From the moment we stepped into Fairmont Hotel Singapore’s very grand lobby, we felt welcome. We began to cross the luxuriously appointed foyer and we were swept up with an easy smile by a hostess who lead us directly to check in. Hotels of this size have the potential to leave guests feeling lost in the crowd. However, this small gesture was the first in a long list of ways during our stay that the Fairmont demonstrated their culture of polished and personalised service. In this case it seems, size really doesn’t matter.
The stylish lobby brings together local design elements to reflect the diversity of Singapore at Fairmont Hotel, Singapore. Image © Skye Gilkeson
The Fairmont Singapore’s lobby is a stunning reflection of the property’s recent multi-million dollar renovation. My eye first caught the breathtaking chandelier crafted by Lasvit (it immediately brought back memories of Paris). With its 800 crystal glass balls, Playing with Wind is at once delicate and playful and cleverly fills the lofty space, adding to the inviting warmth of the seating area below. However, my favourite piece in the lobby is called Diversity, a huge colourful artwork inspired by the country’s cultural festivals. The piece is a celebration of Singapore‘s melting pot of cultures; something the hotel also expresses through subtle design elements in each unique space.
Lovely welcome gift on arrival at Fairmont Hotel, Singapore. Image © Skye Gilkeson
The hotel revamp included the North Tower, where we set up home for a few days in a Fairmont Premier Room. Grey tones, are offset by modern dark wood furnishings and striking purple accents. Bespoke local elements have been incorporated into the interior. Peranakan (Straits Chinese culture) inspired motifs appear on the carpet and sheer day curtains. Plantation shutters in the bathroom are a nod to the colonial times and the bed headboard is decorated with a piece by local artist Andre Tan and features various iconic Singaporean sights.
Our spacious and beautifully appointed Fairmont Premier Room in the refurbished South Tower at Fairmont Hotel, Singapore. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Each of the newly refurbished rooms features grey tones offset by dark wood, purple accents and featuring local motifs. Fairmont Hotel, Singapore. Image © Skye Gilkeson
The room itself was very spacious at 39 square metres, with a king bed, lounge chair and ottoman and a large work desk. The bathroom was finished luxuriously in a combination of white and black marble. It featured a luxurious rain shower and Le Labo bath products in Fairmont’s delicious signature scent, Rose 31. Having an unhindered view out to the harbour was the icing on the cake.
The luxurious and beautifully fragrant Le Labo bath products in the signature Fairmont scent; Rose 31. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Plantation shutters frame the mirror in the black and white marble bathroom. A clever nod to colonial Singapore. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Our other favourite features were the Nespresso machine (to meet our strong love of coffee) and the in-room mini screens. Each screen broadcasts information tailored to the guests’ interests and changes throughout the day. We were shown information about the gym, the spa and of course the cocktail bar, Anti:dote, to provide us with a little inspiration.
The warm, inviting Italian themed Prego restaurant is where you will start your day at Fairmont Hotel, Singapore. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Dining at the Fairmont Singapore
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Inspiration won’t be a problem when it comes to dining at Fairmont Hotel, Singapore. There are 15 restaurants and bars to choose from whether you are in the mood for Italian at Prego, Chinese at Szechuan Court, Singaporean specialties at Kopi Tiam, a health conscious menu at Alligator Pear or dinner with breathtaking views of the city lights at Equinox Restaurant, all just footsteps from your room.
Prego
The Fairmont’s Lifestyle Cuisine Plus program; a commitment to catering for health conscious travellers and those with dietary restrictions is visible immediately at the breakfast buffet, served at Prego. Rich terracotta walls, warm wooden tables and rustic Italian features are reminiscent of a trattoria. The restaurant is a colourful, casual and comfortable spot to start your day.
Oven fresh baked goods wait for hungry guests at Prego, Fairmont Hotel, Singapore. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Italian prosciutto, hams and salamis playfully hang from the bar at Prego, Fairmont Hotel, Singapore. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Italian sausages and prosciutto hang from the bar, chianti bottles and parmesan wheels are also used ornamentally. The waft of oven fresh pastries and breads (both regular and gluten free) will tease you through the entryway where counters covered in golden baked goods offer a glowing greeting.
Cheese boards a plenty at the breakfast buffet at Prego, Fairmont Hotel, Singapore. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Platters chock full of fresh cut fruit for breakfast at Prego, Fairmont Hotel, Singapore. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Home made bircher muesli, nuts, seeds, fresh and dried fruit at Prego, Fairmont Hotel, Singapore. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Further along there are cereals, yoghurts, cheeses, cold cuts and a rainbow of chunky cut fruits piled onto platters. Fresh juices are just next door. I ordered a personalised blend and it wasn’t a problem; my green juice was served up in minutes. Salad, Asian soup and congee sections sit freshly stocked with condiments and a chef waits by the wok to whip up eggs to order with the typical trimmings from sausages and bacon (both gluten free), within reach.
Fresh Asian soup and congee station with all the trimmings at Prego. Fairmont Hotel, Singapore. Image © Skye Gilkeson
We opted for fluffy omelettes with bacon stir fried morning glory, cherry tomatoes, fresh salad and salmon for breakfast on most mornings at Prego, Fairmont Hotel, Singapore. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Work your way through the carefully curated cocktail list in the elegant Anti:dote lounge. Image © Fairmont Hotels
Anti:dote
Cocktail bar and lounge, Anti:dote is a must visit during a stay at the Fairmont Singapore. Their afternoon Tea:time is regularly a sell-out. The Western or Oriental menu of ten sweet and savoury masterpieces is served in a gorgeous chest of leather jewellery drawers, there is also a children’s menu and the option of tea pairing.
Anti:dote – A designer destination for a mouthwatering afternoon tea menu or a carefully crafted cocktail. Image © Skye Gilkeson
We saved our visit to Anti:dote for an early evening cocktail after hearing about the award-winning Tom Hogan and a handful of other Fairmont Tastemakers who have carefully curated the cocktail menu. They even incorporate herbs and flowers from the bar’s own herb garden in the creations. Flipping through the menu was a little bit overwhelming. Thankfully, we had an inside tip that gin is one of their specialties so I chose the Corpse Reviver #2 (gin, homemade orange liqueur, homemade vermouth, lemon juice, absinthe) and The Hubby couldn’t go past his love of whisky and got a Spice Road (singleton 12 whisky, dry vermouth, honey syrup, black bitters, mint). We enjoyed each pour with a side of people watching as the Friday night post-work crowd filled up the plush seats. Locals and hotel guests settled into the stylish space catching up over a designer aperitif with some tapas.
Here are more of our favourite restaurants and cafes around Singapore
The Spice Road and Corpse Reviver #2. Cocktails created with passion at Anti:dote, Fairmont Hotel, Singapore. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Guests at Fairmont Hotel, Singapore can relax two large, outdoor pools with a view to the harbour. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Fairmont Fit
A welcome contrast to many hotel gyms, the Fairmont Singapore Fitness Centre is generously appointed with state-of-the-art equipment. The hotel lends out gear through its Fairmont Fit program, so there’s no excuse not to get moving during your stay. There are two outdoor pools for guests to relax and cool off from the famous Singapore sticky air and Aqua Aerobics classes are on offer if you want to work up an appetite in the water.
The state-of-the-art Fitness Centre at Fairmont Hotel, Singapore. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Well equipped strength training area at the Fitness Centre, Fairmont Hotel, Singapore. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Local corporates also use the Fitness Centre, often stopping in for a workout during their lunch break. That’s generally a sign of a well-equipped, well-run and sizeable gym. There is a full strength training area with weights machines by Precor, Hampton Fitness dumbbells, a smith machine, an entire cardio area equipped with treadmills, bikes, cross trainers and water rowers. It is also features a SMARTfit Training system, a multi-sensory style of high intensity training that challenges the brain and body simultaneously, during a workout. The Hubby tried the SMARTfit out for the first time during a personal training session with Fairmont in-house trainer, David Seto. He said the session was one of the toughest he’s ever done but loved every sweaty minute of it. For those guests who prefer to venture outside and get active, the hotel can arrange everything from golf to skiing and water sports too.
The Hubby mid SMARTfit sprint during a personal training session at Fairmont Hotel, Singapore. Image © Skye Gilkeson
The Hubby and Fairmont in-house Personal Trainer, David Seto. Image © Skye Gilkeson
As one of Asia’s largest spas, Willow Stream Spa features relaxation lounges, mineral pools, whirlpools, cool plunge, steam and sauna rooms and is also popular with local business people as it’s easily accessible to the nearby offices.
The luxurious Willow Stream Spa at Fairmont Hotel, Singapore. One of Asia’s largest spa destinations. Image © Skye Gilkeson
5-Star Precinct
The Fairmont Hotel Singapore is essentially part of a luxury 5-star precinct. Their sister hotels, Swissôtel The Stamford and Raffles Hotel, the Raffles City Convention Centre, Raffles City Shopping Centre and Raffles City Tower are all just footsteps from the Fairmont. So your every epicurean whim can be answered within the block.
The Fit Traveller was a guest of Fairmont Hotel Singapore for this stay. As always, the words and opinions are authentically our own.
The breathtaking views of the Singapore skyline from Equinox Restaurant, Fairmont Hotel, Singapore. Image © Fairmont Hotels
Perfect Singapore panorama from our room at the Fairmont Hotel, Singapore. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Fairmont Hotel
80 Bras Basah Road
Singapore 189560
+ 65 6339 7777
Skye is the founder and editor-in-chief of The Fit Traveller.
She is a journalist, writer, photographer, intrepid traveller and a former personal trainer with a passion for helping others reach optimal health.
As a TV journalist and producer, Skye has worked for household names such as 60 Minutes, Sunrise, TODAY and Nine News. She has also written for Women’s Health, Fodor’s Travel and Yahoo7 Travel, among many others.
Equally comfortable in a 5-star resort or hiking a far-off mountain, Skye loves the unexpected and enriching life experiences that each trip brings and can often be found in a backstreet chatting to locals with her camera in hand.
Skye is based in Sydney, working to master the balance between motherhood and her appetite for adventure.
Read more about Skye’s story here.