Pan Pacific Orchard, Singapore

BACKGROUND

This biophilic property opened in June 2023 and is the second

Pan Pacific hotel in the city, the other being the Pan Pacific Singapore. The hotel is a member of the Green Collection within the GHA Discovery loyalty programme. It is BCA Green Mark Platinum-certified for its sustainability credentials.

WHERE IS IT?

Bang in the middle of the famous Orchard Road shopping district, with malls such as ION Orchard on its doorstep. It is a ten-minute walk from Orchard MRT station and a 30-minute walk to the Botanic Gardens should you need further greenery.

WHAT’S IT LIKE? The soaring 23-storey structure designed by WOHA architects is spectacular, resembling a tropical Jenga tower with 7,300 sqm of foliage across four cut-out terraces – Forest (floors 2-3), Beach (5-10), Garden (11-16) and Cloud (18-23).

The experience starts on the Forest level with a cascading water feature and an openair lobby, somewhat cooled by dry-mist fans, with seating areas and a reception where staff use tablets to check you in. Stretching through the edifice is a “green core” – a

120m column which in time will bloom into a structure reminiscent of Singapore’s surreal Supertrees at Gardens by the Bay.

It would take forever to describe all the details of this building, but expect open-air spaces, landscaped lawns and mirrored ceilings which add a futuristic quality. It feels like an entire ecosystem in one block.

Sustainability is key to the design and operations. The terraces are open-sided to allow for cross-ventilation, rooftop solar panels generate clean energy to power the public spaces, water features cool the temperature, while plants regulate the air quality and sequester carbon dioxide.

ROOMS The hotel’s 347 rooms and suites are located across the Beach, Garden and Cloud floors, and feature colour palettes inspired by each. Rooms are small and start at 25 sqm (suites are 68 sqm), with floorto-ceiling windows and a bathroom within the open-plan space (with sliding doors to cordon it off).

Rooms come in several categories – opt for a Balcony room if you want more space, as these act as an extension of the room, with the air con continuing to work in this outdoor space provided the blinds are down. I loved working on my balcony from the comfy sofa. The Loft, however, has a very narrow upstairs area that felt quite useless.

I highly recommend the Club rooms, which include complimentary non-alcoholic drinks in the minibar (replenished daily), late check-out until 4pm, and access to the

Enjoy a margarita on the terrace overlooking the bright lights of Singapore

Pacific Club Lounge.

I stayed in a Pacific Club Balcony King (30 sqm) on the Cloud level, with a silver colour palette in keeping with the sky theme. Beds are very comfortable. Amenities include a small minibar (which annoyingly whirrs at night), a 55-inch LCD smart TV, bathrobes and slippers, hairdryer, safe, Nespresso coffee machine and a selection of teas. Bathrooms include a walk-in rain shower plus Diptyque toiletries.

FOOD AND DRINK

The second floor is home to all-day restaurant Mosella, with its triple-height ceilings, spacious naturally lit interiors and Peruvian-meets-Mediterranean sharing dishes by Spanish chef Pedro Samper. Highlights include the zingy and refreshing hamachi tiradito (S$26/US$19) from the crudo section, and the arroz de marisco (S$70/US$52) – served in a castiron pan with red prawn carabinero, calamari, sofrito and saffron.

On the 11th floor is Champagne and oyster bar Florette. Don’t miss the Guava take on a spicy margarita: enjoy it on the terrace overlooking the bright lights of Singapore.

MEETINGS

The hotel’s 18th-floor Cloud Terrace is primed for sky-high soirées, with all event spaces featuring abundant natural light. There’s the 600 sqm Claymore Ballroom, two function rooms, the Garden and Cloud Terrace lawns, plus private dining room the Chairman’s Lounge on the third floor, hosting up to 16 guests.

LEISURE

The fifth floor features a fun, family-friendly outdoor pool which mimics the seaside, complete with sandy shores and a pool bar. This floor also has an excellent Technogym-equipped fitness centre, and a small spa.

VERDICT

Pan Pacific Orchard is an inventive indoor-outdoor property, offering memorable stays, delicious dining venues and impressive eco credentials. It may still be at its roots stage, but I’m looking forward to seeing how it blossoms over the coming years. Hannah Brandler

BESTFOR

Ingenious architecture in the Garden City

DON’TMISS

Exploring every layer of this multifaceted building

PRICE

Internet rates for a flexible midweek stay in May start from S$600 (US$446) for a Pacific Club Balcony King (entry level from S$405/US$300)

CONTACT

10 Claymore Rd, Singapore 229540; +65 6991 6888; panpacific.com

The bar also serves an afternoon tea in partnership with ceramics brand Wedgwood.