TRAVEL – Near: Swish new stays, here, there and everywhere
- Raffles Sentosa
Rumours continue that Raffles Sentosa Resort & Spa will open before this year is out and over 135 years after the original Raffles Singapore on Beach Road. The all-villa resort will come with epic restaurants, a fitness centre and a bespoke bar serving – we’re presuming – the iconic Singapore Sling.
raffles.com
- Pullman Singapore Hill Street
Entering Pullman Singapore Hill Street is like stepping into India’s bygone days: think porcelain chandeliers, snazzy marble mosaic flooring, chic wallpaper and velvet banquette seats. Alongside the lux rooms, El Chido is a vibrant rooftop Mexican bar. MOGĀ, a modern Japanese Izakaya meets 1920s speakeasy bar is the place for a drink and nibbles.
pullmansingaporehillstreet.com
- The Standard Hotel
Known for hosting celebs and hip events at sister properties in New York and London, The Standard Hotel will launch its boutique brand by the time 2023 is out. Located on Orange Grove Road, its spaces will feature lush botanicals, mid-century modern-inspired interiors, a rooftop pool with swim-up bar, and million-dollar views of the city.
standardhotels.com
- Como Metropolitan Orchard
In addition to Como Dempsey and Como Shambhala, Como’s first hotel opens on Orchard Road in September. Alongside a rooftop pool, bar and wellness space, will be some hotly anticipated foodie venues. Restaurateur Simon Kim, of Michelin-starred Cote Korean Steakhouse in New York and Miami, will open his first international outpost here. It’s also the location for French chef Cédric Grolet’s inaugural patisserie in Asia.
comohotels.com
TRAVEL – Far
- Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort
Fancy some Maldives but make it new? Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort is a brand-new bolthole offering striking beach pool villas and swanky four-bedroom beach pavilions on the western edge of Baa Atoll. Surrounded by the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, there’s the usual aquatic adventures and pristine sands, plus watersports, a dive centre, spa, gym, and kids’ club. Seven bars and restaurants, live music and wellness facilities will leave you in no doubt that you’re in paradise.
avanihotels.com/en/fares-maldives
- Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya
It doesn’t get much closer to the beating heart of Japan than Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya. Located just moments from the famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing, this property opened its doors last month providing a stay that’s brilliant for exploring the neighbourhood, but also ideal for relaxing in rooms that showcase panoramic views extending to Mount Fuji.
ihg.com/hotelindigo
- Singapore To Malaysia on Eastern & Oriental Express
If you love a romantic train journey, check out the return of two new Eastern & Oriental Express return-trips from Singapore to Malaysia. The round-trip journeys will depart from Singapore’s Woodlands station and chug up the tracks through Malaysia, stopping at destinations including Penang, Langkawi and the Taman Negara National Park.Available to book from February 2024.
belmond.com
- Ace Hotel Sydney
Taking over the Tyne Building on Wentworth Avenue in Surrey Hills, the former brick factory is now Ace Hotel Sydney with a focus on both the creative and First Nation communities. The new property partnered with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, Nina Fitzgerald, to manage a First Nations’ artist-in-residence programme with the Lobby Bar featuring several boundary-pushing artists. Unsurprisingly, rooms are super-cool (cosy up in looped woollen yarn blankets by New Zealand’s Stansborough). Kiln, the wood-fired rooftop restaurant has 360 views of downtown Sydney, meanwhile on the ground floor, LOAM does an awesome Aussie brekkie.
acehotel.com/sydney
