We found this charming Tanjong Pagar property – the Duxton Reserve Singapore, Autograph Collection – designed by British society darling Anouska Hempel, to be a slice of the old island-nation brought delightfully into today’s Singapore … fitting for its turn-of-the- 20th-century Chinese-shophouse shell.
Elements of Singapore’s Chinese heritage and surrounding Chinatown were incorporated into a unified design without it feeling too much like a folly. Rich, lush interiors – Hempel’s signature – were brought together in black-and-gold tones throughout this fine, urban property which effectively melded the old and the modern.
We found our Pearl Suite light, airy and efficient in its design, beating even Japanese properties on maximising the small square footage. Despite its relatively bijou footprint compared to other big-name Singapore hotels, the suite’s ingenious layout meant little luxuries were not sacrificed. We loved our concealed white-marble bathtub and fully equipped in-room bar cabinet. Guests who want more space should check into a Duxton Duplex Suite.
Having arrived on a direct flight from London, we found the Duxton Reserve healing properties that ran throughout the hotel very welcome. In keeping with its DNA of wellness, we were treated to a gong-vibration experience before entering our room. Herbal jetlag potions were provided nightly in-room, along with lovely, local turndown touches, such as Tiger Balm and retro-Chinatown digestive medicines. We also had complimentary, one-on-one consultations with the in-house Chinese physician, who gave us ways to get our yin and yang back in balance.
We re-energised at the property’s fantastic Yellow Pot restaurant too, which serves the best roast duck and Shanghai greens we’ve ever tasted. The service was generally on point, although we waited longer than we’d expect for our first signature chrysanthemum-liqueur cocktail. A first-world problem indeed.
| Perfect for | Fly into | Right on time |
| The Culturalist | SIN | GMT +8 |
| While you’re Out There |
| It’s going to be tough to leave the hotel with the charms of Chinatown brought to you at the Duxton Reserve, but to experience the real thing, you just have to step outside. The real, old-Singapore is just a short walk away, as is the OutThere gaybourhood (well, as close as there can be to one in conservative Singapore – but it does exist … and is out in the open), as well as some amazing speakeasy bars and cocktail lounges where the city’s chic set hang out. |
Photography courtesy of Duxton Reserve Singapore, Autograph Collection
At OutThere, we believe in boundless travel. But we understand that some destinations can pose challenges to travellers that complicate visiting them. We advise all visitors to inform themselves about local legislation and customs, and to work with a trusted travel provider in order to ensure a safe and pleasant holiday.
