THE HIGH LIFE IN SINGAPORE
DO NOT LET THE STRIKINGLY MODERN EXTERIORS OF THE RITZ-CARLTON, MILLENIA SINGAPORE, POSITIONED ON A LANDMARK WATERFRONT SITE IN NEWLY-DEVELOPED MARINA BAY, DECEIVE YOU. TRUE, THIS LUXURIOUS, 32-STOREY HOTEL AND SURROUNDING DESIGNATED NEW DOWNTOWN CORE REPRESENTS SINGAPORE’S RISE, LITERALLY, AS AN UPSCALE, MODERN GLOBAL PLAYER. BUT WITHIN, THE RITZ-CARLTON, MILLENIA SINGAPORE (RCMS) COMES STEEPED IN THIS ICONIC BRAND’S RICH HERITAGE, LONG SYNONYMOUS WITH METICULOUS ATTENTION TO DETAIL, UNDERSTATED LUXURY AND VINTAGE CLASS.
Here, timeless elegance and refinement blends with contemporary flair and modern facilities. Like other Ritz-Carlton properties, The Ritz-Carlton Millenia, Singapore offers award-winning hospitality and impeccable service from outstanding staff that carry old-school traditions and genteel manners (“Ladies and gentlemen serving ladies and gentlemen!”) but also savvy know-how. “Ritz-Carlton Hotels prides itself on creating experiences so exceptional that memories of a hotel visit stay with guests for a lifetime,” enthuses Herve Humler, President, C.O.O. and founding member of The Ritz-Carlton. Certainly, you may find the the Hotel’s experience so superior and memorable, post check-out life won’t be the same again.
HIGH DESIGN
Architecture is an important property component; the stunningly-designed hotel sat in seven-acres of landscaped gardens comes courtesy of Pritzker prize-winning, Irish architect Kevin Roche. A 60-metre driveway curves round to an impressive entrance at Level Three’s Lobby; the hotel, floating 37-metres above street-level, is deliberately raised, emphasising “elevated exclusivity.” Architectural designs incorporate geometric forms to create lean structures that contextualise themselves predominantly with the sky and dramatic Singapore cityscape. Ubiquitous glass and steel use emanates a modern post-industrial feel, while capitalising on reflections and refractions of light and space: over 10,000-square-metres of chromafusion glass used in windows, plus internal glass panelling in various areas, draws in natural light. Chinese Feng Shui elements – especially water – are cleverly integrated here: water equates to wealth and the Lobby’s water wall flowing down to Level One and outdoor pool, represent the continual flow of wealth, while these water bodies and surrounding bay help “contain” the hotel’s wealth.
ROOM WITH A (BREATH-TAKING) VIEW
The 608 guestrooms, including 19 Millenia Suites (one-bedroom), three Millenia Suites (two-bedroom), and the palatial Ritz Carlton Suite, maximise their spaciousness and averaging 550 to 650-square-feet, boast one of the largest square footage of any Singapore hotel accommodations. Redefining the essence of luxury, this “grande dame” recently underwent a guestroom and suite renovation. Designed with the discerning modern traveller in mind and balancing sophistication, comfort and functionality, rooms are tastefully redecorated in calming natural palettes with contemporary furnishings and ultra-modern technology – the world’s first hotel to install flushed wall-mounted 46-inch Hospitality LED TVs.
Corporate travellers will appreciate complimentary high-speed wired and WiFi Internet access, IPod docking station, plus generous-sized work desks with built-in power points and multiple power adaptor sockets. All rooms focus on the unobstructed spectacular views of Marina or Kallang Bays and Singapore’s skyline. Beds (with plush feather mattresses, finest linens and pillow selections) are deliberately raised-up to horizontally appreciate the glittering financial district high-rises– night time panoramas that rival Hong Kong. Here you’ll find the best bathroom views in town! Spacious marble en-suites feature a separate bathtub alongside a large octagonal window; recline back a deux for a sensuous bath-time experience with awesome backdrop and Asprey Purple Water deluxe bathroom amenities. If privacy prevails, black-out electrical roller blinds and daylight electrical roman blinds are available at the touch of a button.
CLUB CLASS
The Ritz-Carlton Club Experience (Club Rooms and Suite reservations) offers exclusive club privileges and benefits, including complimentary Club limousine service in the immediate vicinity, personalised in-room or Club Lounge check-in, check-out and Club Lounge access, a private sanctuary on the 32nd floor providing, literally, an elevated level of comfort and jaw-dropping waterfront and city views. This well-appointed Club Lounge – itself undergone a complete makeover – provides incredibly warm yet immaculate service from an elite team who go beyond the call of duty (have your birthday here and you’ll discover why). Complimentary food and beverage served throughout the day include five divine culinary presentations: Champagne breakfasts, (the best way to start your day), midday light refreshments, classic afternoon tea, hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, and finally, desserts and cordials – all with premium products, from hand-made truffles to artisanal cheeses. Dedicated concierge staff providing bespoke service, computer access and exclusive boardroom use are further Club privileges.
ELSEWHERE
Dining venues at the hotel are culinary destinations and some of Singapore’s finest. Signature restaurant Summer Pavilion serves exquisite Cantonese delicacies, while intimate Shiraishi boasts traditional Japanese cuisine and interiors. All-day dining restaurant Greenhouse is celebrated for its gourmet buffets and award-winning “Vintage Champagne Sunday Brunch,” a decadent dining experience with unlimited Moët & Chandon Champagne and sublime spreads. Refined Chihuly Lounge is renowned for eight-course weekday Afternoon Teas and Weekend Afternoon Tea Buffet – a sumptuous, dress-up affair.
The hotel boasts more than 3,252-square-metres of meeting and events space equipped with state-of-the-art audio visual and lighting equipment, including the elegant Grand Ballroom, resplendent with 5-metre-high chandeliers (complimentary WiFi Internet is accessible here and in most public spaces). The well-equipped Fitness Centre and Spa extends to a 25-metre pool and oasis of tropical trees, rock pools and waterfalls – belying the central metropolis address.
ART FOR ART’S SAKE
A key – and unexpected –the hotel’s signature is their staggering 4,200-piece contemporary art and sculpture collection displayed throughout the property. Valued at approximately S$ 5-million, this represents one of South-east Asia’s finest, most extensive collections of modern contemporary art – ninety per cent of pieces specially commissioned. Heralding the hotel entrance, Zu Wei’s life-sized “Mao Figures,” convey a clever twist on the Xian Terracotta Warriors, while Frank Stella’s “Cornucopia,” a spectacular three-ton fibreglass sculpture symbolising a dragon’s throat, is dramatically suspended above the Lobby. Stella’s “Moby Dick” installations, two 4-metre-high wall reliefs on Level One, can be admired from the main grand staircase –in true Ritz-Carlton tradition, the place to show-off ball gowns! Two Andy Warhol pieces, from Warhol’s limited “Flower Series” are modestly hung beside the ballroom and you’ll glimpse a David Hockney lithograph in the Fitness Centre! Do not miss the hotel’s unique personalised art tour by IPod, supplied by the exceptional Concierge service desk in the Lobby. This delightfully informative, self-paced tour highlights key artworks on public levels.
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
Opening in 1996, the hotel was one of Marina Bay’s first buildings; recently this former marshland at the Singapore River mouth has been reclaimed and developed into a dynamic new waterfront area dotted with distinguished commercial, retail, cultural and recreational venues. Since 2008, Formula One™ Singapore Grand Prix track passes directly in front of the hotel; during the world’s only Formula One™ night race (September), the hotel’s highly sought-after rooms provide prime Grand Prix perches.
Two new shopping malls linked by covered sky bridge extend over 2,000 retail-dining options, while Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre and CBD are easily accessible. The hotel’s outstanding Concierge desk have created a unique “Marina Bay Discovery Trail” booklet, which provides insightful walking tours taking-in Marina Bay’s cultural and entertainment attractions; these include Singapore Flyer observation wheel, 57-storey Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort and Merlion Park, a beloved icon of this Lion City. Esplanade-Theatres on the Bay, a waterfront performing arts venue and ArtScience Museum – both with striking roofs – represent however Singapore’s new iconic structures. Alternatively, these can be appreciated from the hotel’s rooms!
