New JW Marriott opens in Singapore

[UPDATE: South Beach hotel has reopened at the JW Marriott Singapore South Beach. While retaining the design features of the original, the hotel includes five new F&B concepts including the Court Martial bar (below). More additions, including an Alan Yau restaurant and a spa are expected in March 2017.]

A new addition to Beach Road, opposite the venerable Raffles Hotel, is this Norman Foster designed showstopper with interiors by Philippe Starck.

The hotel is actually comprised of a skyscraper plus historic colonial low rises at ground level. And while there are some 650 rooms and suites, the place is overwhelmingly boutique in feel.

Doing away with the traditional reception, you’ll be checked in at one of several freestanding desks – each one itself a work of art and overhung by a unique chandelier.

Rooms are bright and contemporary (if you like chintz, don’t book here) and the minimalist bathrooms come with Japanese style loos.

The South Beach, Singapore

Icing on the cake is the 18 floor sky garden with a wrap around view of Singapore’s skyline and contemporary rocking chairs from which to drink it all in. Speaking of which, there’s also a swimming pool, gym and bar with a view up here.

This piece originally ran in January 2016.

Rooms can be reserved now at http://www.marriott.com for stays from 1 January 2017.