There is a new hotel in downtown Singapore that is promoted as a “tropical resort in the city.” Usually, I would dismiss this type of tagline as marketing spin. But I must say, the Oasia Hotel lives up to its billing.
The Oasia Hotel Downtown is a 27-storey designer hotel located in the heart of Singapore’s central business district. Opened in April 2016, the hotel has been built and designed around themes of health, wellness and nature.
Amidst the surrounding urban landscape, the Oasia stands out with its distinctive red façade covered by a massive vertical garden. The plants bloom at different times, which creates a beautiful mosaic of colours throughout the year. The greenery is enhanced by alternating 30-metre tall sky gardens that provide a wonderful sense of texture and detail to the building’s exterior.
The 21 different species of creepers growing around the building’s façade are not only visually striking, they are good for the environment. The vertical garden helps to clean the air of pollutants, insulates and cools the building envelope, creates a natural habitat for birds and insects, and lowers the building’s carbon footprint, amongst other benefits.
The natural theme continues with the hotel’s interior design. The lobby on Level 12 is a beautiful open-air space kept cool and comfortable by the natural air flow. Lush vegetation and Zen-like pools of water compliment design elements like copper and wood to create a tranquil urban oasis. Even in the elevator, a fresh aroma blended with essential oils is used to help purify the air, boost the body’s immunity, and relieve stress.
Its the small touches that give the Oasia Hotel its character.
The hotel’s decor is incorporated in the rooms with earthy tones and natural woods. Of course, the organic-themed design does not mean you have to rough it. The rooms are equipped with a Smart TV, a press reader, and other modern amenities. My personal favourite is the Handy smart phone that has Internet connectivity and allows free local and international calls to certain countries. I used the phone to call up my grandmother in Florida just to say hi. Sorry Nan for waking you up!
In line with the wellness theme, the hotel’s services and amenities are designed around three core pillars: refresh, recharge, and refuel. Refresh means that guests have a quality rest in a comfortable, peaceful and rejuvenating environment.
Recharge focuses on unwinding and invigorating the mind and body. For example, guests are welcome to use the open lawn on Level 12 for yoga or meditation, work out in the 24-hour gym, or take a dip in one of the rooftop pools on Level 27. Even if you don’t want to go for a swim, be sure to take in the views from the top floor: they are breathtaking.
Guests can practice yoga in style on the big open lawn on the hotel’s 12th floor.
Refuel involves staying healthy with quality nourishment throughout the day. The Marmalade Pantry offers all-day dining with a menu developed around fresh and healthy ingredients. Depending on your definition of “refuel,” you can also head to the CIN CIN Bar for a cocktail or two. It’s a stylish, intimate space.
The CIN CIN Bar is a stylish, intimate spot that serves up well-crafted cocktails.
The hotel has dedicated Level 21 to its club guests, who receive a more exclusive experience that includes access to a spectacular infinity pool overlooking the city. As well, club guests can use a private lounge that serves complimentary breakfast, barista-prepared coffee, all-day refreshments, and two hours of gratis cocktails and canapes in the evenings.
In addition, the hotel provides a business centre, complete with two retreat rooms, offering a space to host functions and seminars. Set amidst the surrounding greenery, the meeting rooms provide an ideal space to help focus the mind and boost creativity.
The design of the Oasia certainly impresses, but it was the small touches that made my stay memorable. From the refreshing rain-shower to start my day, to the wellness drinks provided in my room, to the pillow mist that helped me to drift off to sleep, the hotel and its staff made every effort to help me “journey well.”
If you value health, wellness and natural products – and want to put your money where your values are – then be sure to check out the Oasia next time you are in Singapore. Your mind and body will thank you.
Oasia Hotel Downtown, Singapore is located at 100 Peck Seah Street. For more information or to make a reservation, visit www.stayfareast.com/OasiaDowntown.
