Elevator pitch
Homegrown hospitality group Como has spread its roots all over the globe—from an alpine retreat in the Dolomites to two serene mountain lodges in Bhutan. Other than 18 exclusive properties around the world, the group also owns and operates global luxury wellness company Como Shambhala, multi-brand fashion retailer Club 21 and a number of acclaimed restaurants and dining concepts in Singapore.
Founded by Singaporean businesswoman Christina Ong over 20 years ago, Como is now known best for its holistic approach to living well. Integrating fashion, wellness and even mindful nutrition into one hospitality destination, its first property in Singapore is, perhaps, the most complete embodiment of this ethos yet. In one sleek tower along Orchard Road sits a 156-room hotel, signature Como Shambhala spa, and a plethora of shopping and dining experiences that render a stay at Como Orchard unlike any other.
The stay
Como Orchard may be a multi-faceted lifestyle destination that welcomes the public, but hotel guests enjoy their privacy all the same. Guests at the Como Metropolitan Singapore access hotel rooms through a separate lift than the one you would use for the restaurant, spa and shopping arms. Once you step into the long, minimalist aisles of the hotel floors, you’ll feel an immediate sense of calm—an apt departure from the rest of the property’s bustle.
Rooms are furnished simply but elegantly, with pops of colour and wall-to-wall windows offering stunning views of Singapore. Designed to be extra spacious (at least in comparison to most sky-rise hotels in the city-centre), this quiet enclave of luxury will serve as a comfortable hub for the rest of your stay. The real fun, however, starts when you step outside and explore.
The itinerary
The real challenge while staying at Como Orchard is finding a reason to leave. Save for national attractions, the discerning traveller will find most of what they want and need right at their doorstep. Take the spa, for example. A far cry from conventional hotel spas, Como Shambhala is an institution in and of itself. Occupying an entire floor in its largest flagship till date and looking like it came straight out of a Wes Anderson film, this sanctuary showcases a remarkable range of wellness and fitness offerings—spanning signature massages, pilates classes, an extensively equipped gym and cutting-edge health-tech therapies.
With experienced instructors, trainers and technicians available at a moment’s notice, there isn’t much in the realm of health and wellbeing that you would struggle to find here. As a cautiously optimistic new entrant into the world of health-tech, I had my inaugural experience with hyperbaric oxygen therapy at Como Shambhala. A first in Singapore, the treatment involves breathing a calibrated blend of oxygen and molecular hydrogen in a pressurised environment to promote healing. Guided and watched closely by Como Shambhala’s master trainer, I spent a comfortable hour inside the pod, absently scrolling TikTok and swallowing at intervals to keep my ears clear. That night, I slept undisturbed for a full stretch of eight hours—very unusual for me, especially on my first night in a new hotel.
The other hobby to indulge in, while at Como Orchard, is a spot of shopping. Multi-label retailer Club 21 has its own section within the premises, taking up two high-ceilinged floors with a diverse curation of ultra-hot brands like Alaia, Simone Rocha and Thom Browne. An eclectic curation of art fills the fashion playground, which is designed to feel decidedly industrial and cool.
The dining
If you thought Como Shambhala had range, wait till you see the dining options available at Como Orchard. For the more wellness-conscious of the lot, or anyone looking to grab a quick and delicious bite while in and around the property, all-day-dining concept Como Cuisine is a solid bet. Here, you’ll find two distinct menus. The first is tailored to Como Shambhala Kitchen, with a greater emphasis on health and nutrition. The second, and much more expansive, menu features a wide variety of local-inspired delights, from the luscious Como burger, made with wagyu beef, to the deliciously-spiced lobster biryani I will be going back for. In trademark Como fashion, you can still expect the kitchen to prioritise wholesome ingredients and nutritious recipes—just without compromising on flavour.
For fans of fluffy, perfect croissants and delicate sweet treats, there is Cédric Grolet Singapore, the award-winning French pastry chef’s debut in Asia which continues to command snaking queues in the hours before its viennoiseries sell out. You’ll be happy to know, then, that guests at the hotel enjoy priority access. Last but not least: Como Orchard’s dining crown jewel lies in Cote Singapore, the first Asian outpost of the Michelin-starred Korean barbecue steakhouse. A dinner and show all in one, Cote is celebratory opulence at its very best—moody and seductive in vibe, with a pumping playlist and a craft cocktail list that will make your head spin.
For a special occasion, opt for the Butcher’s Feast, which comes out in stages and fills your table quicker than you can blink. You’ll receive a selection of the best meats in the house, from dry-aged USDA prime cuts and Australian wagyu to Cote’s very own galbi, marinated in an addictively sweet-spicy sauce.
This may be some of the best Korean barbecue you’ll ever enjoy, but two special highlights deserve shout-outs of their own: the kaleidoscopic plates of banchan (the perilla leaf kimchi is akin to a religious experience) that glimmer like jewels on your table, and the incredibly eager-to-help staff who expertly grill your meat to the perfect temperature, unperturbed by the flame. It’s not a dinner you’ll soon forget, and one you’ll be itching to experience all over again before you know it.
Book a stay at Como Orchard.
