Stay here: Mandarin Oriental Singapore

What’s the deal

When a building has strong bones, like the Mandarin Oriental, Singapore does, a smart renovation team enhances what they’ve already been given. US architect John Portman was the mastermind behind the neo-futuristic Marina Square, the building which houses the Mandarin Oriental Singapore. Built in 1987, its recessed rectangular windows and theatre-inspired atrium had aged better than some of the hotel’s harbourfront neighbours; but a six-month-long redecoration in 2023 brought a modern, more cinematic edge to Portman’s slightly sci-fi design.

Rather than paint with the same palette as sibling properties in locations such as Hong Kong, the hotel goes full-splash South East Asia, bringing a new definition to urban tropical luxury. Alternating pink and white floors rise upwards from the lobby like a towering kueh lapis, adorned with delicate dandelion-shaped chandeliers. The concrete exterior is edged in jade; floors, carpets, room adornments and silk wallpapers come in pandan green, soft furnishings in sapphire or duck-egg blue and burnt orange.

Flowers – especially Vanda Miss Joaquim orchids – and leaves, birds and fish are recurring motifs, celebrating the region’s biodiversity and peranakan craftsmanship. Everywhere you look, there’s something sumptuous to feast your eyes on, but it’s executed with such an eye for detail and harmony that the overall effect is plush without pomposity; gilded without being gaudy.

The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Singapore is deserving of its long-held plaudits, creating a quiet, low-lit temple of tranquillity. The executive lounge, Haus 65, accessible to those staying in suites, is co-curated by the team at the buzzy new members-only Mandala Club on Bukit Pasoh Road.

Morton’s The Steakhouse has been left largely untouched, its round bar curiously resembling a UFO. Embu, whose large timber centrepieces take inspiration from the city’s tembusu trees, is a lively and atmospheric dining space all day long. For something a little more intimate, there’s Dolce Vita, a sultry poolside Italian restaurant, or Cherry Garden for Cantonese cuisine in soft pink and cream surrounds.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Mandarin Oriental without the hotel’s signature cake shop. If you’ve ever wondered, “Where can I find gold-leaf-embellished kaya toast?”, you’ve come to the right place.

Why stay

This is a stunning hotel. Designwilkes, led by principal designer Jeffrey Wilkes, took a risk on more of a maximalist approach, and it’s paid off in spades. Take one of the iconic bubble lifts to reach your room, each of which is tailored to the requirements of your stay. Travelling with your children? The Family Theme Suite has the most tasteful take on jungle decor you’ll find. A peaceful weekend away? A sublime Sea View room, in accents of magenta, rattan and brass, features a generous free-standing bath. Entertaining a crowd? Go large on the Royal Marina Bay Penthouse, complete with hot tub, a chef’s kitchen and table for 10. Don’t miss out on spending time by the pool, either. The view of Marina Bay is knockout.

Cathay editors say…

“The selection of bespoke experiences here is quite something, from tingkat box painting to mangrove kayaking off Singapore’s east coast. Don’t miss a Vintage Vespa Sidecar Adventure, a tour of the Marina Bay roads with a local guide as your driver. Highly Instagrammable and deliriously fun.”