Elevator pitch
To embody the heart and soul of a cosmopolitan like ours isn’t necessarily an easy endeavour. One must understand Singapore’s essential roots and unique disposition: a small, tropical island that was once a colony, now deeply embedded in its Asian heritage whilst carrying an all-too-familiar metrics of success and efficiency to its name. Its character, always two-pronged.
To that end, METT Singapore might have struck a charming balance. For one, it has the advantage of its distinctive location: Fort Canning Park. Beyond the vantage point it affords its dwellers, there is plenty of history that runs through its lush, verdant green; once the palace grounds of our old ancient Malay kings, it was also the site where Sir Stamford Raffles took up residence and where the British surrendered to the Japanese in 1942. The METT weaves these sensibilities throughout the new address, combining more rustic, colonial-style interiors with the contemporary temperament of what Fort Canning is known for today: a destination for leisure.
Stepping in, the space feels tastefully intimate, yet its secluded, discreet entrance belies much more. It is after all the hospitality group’s flagship property in Asia Pacific, and the energy that one might glean once you walk through the doors is altogether one that brims with the welcoming air of community. Especially knowing the full roster of activities one might be able to experience when staying here, the warm, convivial energy of the METT is definitely one you won’t miss.
The itinerary
In today’s world, modern luxury looks different. It is no longer about inaccessibility—although there is still plenty of discretion over here if you’re looking for it. What today’s traveller desires are numerous, ranging from opportunities to be connected with the local social fabric; means of discovering the DNA of the city they’re residing in; as well as ways to counter the demands and strains of their high-functioning lifestyles. This might mean complex biohacking routines to reset their mind-body connection, detailed detox regimes or even advanced technologies to induce deep rest. And METT Singapore certainly delivers the latter in spades.
The boutique address is home to Madison House—a private members’ club dedicated to social vitality and new ways of living—and The Longevity Suite, a leading pioneer in biohacking and cutting-edge wellness tech. Whilst only a showroom is open now (a full opening is expected in the later half of the year), The Longevity Suite is already proving to be a haven for living well.
Think total body cryotherapy sessions for releasing tension and enhanced circulation; hyperbaric oxygen pods to boost mental clarity; chakra balancing rituals to reconnect to the self and a slate of science-backed aesthetic treatments. In totality, plenty of these treatments and rituals will be combined to target specific goals, be it sleep deprivation, energy depletion or prolonged muscle tension.
My own private appointment was a combined hit of cryotherapy—which certainly gave me an endorphin jolt—as well as dry float therapy. As someone with chronic back pain, the weightlessness I felt when ‘submerged’ felt like a huge sigh of relief. I could feel the stress in my spine melt away, and I felt so relaxed I was lulled to sleep. I definitely fell asleep more easily that night too.
But the wellness route is not all there is. Beyond access to its other indoor and outdoor facilities such as the pilates studios, padel courts and breezy poolside, my personal favourite activity was one that showed me a new way of discovering my own hometown. Collaborating with Singapore Sidecars, hop into a literal sidecar—to a vintage Vespa—and be charmed by the unique point of view your front row seat instantly grants you, especially since your driver will play tour guide for the day as well. A perfect way to explore our little red dot, if you’re asking me.
The dining
And then there were four. For now, we’re anticipating two exciting openings—one, the Italian destination Art di Daniele Sperindio, and two, Hanu, which is bound to be a hit for lovers of contemporary Korean fare.
Yet the two that make up METT’s present roster of dining addresses are already promising plenty. There is Canning Bar and Lounge, where breakfast is served daily, and the buffet spread is pleasantly adorned with salad options, delicious cheeses, a mix of fresh pastries—the sides that fill you up even before you opt for your choice of main. It’s also the restaurant you’ll order your room service from; be it a plateful of moreish chicken wings, a great beef burger and fries or well, a supremely decent bowl of laksa.
But the real star lies in the coastal Italian fine dining restaurant, L’Amo Bistrò del Mare. With elevated Mediterranean flavours and the heart of Italian cuisine wonderfully worked into its menu, there is a sublime experience that lies in wait for your arrival. One might find themselves refreshed in the company of Le Tre Tartare, a triptych of exquisite dishes featuring the freshest of catches, from a zesty sea bass to tuna belly brightened with Japanese lime mayo and a plate of Sicilian red prawns, juicy and sweet, exactly as they should be. Yet it is the Tagliolini al Tartufo di Stagione that one must make room for: tossed in a buttery emulsion, this dish feels light yet indulgent; the dusting of seasonal black truffle giving it its slight intensity and bite. For dessert, coffee lovers must be sure to bask in the theatrics of the homemade tiramisu, prepared tableside. It is decadence, epitomised.
