SINGAPORE TOURIST AT HOME

A DRAMATIC ENTRANCE

Work on the Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi is completed, and the property opens its doors this month. Designed by the legendary Jean Michel Gathy of hospitality and design consultancy firm Denniston, it is an absolute sight to behold. Gathy has infused his design language with Japanese traditions, melding it with a seamlessly modern European aesthetic. His attention to detail is astounding. The hotel features 193 elegant guest rooms and suites, a prestigious spa sanctuary and a 20-metre pool on the highest floor, as well as four distinct F&B concepts. We may have to hold back on travel plans to Japan at the moment, but once we’re able to, it will be great to take in the intricacies of its design here. Gathy displays a keen understanding of the architecture of happiness, and his beautiful interiors will certainly nourish our senses once more.

Travel as we knew it is still nowhere in sight, and people in Singapore are hard hit. Unlike in big countries where folks can assuage their wanderlust by simply crossing states, we have far fewer options within our 720 square kilometres.

But they can still go a long way. The SingapoRediscover vouchers encourage us to play tourist at home, with some 32 opportunities currently lined up. They might just let us discover things we never knew or understood about our own country, which can’t be a bad thing. Even without this official nudge, there can be touristy fun to be had just by gallivanting around Singapore. I’ve regularly hopped onto the train to go out to the outer reaches of Singapore, with the aim of capturing what I see, thus framing my country in a personal way. It can be a satisfying activity until we can get on a plane, or boat, and have our passports stamped again.