Asia Report December 2010
Credit: Fullerton Bay Hotel/Singapore Tourism Board
The Fullerton Bay Hotel.
Driven by multi-billion dollar investments in new tourism infrastructure, 2010 is the year of grand openings in Singapore – from two integrated resorts to Gardens by the Bay, three major waterfront gardens aimed at cementing the Lion City’s reputation as “The City in a Garden.” The new International Cruise Terminal, expected to open in 2011, will double the city’s cruise-handling capacity and accommodate the world’s largest cruise ships, like Royal Caribbean’s Oasis class ships. Some highlights:
Hotel News
Singapore boasts a diverse and exciting selection of properties with new hotels ranging from the incredibly quirky to the ultra-luxe.
The Fullerton Bay Hotel on Marina Bay offers 100 rooms, five individually-themed suites and a luxurious Presidential Suite, each with magnificent marina views, balconies and sundecks. www.FullertonBayHotel.com
Located in Little India, each of the 29-room Wanderlust Hotel’s four floors are individually designed with a different ‘in-your-face’ theme – “Industrial Glam”, “Eccentricity”, “Is It Just Black and White?” and “Creature Comforts.” The “Eccentricity” level also sports neon signs of apt song titles such as Yellow Submarine and Purple Rain. wanderlusthotle.com
Formerly the British Far East Command Headquarters during World War II, the Hotel Fort Canning, housed in a majestic colonial building dating back to 1926, features a collection of individually-styled boutique suites and rooms. www.hfcsingapore.com
The Saff, located in the quaint district of Keong Saik Rd., offers a boutique hotel experience at inexpensive prices and incorporates cultural elements from countries such as Morocco, Persia, Thailand, Spain and Turkey. www.thesaffhotel.com
Studio M offers 360 loft rooms in four categories: Studio, Premier, Executive and Patio. Each room offers a loft concept where the work and sleep areas are separated into two floors. www.studiomhoel.com
New Attractions
Opening in 2011, the River Safari will be Asia’s first river-themed animal park. Boat rides, displays of freshwater habitats highlight the multi-sensory experience designed to create greater awareness of freshwater habitat conservation. On Mandai Lake Road, adjacent to the Night Safari and Singapore Zoo. www.riversafari.com
Culinary News
Singapore’s cuisine combines the influences of many different traditions offering a wide variety of local food choices. The main cuisines are Chinese, Malay, Indian and Peranakan (a combination of Chinese, Malay and other influences) among others.
The newly opened the club hotel on trendy Ann Siang Rd. with its popular rooftop bar ying yang, is embarking on a Spanish dining concept at the club tapas, a Spanish bar and al fresco restaurant. www.theclub.com.sg
fabrika by Chivas 18 at klapsons boutique hotel is a chic alfresco sky terrace bar opened offering 18-year-old whisky by the renowned Chivas distillery along with four exclusive signature Chivas cocktails. www.fabrika.com.sg
– Merle Rosenstein
