Opened over 40 years ago, the Shangri-La Singapore was the luxury chain’s first property. When it initially welcomed guests to its location off Orchard Road, it was really just that…off a road that was lined by orchards and other agricultural ventures. Today, however, the district has become one of city-state’s most upscale and trendiest neighborhoods, and the hotel itself has grown alongside it.
This stunning complex is set on 15 acres with the original Tower Wing taking pride of place on tony Orange Grove road. Its grand, two-story, chandelier-filled lobby has welcomed famous guests from all over the world and purveys a sense of grandeur over the whole scene.
Outside, guests can lounge around the enormous pool while admiring the room balconies of the Garden Wing (which recently underwent a renovation to the tune of $68 million SDG) draped in fuchsia bougainvillea. Across the lush, rolling lawn is The West Tower, where you will find the 131 club-level rooms and suites, designed to host dignitaries and VIPs.
This tower features its own private lobby complete with all-day bar and table service, and a special breakfast area called the Summit Room where a sumptuous buffet is complemented by à la carte items like western omelets as well as Singaporean savories such as Nasi lemak coconut-milk rice with sambal chili, hard-boiled egg, fried anchovy, peanut and grilled fish cake.
Like rooms in the rest of the hotel, these ones feature all-marble bathrooms with separate tubs and walk-in showers, as well as L’Occitaine products. Complimentary Wi-Fi is included throughout the hotel, a Shangri-La brand standard.
The hotel is also home to Shangri-La’s partner CHI Spa, which focuses on treatments conveying a sense of place through specialized rituals and ingredients unique to the location. Treatments include the Tropical Treat, which begins with a green coconut body exfoliation followed by a soothing chamomile and coconut oil skin treatment for hydration and relaxation.
Among the dining options are the Nadaman Japanese Restaurant, the Southern Italian-inspired Waterfall, the Rose Veranda for a lavish afternoon-tea (there are 164 blends to choose from) and the family-friendly, all-day Line eatery, where there are 16 food stations, each offering a different kind of international cuisine. For a good overview of the area, BLU is set on the hotel’s 24th floor and is currently home to a pop-up version of chef Massimo Bottura’s Michelin three-star Osteria Francescana. Just off the lobby in the Tower Wing, guests will also find the more formal Shang Palace—a Shangri-La fixture—serving its signature menu of items like dim sum and the famous Peking duck.
The Shangri-La Singapore is relaxing destination in the heart of the city, and yet still a world away from the frenzy of the bustling metropolis.
