As we stepped out at the 32nd floor of Singapore‘s Asia Square Tower 2, I let the first one slip; “Wow”. Don’t get me wrong, I wasn’t surprised that The Westin Hotel Singapore was so stunning. But with sky high windows showcasing Marina Bay, Singapore city and bright sea blues in between, surely this was considered showing off. Our Westin Singapore review started on an impressive note and we were soon to discover, the hotel was only getting started in a successful campaign to wow us.
The Westin Singapore Review
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The delighted gasps continued as we strolled around the foyer to begin our Westin Singapore review. The Westin Singapore has the highest lobby in Singapore.
Perfectly polished white floors, generously-sized plush armchairs, chaises and coffee tables in natural hues and huge, pendant lights warmed the space and prompted yet another “wow”, from me. It was tasteful and immaculate.
The hotel is Singapore’s first that’s been integrated into an office building. With its sleek, modern silhouette, Asia Tower 2 proudly sits on prime land, reclaimed just a few years ago.
The Westin is one of a number of new ultra-modern developments shooting up in the financial district, a few minutes walk from the city centre on the south coast of Singapore.
Related: A First Timer’s Guide to Singapore
The Executive Club Level at The Westin Singapore
There are 305 rooms and suites on the property. We stayed in a corner room on the Executive Club level.
It felt like our own oasis in the heart of busy Singapore city; the king-size bed was positioned perfectly to take in the city skyline and the shocking red sunsets, with a desk sharing the view for those travelling on business.
A sitting area offered a cosy spot near the other window, overlooking the South China Sea and the perfect spot for us to do a little yoga.
In a town where space is at a premium, our room felt incredibly indulgent.
That carried over into the bathroom with a bathtub that could ease muscle aches after a long day of sightseeing (or in our case shopping) with a window seat to a million-dollar view of the dazzling city lights.
Infinity Pool and Spa at The Westin Singapore
As soon as you get settled, get in the lift and head for the infinity pool. Located on level 35 overlooking the bay, it’s where you’ll cool off, lounge in the sun and no doubt snap endless photos to brag to friends and family. We even set the alarm clock for some morning yoga and a dip and watched as the pinks, oranges and blues of the sun danced on the surface of the water. No filter is required.
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Back in the comfort of the air conditioning is the hotel’s Heavenly Spa. All guests are free to use the sauna and steam whirlpool. But for those who need a little extra nurturing, the treatment menu covers all your pampering needs from a simple pedicure to packages fittingly named Hope, Dream or Wish.
You’ll be led through the quiet, white tea scented hallways to one of the spacious and stylish treatment rooms each with its own private bathroom for an undisturbed post-treatment touch-up (with their amazing, nourishing skincare products and healthy snacks provided).
The Westin Singapore Restaurants
A fresh sugar-free citrus drink at check-in was the first sign of The Westin’s commitment to guests’ wellbeing during our stay. Their efforts to create an environment that respects their guests’ health is heaven-sent for everyone from a busy CEO to families who want nourishing options for their children while wandering the world. It’s something I’ve written before a number of times. I can’t applaud them enough for the initiative.
Singapore is a foodie city. So fittingly The Westin Singapore restaurants cater for different needs and tastes with four main dining destinations.
Related: Interesting Places to Eat in Singapore
Seasonal Tastes at The Westin Singapore
Each day we started with breakfast at Seasonal Tastes. Almost everything you could possibly want for breakfast was on offer. With flavours from the East to the West, it was a clear standout as the broadest culinary cross-section of food I’ve ever seen at a buffet (and I’ve been to a few hotel buffets). From buttery pastries baked in-house, their signature muesli, superfoods selection, gluten-free corner, colourful fresh-cut fruit and a salad bar, to cheese, cold meats, salmon and traditional Asian dishes ready for prepping in individual, interactive kitchens.
In the spirit of Singapore’s love of a long weekend lunch or brunch, they also put on a Sunday Lazy Lunch (from SGD75++ per person / $AUD72). The spread includes everything from seafood to roasted meats like mum used to make, salads and sides and a dessert buffet and French champagne to help you ease into the afternoon.
Cook & Brew, Level 33
Cook & Brew is The Westin’s gastropub-style restaurant. It’s a little more upmarket than your ordinary pub, but everything from the fit-out to the drinks menu has been crafted in the name of comfort. It has the feel of a sophisticated sports lounge. In front of the bar, leather sofas, sports memorabilia, dark wooden furniture, deep armchairs and a wide-screen television entices footy fans. So too does the list of more than 100 beers from 18 countries.
We had Friday lunch on the other side of the restaurant framed by a Marina Bay outlook. We settled in just before the lunch rush started. As we sipped on a light ale, the place began to fill up. When I took a look at the menu, I could see why; It was the perfect place for a working lunch or end-of-week wind-down. The Cook & Brew menu has just been reworked by the new Executive Chef, Aaron Foster. He’s brought his native Canadian palate and combined it with some local flavours to create comfort food fare for every taste. The menu also features craft beer-matching suggestions next to each dish.
One of Foster’s signature dishes is the Train Car Breakfast (Butter fried brioche, creamy scrambled eggs, smoked salmon, horseradish). As someone who could eat eggs for every meal, this was absolutely my kind of comfort food. It was melt-in-your-mouth amazing!
In the name of balance, we ordered the Crispy Fried Hen’s Egg and Watercress (fine herbs, manchego cheese, maple walnut dressing) which was fresh and delicious. My other favourite was the Angus Striploin Steak with Stilton blue cheese which was exactly what I was craving after four days of eating only vegan food. The steak was cooked to perfection and served with roasted mushrooms and watercress. It wouldn’t be comfort food without chocolate, so we ordered the Smoked Bacon Caramel Chocolate Bar (Dates, hazelnuts, smoked bacon). Not quite paleo, but deliciously intense all the same. It is definitely a treat and one best shared.
Lobby Lounge, level 32
If it’s a Singapore Sling or another sunset pour you’re after, the lobby bar is a great spot to start your evening or to schedule a business meeting. Chandeliers decorated with crystal decanters hang over each of the comfortable seating areas in front of the 11-metre high windows, polished wood, glass and mirrors give the lofty area warmth and the central bar is fully stocked. If afternoon tea with a tipple is your thing, from about SGD85++ ($AUD81), will get you and a friend a treat of seafood, sweets and a glass of French champagne each. We stopped by for a quick snack on our way out and enjoyed people watching at the busy bar.
Daily Treats, Ground Floor
A spot to grab a post-run or walk juice, coffee or sandwich. The casual cafe/deli on the ground floor also sells gifts and souvenirs.
Fitness at The Westin Singapore
When you’re ready to work off lunch at Cook & Brew, the Westin Workout gym awaits on level 35. Equipped with all the latest cardio machines, yoga mats, free weights and, of course, those floor to ceiling windows, you can easily get in a quick workout morning or night (it’s open 24 hours). The hotel also has a RunWESTIN concierge. Perfectly located for a run along the water without having to contend with traffic or crowds, it’s a great spot to jog out to see the city and stay fit. The concierge takes groups running on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings and also helps guests plan their own 5km or 8km routes around town.
The setting for our own sunrise yoga sessions by the infinity pool at The Westin Singapore. Image © Skye Gilkeson
There’s a treat for yogis too with free weekend classes by the pool (5pm on Saturdays and 8am on Sundays). It’s such a unique way to stay active during your stay and Saturday’s class finishes as the sun is setting, so you can grab a chair, a cocktail or your swimmers and watch the show from the on the rooftop or in the water.
The Fit Traveller was a guest of The Westin Hotel Singapore for this stay. As always, the opinions, images and words are authentically our own.
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The Westin Singapore
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.