When a second Conrad was announced in Singapore, my excitement waned upon knowing it would be a reflagging of the former Regent Hotel, rather than a new build. But Conrad Singapore Orchard has done a stellar job of breathing new life into old bones.
“With the debut of Conrad Singapore Orchard as our second Conrad hotel in Singapore, visitors and locals have more options to explore the rich tapestry of the city in distinct ways, while enjoying our tailored approach to meaningful hospitality,” said Candice D’Cruz, vice president of luxury brands, Asia Pacific, Hilton.
Stepping into the skylit lobby gives me a sense of déjà vu. Originally designed by legendary architect John Portman, for whom bubble elevators and soaring atriums are iconic elements, the hotel keeps a timeless grandeur. Dramatic sculptures like Stephanie Scuris’ Harmony Fountain and Michio Ihara’s stunning Singapore Shower take pride of place within the 12 cascading floors.
One would be hard-pressed to notice any significant change in the lobby, except for foliage arrangements and new banquette seats around the elevator pit. But the real magic lies in the renovated suites, which have been reimagined by Unscripted, the interior design firm behind Aman Tokyo and Patina Maldives. The key count, up from 440 to 445, is broken down into 399 rooms and 46 suites.
The size of two premium rooms, the king deluxe suite is a sprawling abode that includes a separate living space and bedroom. Spacious enough for small gatherings, the entrance leads into a sitting area and bar. Cushions in vibrant rust, striped, and natured-inspired prints accent the calming, light-coloured furnishings. Curated by ArtLink, contemporary wall art adds a touch of modernity.
Cosmetic upgrades aside, it’s the thoughtful amenities that make the place feel like home. The bathrooms are stocked with Byredo’s Mojave Ghost. It’s a woody composition that instantly relaxes my senses once I’m in the shower. The get-ready corner comes with a Dyson hairdryer, a full-length mirror, and a walk-in closet. The only downside? For an enormous suite, there was neither a bathtub nor his-and-hers sinks.
The bar area is noteworthy, too. Aside from a Nespresso machine, there’s a Fellow Stagg EKG kettle that intelligently heats water to a precise temperature, and a 3M filtered water tap with its own drainage outlet in case of spills. Two smart TVs and two private balconies give guests the option of lounging wherever they please. Unfortunately, the balconies have no shelter from the elements.
Like most hotels these days, wellness is integrated into the guest experience. Conrad Singapore Orchard partnered with the homegrown Trapeze Rec Club to offer various well-being programmes. For instance, the Sleep-to Wake ritual transforms the nightly turndown into a mindful way to wind down, through a ‘Singapore Sleep’ tea made from local botanicals, and the dulcet tones of a guided sound bath accessible via one’s in-room Smart TV. For fussy sleepers, a pillow menu awaits with feather bolsters, contour pillows, and more.
Fitness is explored through morning workout sessions by the poolside. The dated pool from its Regent days remains, though with new loungers and cabanas. Guided by Trapeze Rec Club instructors, classes include a yoga class called ‘playful balance’; guided breathwork and cold immersion; a stretch class called ‘movement and mobility’, and HIIT, an endurance-based, metabolic conditioning session. There is also a 24-hour fitness centre. It’s fully renovated and filled with new Technogym equipment. It also comes with Netflix, TV apps, and training programmes. There is also a Pilates reformer machine, an uncommon sight in hotel gyms. Guests can book a private session with the hotel’s wellness partner.
The well-loved F&B brands inherited by Conrad Singapore Orchard continue to stand strong. Basilico, one of Singapore’s most highly rated Italian buffets, is now home to a new vermouth-focused Basilico Bar. The dining establishment has expanded its signature cheese room. It’s a playground for cheese lovers with over fifty artisanal cheeses, specialty pizzas, pastas, and a carpaccio bar. Not-to-be-missed is the newly launched cheese infusion workshop led by executive chef Luca Beccali.
We enjoyed an hour-long, hands-on session where we layered slabs of gorgonzola with truffle sauce and fresh truffle shavings. Smooth white chocolate is drizzled generously over the assemblage, resulting in what might just be the most decadent ‘cheesecake’ I have ever made. Throughout the workshop, chef Luca regaled us with an Amarone wine and Montasio pairing, along with burrata infused with freshly made pesto.
Nature aficionados will appreciate the edible garden walk, another interactive experience offered by the property. Merging history, botany, and gastronomy, the guided walk by expert arborists from GastroGeography of Singapore offers illuminating insights into the local flora. After feeling the textured leaves and inhaling the aromatic scents of local herbs and plants, I could better appreciate the tasting set of botanically inspired snacks, which includes blue pea coconut water, rice crackers paired with calamansi curd, and a focaccia sandwich with turkey ham and wild spinach.
Fans of afternoon tea will be in for a surprise at the Tea Lounge. In place of dainty multi-tiered sets, it’s a hearty affair with local favourites like satay, chilli crab buns, oyster omelettes, and a colourful selection of Peranakan kueh. A cheese and charcuterie section, as well as a live laksa and prawn congee station rounds up the all-you-can-eat buffet spread. Aromatic tea blends, as well as signature scones and pastries, are also on the menu.
At my time of visit, the one Michelin-starred Summer Palace was undergoing renovations, and I was told that it would be revived in time for the Lunar New Year festivities. However, perennial favourites like Manhattan Bar, which ranks 21st on Asia’s 50 Best Bars, tempura joint Tenshin, and premium Korean BBQ restaurant Seoul, continue to welcome guests.
Overall, Conrad Singapore Orchard feels like a rebirth of what’s familiar and comforting. Through the merging of the new experiences and old architecture, the hotel brings to life a stay that’s truly Singaporean.
