Singapore Design Week 2019 is only the face and manifesto, but Singapore itself is a city of bustling design, contrast of glittering skyscrapers and residues of colonial architecture. And natural beauty to top it off. One of the youngest but wealthiest countries in the world. Infinity pools like the one at Marina Bay Sands and exceptional government-funded museums. Art galleries and world-class shopping. Luxury Design Hotels and restaurants and Art Deco, hipster neighborhoods. Here is our Singapore Design Guide.
In the end, does one even have a reason not to visit this amazing design city and everything it has to offer? And yes, we already know the agend. Hence, we offer you the ultimate Singapore Design Guide!
SINGAPORE DESIGN GUIDE
WHERE TO STAY
THE VAGABOND CLUB
As usual, our Singapore Design Guide starts with the best of best. Housed in a vintage Art Deco building with interiors by Jacques Garcia, The Vagabond Club, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, Singapore is your ideal choice for a 41-room luxury boutique hotel featuring one of the world’s great whiskey bars. With a collection of a 1000 bottles of bespoke whiskies, and it’s curated Artist-In-Residence programme, The Whiskey Library at The Vagabond Club offers you an unparalleled and unique experience you won’t forget.
SINGAPORE SOUTH BEACH HOTEL
Refined luxury awaits near Suntec City at JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach. Striking an artful balance between historic heritage and contemporary style, our designer hotel offers impeccably designed rooms and suites, appointed with 5-star amenities, complimentary Wi-Fi and sleek, marble bathrooms. Savor sophisticated cuisine at our distinctive restaurants, and socialize with friends and colleagues at our chic bars.
Explore a breathtaking collection of nearby attractions, including Little India, Marina Bay and Clarke Quay. Host unforgettable corporate and social gatherings in sophisticated venues, including our elegant, standalone Grand Ballroom with iconic interiors and an enchanting Forest of Lights.
NAUMI
Although we had already fixed our two picks, our Singapore Design Guide could not not mention the Naumi. Ideally sited in the city centre, Naumi Hotel Singapore is the perfect designer living space for intrepid adventurers seeking a fresh, authentic Singapore experience. Inspired by the idea of an unexpected oasis in a city, the boutique hotel combines modern minimalism with grounded, natural-feeling colours in a contemporary twist. With 73 spacious nests, event spaces, dining, rooftop pool topped with Naumi’s signature hospitality, it is a retreat with a one-of-a-kind experience.
WHERE TO EAT IN SINGAPORE
NATIONAL KITCHEN BY VIOLET OON
Everything we put our hand to – from our in-restaurant dining experience to our catered events – reflects our passion for quality food, presented beautifully with sophisticated service. At National Kitchen by Violet Oon we pride ourselves on our commitment to showcasing Singapore’s culinary treasures and heritage from Nyonya, Chinese, Indian and Malay cuisines. Our dishes represent Singapore’s history as the crossroads of the world through the varied ingredients and flavours employed.
THE HALIA
Halia – Malay for ginger – is located in the one-hectare Ginger Garden of the Singapore Botanic Gardens where over 250 species of gingers with their stunning foliage and colourful flowers thrive. The construction of Halia was carried out simultaneously with the development of the Ginger Garden in the year 2000. Careful consideration was given to the special park setting, such that architecture conformed to the contours of the land, the dignity of mature trees and the preservation of heritage.
WHAT TO SEE IN SINGAPORE
SINGAPORE NATIONAL GALLERY
Our Singapore Design Guide is not only and strictly about Design. The National Gallery Singapore is a progressive visual arts institution which oversees the largest public collection of modern art in Singapore and Southeast Asia. Situated at the birthplace of modern Singapore, in the heart of the Civic District, the Gallery is housed in two national monuments – City Hall and former Supreme Court – that have been beautifully restored and transformed into this exciting 64,000 square metres venue.
Reflecting Singapore’s unique heritage and geographical location, the Gallery creates dialogues between the art of Singapore, Southeast Asia and the world to foster and inspire a creative and inclusive society.
SINGAPORE ART MUSEUM
The Singapore Art Museum (SAM) focuses on international contemporary art practices, specialising in Singapore and Southeast Asia. Housed in a restored 19th-century mission school, Singapore Art Museum opened its doors in 1996 as the first art museum in Singapore. Also known as SAM, the museum is now a contemporary art museum.
SAM has built one of the world’s most important public collections of Southeast Asian contemporary artworks, with a growing component in international contemporary art.
WHERE TO SHOP IN SINGAPORE
MANIFESTO
If you’re visiting fancy and posh Singapore and have even the slightest interest in fashion design, you should visit Manifesto: an art gallery and concept shop. Here you can find everything from famous brands to minimalist clothing, accessories, furniture, and home décor. Hence, an unmissable addition to our Singapore Design Guide for this year!
NGEE ANN CITY
An architectural wonder standing prominently at the heart of Orchard Road, Ngee Ann City is a city-within-a-city that showcases 7 levels of 110,450 square metres of sheer shopping and gastronomical adventure. Its unmistakably Oriental façade complements its Western interior to create a unique cosmopolitan shopping ambience. This building of polished granite and marble makes a majestic statement along Orchard Road and ranks as a must-visit for every resident and visitor.
Ngee Ann City houses over 130 specialty stores, putting international fashion labels such as BOSS, Dior and Cartier alongside other renowned brands such as Club Monaco, Zara and A|X Armani Exchange. There are over 30 food and beverage outlets offering cuisines from Western to Cantonese to Indonesian to Thai.
So, did you find our Singapore Design Guide useful?
