ARRIVAL/CHECK-IN: Arriving in Singapore is an easy affair as there are plenty of taxis for the 15-minute ride from Changi Airport, with little traffic. Coming into the circular drive of the famed Raffles hotel, you take in the view of this historic 1887 property. The equally famed doormen, dressed in traditional Sikh livery, greet guests and help with any requests.
Walking into the lobby of the newly renovated property inspires awe as you gaze on the immaculate white marble floors, towering ceiling and incredible natural light. While checking in I was offered a glass of Champagne or water. The staff confirmed my upcoming reservations and spa services and asked if they could help with other plans. They introduced me to my butler, who would be my guide and touch point throughout my stay. All guests have a butler assigned to them, and they often become part of the family.
GUEST QUARTERS: The Palm Court Suites occupy the oldest part of the building alongside the lush courtyard, with convenient access to the main building and restaurant. The newly appointed rooms keep the old-world charm of the décor and architecture but incorporate state-of-the-art technology throughout the space. You enter into a spacious parlor room with a full seating area featuring chic pops of color and modern art adorning the walls. The room includes a large hanging television and a breakfast nook that doubled as my workspace. The classic and chic leather trunk-style bar holds glass bottles of waters and curated tea sets.
The bedroom charms with high ceilings, traditional white- washed walls, teak flooring and a ceiling fan with brass accents. Furnishings include a chaise longue, two four-poster queen-sized beds and plush rugs to soften the room. Side tables are upgraded for technology needs including a touchscreen to adjust lighting and air-conditioning and a radio with ceiling speakers. The giant teak armoire holds a TV. The his-and-her closets offer ample space and plush Chinese-style blue and white slippers.
The bathroom was by far my favorite area — so much so, it was hard to leave. Bright lighting and shuttered windows showcase the huge heritage-style spa tub, with striking black and white Peranakan tile flooring contrasted with marble walls and plush white rugs. Your butler will draw you a bath upon request! Two large teak vanities offer plenty of space, great lighting and custom Ormonde Jayne amenities with an Isfarkand scent that I loved and took home with me. The Raffles’ peacock symbol adorns thick, white towels and heavy cotton spa robes.
SERVICES/AMENITIES: The renovation elevated the dining and drink options to a new level. My first evening I dined at La Dame de Pic, serving Michelin-starred chef Anne-Sophie Pic’s signature French dishes with a Singaporean twist alongside excellent Champagne and wine pairings. Dinner became an amazing three- hour affair. I dined most mornings at the Tiffin Room which hosts a generous buffet, but I tried the dim sum program and decided to eat that every morning as it was some of the best dim sum I have had in Asia.
PHOTO: © RALF TOOTEN/ IMAGES COURTESY OF RAFFLES SINGAPORE
The Writers Bar, paying tribute to famed writer guests of the hotel, now opens into the lobby and sports boutique brown leather seating. Enjoy signature cocktails like Eternal Youth, named for regular guest Elizabeth Taylor and featuring a spritz of Forever Elizabeth perfume. The storied Long Bar still caters to the masses with its deliciously sweet Singapore Sling and bags of peanuts. Beware the long wait, but trust me, it’s worth it.
Entering the Raffles Spa in the Arcade transports you to a tranquil paradise. As I had a midnight flight home right after my spa treatment, I chose a 90-minute Signature Gemstone massage which put me at complete ease for the long flight.
TOP TAKEAWAYS:
The renovation upgrades the historic hotel’s colonial design with modern touches and a beautiful aesthetic.
The butlers, servers and ever- present and friendly Raffles doormen devote themselves to excellent service and attention to detail.
You can dine on the property for days. Try La Dame de Pic for a truly opulent evening.
RAFFLES SINGAPORE
1 Beach Road
189673 Singapore
tel 65 6337 1886
raffles.com/singapore
By: Carly Allen
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedDestinations / North America
Jun 1, 2023Hit the Streets of Chattanooga, Tennessee, for Non-Stop Music Events in 2023
This year, Chattanooga, Tennessee, takes center stage with a full lineup of music events, offering family travelers more than one chance to visit this town. Here are some of the upcoming music festivals and events coming to Chattanooga:
Sponsored Content
United Airlines Celebrates its First Class of United Aviate Graduates
As the only major U.S. airline to own a flight school, United Airlines already hit a major milestone, and now the carrier celebrates another important — and historic — step as the inaugural class of United Aviate Academy pilots graduates, leading the next generation of aviators. The 51 students in the graduating class were majority, at 80 percent, women and people of color — another stride toward United’s goal of training 5,000 new pilots by 2030 with half women or POC.
Destinations / North America
Jun 1, 20233 Summer Festivals to Experience in New Orleans This Summer
If you think a New Orleans vacation means walking the streets of the French Quarter, eating beignets and drinking chicory coffee, you are only partially right. The city is ripe with fun activities that make it one of the most fascinating destinations for all types of family travelers, including what seems like a never-ending calendar of festivals where visitors can experience fun, food and culture year-round. If you plan to head to the Big Easy this summer, be sure to check out these great festivals that should definitely be on your must-do list.
Slideshow
Jun 1, 20238 Tel Aviv, Israel, Destinations for Family Travel
It’s time to start dreaming of your next family trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through Tel Aviv, Israel, with us.
Destinations / North America
May 31, 2023The Desert of Maine: A Natural Wonder Great for Kids
The Desert of Maine, near the shopping mecca of Freeport, has been an icon since it opened in 1925. Children of family travelers along Maine’s coast were fascinated by road-side signs showing camels, sand dunes and colorful Arabian tents. At times, live camels were added to the desert landscapes.
Destinations
May 31, 2023Top 10 Summer Travel Destinations
Travel insurance company Allianz Partners recently revealed the results of its Top 10 Summer Travel Destinations study, just in time for family travelers looking for some inspiration. The team at Allianz analyzed more than 1.6 million flight itineraries of five–eight days in length booked between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Of those flight itineraries, 73 percent were for domestic trips and 27 percent were for international destinations.
ShareThis