The 34-year-old property unveils a newly renovated South Tower, a first-of-its-kind urban aquaponics farm, and a cushy Fairmont Gold Lounge.

The Look

800 crystal glass baubles cascade from the ceiling of Fairmont Singapore’s lobby, taking centerstage among the various art installations that grace the hotel. Dreamt up by lighting designer Petra Dickova, the chandelier leads the eye to the eye-pleasing and earthy color tones of the 34-year-old property. The sister hotel to Swissôtel The Stamford—both are located within Singapore’s Raffles City Shopping Centre, Fairmont has recently renovated its South Tower. Shedding its dated look, the redesigned wing now features wood-slatted walls, covered by silk linen fabric in sea-green hues. The grey herringbone design of the corridors exudes the feel of a business-oriented hotel, while murals of tropical landscapes remind one that they’re in sunny Singapore.

The Rooms

Thanks to the new layout, all 403 rooms in the South Tower now offer sprawling city and harbor views, with room sizes ranging from 45 square meters to 190 square meters. My Deluxe Harborview room, as its name suggests, came with unobstructed views of the Lion City’s expansive bayfront. Dark wood panels, combined with cognac hues and opulent leathers, add to the room’s understated elegance. The late I.M. Pei’s unique circular design of the original Fairmont Singapore also ensures that guests staying for a second or third time will enjoy a different view of the skyline each time. Posited like an island in the middle of the room, the bed comes with a leather-wrapped headboard and thoughtful digital controls at the side. Amenities-wise, a dark lacquer cabinet opens up to reveal a bar framed by leather panels. In light of the hotel’s sustainability goals, each room also comes with a Swisspro freshwater dispenser offering access to unlimited filtered hot and cold water, so as to reduce the usage of plastic bottles.

The Food 

To say that dining is a pivotal part of the Fairmont Singapore experience would be quite the understatement. Its F&B concepts shared between both sister properties, run the gamut from homemade pasta and pan-Asian favorites to contemporary afternoon tea. The hotel’s well-loved Italian restaurant Prego has recently reopened after a refit and now features retro-inspired mosaic tiles, ceiling mirrors, and colorful terrazzo prints. Helmed by head chef Mauro Sanna, the menu offers timeless classics such as the Prego pizza, which comes with sundried tomato, ham, and wild mushroom.

For dining with a view is what you’re after, there’s grill restaurant SKAI, located on the 70^th floor of Swissôtel The Stamford. The roasted eggplant, smeared with a dollop of umami-filled miso butter, is a standout. Meanwhile, cocktails and light snacks can be had at Anti:Dote. When in doubt, order the refreshing and citrusy, gin-based Rabbit Hole cocktail.

Here’s something guests might not know about their meals—there’s an urban aquaponics farm tucked away like a well-kept secret in between both hotels, contributing to the fresh produce needed in the restaurants. Spanning 450 square meters, the first-of-its-kind farm combines aquaculture – the growing of fish and other aquatic life, with hydroponics. Currently, the farm aims to supply produce that will eventually meet an estimated 30 percent of vegetables and 10 percent of fresh fish needs across the hotels every month.

Don’t Miss

Along with the South Tower refurbishment comes a completely remade Fairmont Gold Lounge, which offers sweeping views of the city state. Designed to resemble a cozy residence, the space features an open kitchen counter, which serves daily breakfast, as well as evening cocktails and beverages.

More information here.