Vive la Republic!
Mike Yardley finds a super-indulgent place to recharge in Singapore
SUPER-SAFE AND SUPERCHARGED Singapore never ceases to enthral me. It was particularly exhilarating to be back in the Lion City, after the pandemic’s long interruption to freeflow travel.
For a riveting stopover, the Ritz-carlton Millennia Singapore is where to recharge. Edging the electrifying sweep of Marina Bay, the hotel is endearingly referred to as “The Big House”. It’s easy to see why this prestigious property has cultivated a rocksolid reputation as a destination hotel, where you soon feel right at home.
Beloved by locals and visitors alike, the sheer profusion of in-house enticements, culinary adventures, libation spots and languid indulgences are just so good. The Covid age quietly ushered in a slate of fresh innovations to the luxury hotel, that on one hand celebrates Singapore’s evolutionary story from colonial trading outpost to plucky city-state, while also revving up the homely ethos to “The Big House”.
The east wing of the hotel is home to the new library reception, redefining the guest check-in experience. Inspired by a grand residential library, natural oak wood floors and ceilings project a sense of understated elegance. The space is wellstocked with literature on diverse subjects, encouraging guests to linger, kick-back and relax as long as they desire. Adjacent to the library reception is the lounge, with three grand chandeliers and expansive walls adorned in blue herringbone fabric.
Next to the lounge, another new showstopper, Republic. Showcasing an expansive cocktail menu, the mixology is steeped in historical anecdotes stemming from Singapore, the United Kingdom, the United States and Italy. The 1960s are a recurring theme at Republic, as it wasn’t just the decade that Singapore achieved independence, but cultural and social revolution refreshed the world.
Settle in at the rich, dark-toned, natural wood bar and work your way through the imaginatively created menu, from the “mythical beast” that was once spotted on the island, to how Ferruccio Lamborghini went from producing tractors to Miura — the first supercar. Republic is exquisitely detailed with handcrafted red Venetian glass, embodying the opulence and residential style of 1960s home parties. Linger long!
Only open 18 months, Republic catapulted itself into number 12 in Asia’s 50 Best Best Bars List for 2022.
Republic’s opening has lent a sense of symmetry and balance between the east and west wings of the hotel, with Colony restaurant, on the east wing, richly taking its design cues from honouring the colonial period. It’s characterised by an eclectic mix of vintage and bespoke furniture featuring tartan and houndstooth prints, while old maps, photographs and postcards adorn the walls and partitions, like nostalgic totems to the bygone era.
Seven different conservatory kitchens, helmed by ‘live’ culinary showmanship, detail a food narrative of the culinary journey and heritage that transformed Singapore, which gave its cuisine, a sense of identity. There’s the Ice Bar, the Grill and Rotisserie, the Steam Basket, the Wok, the Tandoor, the Fruit Stall and the Patisserie. Another legacy of the Covid age? The Ritzcarlton Millennia Singapore became the only hotel in the world to offer an augmented reality hotel art tour experience, allowing you to interact virtually with art pieces by renowned artists such as Frank Stella and Dale Chihuly.
The novelty has been like cat-nip for millennials and tech-savvy guests. The hotel is home to one of the largest contemporary art collections in Southeast Asia, including 350 “museum quality” pieces. The augmented reality art tour encompasses 14 key works including Cornucopia and Moby Dick by Stella; Sunset by Chihuly. You’ll be surprised by what is fluttering, flying and leaping around you, as you explore the works.
Renowned for the views from its spacious guest rooms and suites, I felt totally blissed-out while enjoying a soak in my spacious bathtub, drinking in the vista. The property features an exclusive club lounge on level 32, with an array of benefits. This elevated private sanctuary serves up a supreme panorama of Marina Bay and the Kallang River precinct.
Luxurious details include customtailored furniture and hand-woven carpets, complementing Indonesian teak wood flooring, Italian marble and shimmering crystal. Nosh your way throughout the day with five culinary presentations, starting with a lavish buffet breakfast to midday snacks, afternoon tea, hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, plus desserts. I had felt duly obliged to do extra laps in the hotel’s knockout pool. www.ritzcarlton.com/en/ hotels/singapore