the rooftop terrace and pool. A living green wall greets guests in the lobby. Throughout, there are hundreds of species of endemic flora and lots of light-filled space, including in the on-site bar, spa and fitness center.
In contrast to the peaceful atmosphere that being surrounded by greenery creates, the 204-room hotel is located in the bustling heart of the downtown Orchard district. The property creates the ideal blend – nonstop cosmopolitan energy just outside, and within, nature at its most luxurious.
