Singapore is a city that defies simple definitions. It is a place where gleaming skyscrapers coexist with quiet colonial charm, where culinary mastery meets botanical marvel, and where timeless heritage holds its own against a futuristic skyline. Step into the heart of the Lion City and you’ll find that its finest treasures are often the ones with stories to tell.
Historical Stay
There are few hotels in the world where walking through the front doors feels like stepping into a living legend. Raffles Singapore, named after Sir Stamford Raffles, the founder of modern Singapore, has long been woven into the fabric of the city’s identity. Since its opening in 1887, this grande dame has welcomed royalty, writers, film stars and adventurers from every corner of the globe. With its signature white facade, tropical gardens and softly swaying ceiling fans, Raffles stands as a monument to a more gracious age, where time slows down and every detail is crafted with care.
Following a meticulous restoration in 2019, the hotel has re-emerged with renewed splendour. The renovation preserved its old-world elegance while seamlessly introducing contemporary flair. New social spaces, dining venues and courtyards have been thoughtfully designed to celebrate Raffles lifestyle: meaningful encounters, warm hospitality and a deep respect for tradition. In a city constantly evolving, Raffles remains steadfast, its colonial-style architecture now officially recognised as a National Monument.
To stay in one of Raffles’ 115 suites is to experience Singapore at its most refined. Lofty ceilings, heritage-inspired furnishings and polished teak floors set the tone, while discreet technological enhancements ensure modern comfort. The experience is elevated even further by the Raffles Butlers, whose impeccable service is more intuitive than intrusive, a quiet presence that anticipates your needs before you do.
A Culinary Masterpiece
A short journey away, Singapore’s vibrant cultural scene continues to unfold, none more impressively than within the elegant halls of the National Gallery. And tucked away within this institution is a dining destination worthy of the masterpieces that surround it. Odette, helmed by celebrated Chef Julien Royer, is a restaurant where the artistry on the plate rivals the works on the walls. Named after Royer’s grandmother, Odette is a tribute to precision and beauty.
Here, every dish is a finely tuned composition, celebrating exceptional ingredients through refined technique and gentle creativity. From the delicate balance of flavour to the elegance of presentation, each course speaks of perfection. The atmosphere is quiet, almost reverent, perfected with soft palette, natural light and warm service for a flauntless dining experience.
A View from Above
To truly understand the soul of Singapore, one must also look up. Literally. Rising from the futuristic landscape of Gardens by the Bay, the Supertree Observatory offers an unforgettable perspective of the city. Perched atop the tallest Supertree, this open-air platform delivers panoramic views of Marina Bay and beyond, stretching out into the urban horizon. It is at once a modern marvel and a contemplative space, where visitors can take in the lush gardens below, sip a quiet drink and reflect on the extraordinary balance Singapore has achieved between progress and preservation.
More than just a destination, Singapore is an experience. It’s full of gems, elegant and always surprising.
