A New Way To Stay: Fairmont Singapore
Singapore moves forward at a pace so fast it can be difficult to keep track of the changes taking place, with new buildings springing up or getting torn down every day. Developments often don’t last beyond a decade or two, which makes those that do all the more remarkable. One such establishment to stand the test of time is the Fairmont Singapore, at a grand total of 33 years and counting. Not keen to rest on its laurels, the hotel has just completed an extensive transformation project involving its South Tower and rooftop, in order to offer guests a next level luxury experience. Read on to find out more:
Sustainability
Years before sustainability became a hot topic, Fairmont Singapore had already taken steps to address the issue. The hospitality brand set up the Green Partnership programme in 1990, focusing on improvements in the areas of resource conservation, waste management, and carbon emissions, among others.
Now, in a first for the industry, the hotel has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the environment by creating an urban aquaponics farm on its rooftop, where it can grow vegetables and breed fish for use in the kitchens. The brainchild of general manager Marcus Hanna, the garden not only ensures that guests will consume the freshest produce, but also supports the ’30 by 30’ goal set by the government. Despite the small size of only 450 sq m, once fully functional the rooftop farm will produce 1200kg worth of vegetables and 350kg of fish.
Other eco-friendly initiatives developed by the hotel include reducing single-use plastic via Swisspro water dispensers and reusable water bottles, composting, donating leftover food to charity, and banning ingredients like sharks fin and endangered fish.
South Tower
Reimagined by award-winning Hirsch Bedner Associates, the newly revamped South Tower boasts upgraded amenities and unparalleled views of the city skyline. Each of the 403 rooms has been refurbished in warm cognac hues with dark wood panels, herringbone tweed, and opulent leather, complemented by bespoke furniture, a 55-inch television, and a generously stocked bar. Not to mention that the original circular layout means every room has a different view of the city and its harbour, giving guests a rich and diverse visual feast.
Situated on the 25th floor, the Fairmont Gold Lounge is equipped for virtually any occasion, whether it’s a business meeting, a brunch date with friends, or evening cocktails over sunset. The hotel also provides access to swimming pools, tennis courts, fitness centres (yes, in the plural), and the Willow Stream Spa.
Dining
Visitors to the Fairmont will be spoilt for choice with the curated selection of dining concepts, from the lavish buffets of Asian Market Café to the refined Japanese fare at Mikuni to the experimental cocktails of Anti:dote. It would be hard to pick just one, but SKAI (formerly the Equinox) is a can’t-miss, delivering a distinctly epicurean all-day menu by head chef Paul Hallett, including a champagne-fuelled high tea and dishes like grilled Miyazaki Wagyu steaks, uni saffron risotto, and artisanal cheese and charcuterie.
Italian institution Prego is another must-visit, drawing on chef Maura Sanna’s Sicilian heritage to offer handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and other classics like anguilla affumicata (smoked eel), n’duja malloreddus (spicy sausage gnochetti pasta), pancetta di maiale in porchetta (slow-roasted pork belly), and tiramisù.
The Fairmont Singapore is located at 80 Bras Basah Road, Singapore 189560. Book the special opening offer from now until 31 December 2019 for a complimentary buffet breakfast and guaranteed late check-out.