Elevator pitch
Standing out on the star-studded hotel stretch of Cuscaden Road is no easy feat, but Hong Kong-based hospitality brand Artyzen’s first international outpost in Singapore has done it through a potent mix of design maximalism and emphasis on the hyperlocal. Built upwards rather than outwards, the design-led hotel expresses itself right from the point of entry, swapping out trendy minimalism for bold colour and intricate design.
Singaporean sensibilities subtly permeate various aspects of Artyzen Singapore, from touches of local inspiration in the signature restaurant’s menu to bed headboards embroidered with vintage photographs of the city’s landscape and Peranakan tiles. It evokes a sense of place without leaning too far into the obvious—a discerning culture buff’s dream.
Design story
To match its emphasis on heritage, Artyzen Singapore occupies prime real estate formerly known as Villa Marie, a 1940s era mansion built by Tan Hoon Siang, the great-grandson of one of Singapore’s best-known philanthropists, the late Mr Tan Tock Seng.
Paying homage to its botanical past, the building weaves greenery into its architectural narrative, spiralling upwards with pockets of lush vegetation that grow across its trellised columns and hang off its sky gardens.
In the rooms, elongated ceilings and high archways expand your perception of space, lending to an airy, resort-like feel in the heart of one of the most urbanised parts of town. Opt for a Terrace Suite and you’ll have access to a thoughtfully-appointed living area, alongside a completely private outdoor garden with ample space for practising yoga in as the sun rises, or lounging with a drink in hand as it dips.
As its name would suggest, art adorns every corner of Artyzen Singapore, with part of its extensive collection curated by Singapore-based art gallery The Artling. Step into one of three guest elevators and you are greeted by a stunning backdrop depicting Singapore’s vibrant shophouses, created by local artist Terence Tan. Meanwhile, pieces from Dawn Ang of Aeropalmics flank the lobby.
Amenities check
Within the cosy enclave of your room, you’ll find everything you need for an extra touch of opulence, from sumptuous Heeley shower amenities in the luxurious bathroom to a Dyson hairdryer tucked away in the walk-in wardrobe. Room service can be ordered straight from the comfort of the plush bed through a QR code with the touch of a button, and the menu suitably features elevated takes on local classics. Remember that private outdoor garden? Two rolled-up yoga mats from lululemon sit in your closet, ready to be unfurled any time you crave a stretch.
If it’s a more heart-pumping workout you’re looking for, the gymnasium is outfitted with all of the latest Technogym equipment—and chic enough that you might be able to convince yourself to get a holiday sweat session in. Lined with floor to ceiling windows, the small but sleek space offers panoramic views of the city to pull your mind away from your run.
The gym shares a floor with the spa, which, uniquely, features an open-air consultation lobby thronged with greenery. Windchimes sway gently in the breeze as a congenial therapist walks you through their signature treatment. Named the Gemstone Odyssey, it might remind you of something out of a Marvel movie, but is in reality a pleasurable hour and a half-long full body massage combining heated gemstones (I opted for Rose Quartz) and soothing aromatic oils. Integrating traditional acupressure and lymphatic detox techniques, this is a treatment that will leave your muscles buttery soft and your mind at ease.
Dinner date
Casual dining options come in the form of the all-day dining restaurant on the first floor which serves up comforting brunch fare, and a rooftop bar complementing a stunning infinity pool. But the hotel’s crowning jewel lies in its signature restaurant Quenino, which continues the local immersion experience with a contemporary menu infused with Asian flavours and flair. Helmed by Brunei-born chef Victor Liong, who owns and runs Lee Ho Fook, a two-hatted restaurant in Melbourne, the restaurant pays homage to Southeast Asia’s culinary heritage, blending a range of regional flavours to represent our melting pot of a city.
Changing seasonally, the degustation menu features standout dishes like an otah-inspired ebi prawn toast; a tartlet topped with hand-picked mud crab, ginger flower and an indulgent dollop of caviar; and a wonderful crispy duck breast sliced thinly, served with fermented flour pancakes and a range of sambal, herbs and toppings to make your own satisfying wrap. As an introductory meal to Singapore—this one is hard to beat.
Book a stay at Artyzen Singapore at artyzen.com.
