What to do when you live thousands of miles apart and seeking much-needed mother-daughter time? Zip to Singapore, that’s what. With my mum, Sue, living in Melbourne and me in Hong Kong, the city-island-state with its easy access airport is the perfect (almost) halfway destination.
Deciding on a hotel was a tad trickier. While I wanted on-the-spot proximity to Singapore’s fabulous dining and drinking, my mother’s main requirement was for the modern comforts of a luxe stay. Enter InterContinental Singapore Robertson Quay.
Opened at the end of last year, the gleaming InterCon is a spankin’ new addition to the leafy, upscale nabe from which it takes its name. Set on the riverfront, the hotel has an air of sophistication befitting its residential situ, while the aesthetic takes subtle cues from the area’s grittier, industrial history (C.19th Robertson Quay was home to warehouses and boatyards).
Inside, the sleek n’ chic 225-room sleeper feels more like an upscale New York apartment block than a hotel, with handsome slate-grey and dark-wood rooms embellished with Italian marble, brushed copper and plush custom furnishings aplenty – big tick from mum.
Stylish abodes aside, the considered facilities — particularly the swish all-hours Club Lounge — along with the genuinely warm, helpful service, made us feel right at home. Small but lovely, the dinky lap pool was surprisingly quiet for a Saturday and made for a peaceful retreat after a day spent trotting around Gardens by the Bay.
Post dip, it was back to the room for a pick-me-up by way of a DIY cocktail made from the in-room bar (earning an even bigger tick from me) then we ambled down to Publico, one of five restaurants on site, for a cheeky pre-prandial on the riverside terrazzo. As dinner time beckoned, we skipped beyond the hotel’s doors to sample the Little Red Dot’s manifold foodie delights.
InterContinental Singapore Robertson Quay, 1 Nanson Rd, Singapore +65 6826 5000 robertsonquay.intercontinental.com
Staying in the riverside nabe of Robertson Quay? Here are 3 LUXE picks, all but a popiah roll from the InterContinental:
Super Loco
This bright n’ convivial cantina dishes Mexican street-food staples and all manner of huevos to magarita-wielding hipcats. Join the lively weekend brunch bunch all-round good times – vamos! super-loco.com
Red House Seafood
Cracking crabs since 1976, Red House still uses the same time-honoured recipe for it’s famed chilli version – though we go for the black pepper crab, which has a smokier kick. The Robertson Quay outpost offers a laid-back, family-friendly atmos, with a wide-ranging menu of Sing/Asian seafood delights. redhouseseafood.com
STPI
If you’re into print, STPI is your honeypot. This sharp gallery and studio focuses on works by established and emerging artists both local and global; should you be in town between now and September, drop by for the triff exhibition of American modern masters Jasper Johns, Lichtenstein et al. Alternatively, call ahead to book a studio tour. stpi.com.sg
Roaring into the Lion City? Don’t forget to nab a copy of the LUXE Singapore guide…
Ella and Sue were hosted by InterContinental Robertson Quay. Read more about LUXE’s editorial policy here.
