Fort Canning Park—formerly known as Bukit Larangan when Sir Stamford Raffles founded Singapore in 1819—has become hip again. However, there isn’t so much curiosity about archaeological treasures or the Fort Canning Tree Tunnel that has people flocking there.
Their attention is focused on the colonial-style Mett Singapore. Part of Mett Hotels & Beach Resorts, a collection of international luxury boutique hotels owned by Dubai-based Sunset Hospitality Group (SHG), it opened at the end of October last year following a 10-month refurbishment of the former Hotel Fort Canning.
The new hotel’s light-filled spaces beckon, making it difficult to imagine that this was the British Far East Command Headquarters during World War II. Its high ceilings and balconies provide sweeping views of the park and city, particularly from the 1,722-sq-ft Fort Canning Suite.
Redesigning a heritage property such as the Mett Singapore required careful consideration, says Marcel Li, General Manager: “We respected the building’s character and history throughout the finishes and enhancements.”
Jeffrey Wilkes, a Canadian luxury hospitality designer, skilfully combined modern elegance with natural elements by incorporating modern furnishings and nature-inspired wallpaper in the guest rooms. The Mett brand’s signature dark blue is even incorporated into details such as ottoman chairs, coffee makers, and the hangers.
Leveraging its natural surroundings, the hotel’s wellness experiences include guided nature walks, meditation, and sound baths. There are also paddle and pickleball courts, two pools, a gym, and Reformer pilates, aerial yoga, HIIT, TRX, and Barrecore classes.
Even if you’re not staying at the hotel, L’Amo Bistrò del Mare is worth a visit for its Italian coastal cuisine. The Catalana dell’Amo is a standout dish, featuring firm and meaty sea bream (other options: seabass, turbot, or oysters) prepared with a vibrant Catalana-style sauce of red wine vinegar. Tagliata di Wagyu alla Griglia features grilled Wagyu beef striploin, potato millefeuille, and broccoletti.
Finish your meal with Ti-Amo-Su, a tiramisu assembled tableside to a chorus of whoops and cheers before heading to the lively Canning Bar & Lounge for post-dinner drinks. New restaurants debuting this year include Director of Culinary and F&B Daniele Sperindio’s Art di Daniele Sperindio, which offers Italian fine dining, and Hanu, a traditional Korean grill restaurant.
Similarly, Madison House, the hotel’s upcoming private club, will introduce The Longevity Suite, a wellness concept unique to the region. In addition to cryotherapy, biohacking and longevity protocols will be available, as well as science-driven spa services.
“At the Mett, we define next-generation wellness as an integrated approach that balances performance, recovery, and social vitality,” says Li.
