FAIRMONT SINGAPORE IS PRACTICALLY A NEW HOTEL AFTER MAJOR REVAMP SO STAY THERE FROM RM 807++

KEE@FSWMAG.COM

FAIRMONT SINGAPORE - REFRESHED. RESTORED. REDEFINED. Set to enhance the overall guest’s comfort and experience through embracing the unique culture, traditions and heritage of the extraordinary locale amidst maintaining luxury and relevance, Fairmont Singapore embarked on a comprehensive multi-million dollar renovation project which commenced in August 2013.  The renovation project saw the transformation of various spaces within the hotel – including a vibrant new lobby, a modern cocktail bar and all guestrooms in the North Tower of the hotel. Largely influenced by the Straits Chinese culture, also known as Peranakan[1], the newly renovated spaces collectively feature a modern interpretation of Peranakan culture with a vibrant amalgamation of design elements that are distinctly and authentically local. Development and Enhancement of Lobby and North Tower Guestrooms In August 2013, the hotel engaged award-winning design companies, Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA) and EDG, to embark on a revitalisation project to transform various spaces within the hotel – namely the hotel lobby, bar and guestrooms in the North Tower.  HBA was appointed to oversee the design and concept of the hotel’s 365 guestrooms while EDG was tasked to design the new look of the hotel lobby. Set to heighten the overall level of guest comfort and experience, the vibrant new lobby and guestrooms not only breathe new life into the landmark hotel, but also embrace and imbibe Fairmont Singapore’s rich heritage and connection to the locally celebrated culture. Hotel Lobby The new hotel lobby boasts a neutral colour scheme that comprises a mix of earth tones, and is adorned with art pieces that illustrate the vivacious mix of cultures set in the cosmopolitan city.  Amongst the numerous art installations, taking the limelight as a focal piece in the lobby is a chandelier designed by Petra Dickova and created by Lasvit, a leading design and manufacturing firm from the Czech Republic.  Titled Playing with Wind, the magnificent chandelier illuminates the lobby with its assembly of 800 bohemian crystal glass balls, each individually hand-blown to perfection over an intensive period of three months in the Czech Republic, prior to meticulous installation under close supervision by Lasvit’s lighting technicians. Complementing the immense improvement works to the lobby of Fairmont Singapore is the hotel’s new iPad check-in/out system. Introduced to provide a more seamless check-in/out experience, the new iPad system will allow more efficient delivery of service, where front-line colleagues may assist with mobile check-in/out. In-room check-in services will also be made available for selected room categories. Aptly fit with a refreshing slew of new furnishings at the lobby, guests can expect to enjoy a brand new welcome experience upon arrival. Guestroom Corridor True to the unifying theme that runs through the newly designed North Tower, the guestroom corridor spots a brand new grey and dark wood colour scheme and is lined with a trail of contemporary visual representations of cultural elements that bring forth a touch of locality, from the lift lobby to each guestroom.  These include a unique wooden chair and a hanging scroll, a showcase of figurines depicting the life of old Singapore, three-dimensional art pieces created of traditional local snacks that have been widely enjoyed over the years, as well as a bespoke patterned carpet that injects a hint of ethnicity with its culturally inspired motifs that were seen in old Singapore. The Fairmont Premier Room Making up a majority of rooms at the revamped North Tower are the new Fairmont Premier Rooms. Specially designed to represent the pinnacle of elegance and comfort, the newly launched Fairmont Premier Rooms feature stylish accents of Singapore’s heritage, complemented by modern amenities and innovative features for an authentically local stay. Aptly adorned in shades of grey, purple and dark wood, the amalgamation of tones lends a touch of modernity to the local culture-inspired room. Featuring a timeless design that is elegant and contemporary, guests can look forward to breathtaking views of the city from a private balcony, a modern work desk clad in leather as well as a NESPRESSO coffee machine.  Adding on to the comprehensive suite of amenities is a rain shower innovation by Grohe that aerates and pulverises water to give a finer, softer spray, and signature bathroom amenities by New York perfumer Le Labo, fragranced with an exclusive Rose 31 scent. Drawing inspiration from the iconic Straits Chinese culture, the new guestrooms feature culturally inspired design elements including a bespoke carpet and curtain sheers that represent an interpretation of Peranakan lace as well as plantation shutters featured as windows between the bathroom and bedroom of some of our newly renovated Fairmont Premier Rooms, providing a nostalgic hue of old Singapore. In celebration of the exciting milestone, guests can look forward to experiencing the New Fairmont Singapore – Refreshed, Restored and Redefined, with an introductory room offer from now till 30 December 2014:   One-night accommodation in a new Fairmont Premier Room Complimentary breakfast for two persons Complimentary Internet access   Weekday Rate (Monday to Thursday) at S$368++ Weekend Rate (Friday to Sunday) at S$318++ Please visit www.fairmont.com/singapore/special-offers/hotel-offers for more information on our Introductory Room Offer.   # ABOUT FAIRMONT SINGAPORE Fairmont Singapore, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts’ pioneer property in Asia comprises 769 guestrooms and suites, and offers a distinct collection of 15 restaurants and bars, the award-winning 50,000sqft Willow Stream Spa and the cutting-edge Raffles City Convention Centre, offering 70,000sqft of cutting-edge function space, with 27 meeting rooms.  Strategically located in the heart of Singapore’s business, shopping and entertainment districts, Fairmont Singapore is where sophisticated travellers discover culturally rich experiences that are authentic to the Lion City. ABOUT FAIRMONT HOTELS AND RESORTS Fairmont Hotels & Resorts connects guests to the very best of its destinations worldwide, reflecting each locale's energy, culture and history. Passionate travelers choose the luxury hotel brand for its ability to deliver memorable travel experiences, personalized and thoughtful service, and hotels that are one-of-a-kind.  Serving as genuine gateways to their destinations, Fairmont hotels offer locally-inspired cuisine and spirited bars and lounges, distinctive design and décor, and a steadfast responsibility to environmental and social priorities. With more than 65 hotels globally, and many more in development, landmark hotels in the Fairmont collection include The Plaza in New York, London’s The Savoy, Fairmont Peace Hotel in Shanghai and Quebec City’s Fairmont Le Château Frontenac. Fairmont is owned by FRHI Hotels & Resorts, a leading global hotel company with over 110 hotels under the Raffles, Fairmont and Swissôtel brands.  The company also manages Raffles, Fairmont and Swissôtel branded luxury private residence clubs, whole-ownership residences and serviced residences properties. For more information or reservations, please visit fairmont.com. THE NEW FAIRMONT SINGAPORE – ART AND DESIGN In August 2013, the hotel engaged award-winning design companies, Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA) and EDG, to embark on a revitalisation project which encompassed the transformation of various spaces within the hotel – namely the hotel lobby, bar and 365 guestrooms in the North Tower of the hotel. HBA was appointed to oversee the design and concept of the hotel’s guestrooms while EDG was tasked to design the new look of the hotel lobby. Hotel Lobby The hotel lobby boasts a neutral colour scheme that comprises a mix of earth tones, and is further adorned with a magnificent chandelier and art pieces that illustrate the vivacious mix of cultures set in the cosmopolitan city.   Playing with Wind  Location: Hotel Lobby Illuminating the lobby is a lighting piece designed by Petra Dickova and created by Lasvit, a leading design and manufacturing firm from the Czech Republic that deals with contemporary light fittings and architectural glass installations. Measuring a magnificent 11m in width and 3.5m in height, Playing with Wind comprises approximately 800 bohemian crystal glass balls, each individually hand-blown to perfection over an intensive period of three months in the Czech Republic, prior to meticulous installation under close supervision by Lasvit’s lighting technicians. Inspired by the movement of wind, the lighting piece represents a sense of freedom and emphasises the lightness of wind.  Diversity Location: Hotel Lobby Taking the limelight within the lobby is the Diversity. Designed by textile designer Claudia Caviezel, Diversity serves as a point of focus within the lobby with its vivacious combination of colours. Measuring 7.7m x 4.6m, the piece is inspired by the kaleidoscope of cultural festivals that are widely celebrated in Singapore, coupled with local elements that represent the city. Highlights include Peranakan motifs as well as botanical elements that reflect the lush greenery in Singapore. Skyscrapers Location: Hotel Lobby Located on the walls behind the Concierge and Bell Desk counters, these murals feature an abstract mosaic of black and white tile pieces that reflect the multitude of skyscrapers that dot the city vistas, showcasing Singapore as a commercial capital today.   Fins Location: Hotel Lobby Created from organic wood, the floor-to-ceiling wooden Fins are pitched at angles to represent tree branches and reflect a modern design, which is an expression of the urbanised local landscape set within a green city, represented by the use of wood. Guestroom Corridor True to the unifying theme that runs through the newly designed North Tower, the guestroom corridor spots a brand new grey and dark wood colour scheme and is lined with a trail of contemporary visual representations of cultural elements that bring forth a touch of locality, from the lift lobby to each guest room.   Wooden Chair and Hanging Scroll Location: North Tower, Lift Lobbies An original art piece by a Taiwanese artist, the chair illustrates a modern interpretation of the Chinese culture and is displayed in three exclusive styles over the different guestroom levels. Next to the chair, the hanging scroll was hand sewn by an artisan based in Malaysia, and combines the use of different batik fabrics weaved together, complementing the overall presentation of the local residential feel. Figurine Showcase Location: North Tower, Lift Lobbies Seated outside the lift lobby is a showcase of figurines. Depicting the life of old Singapore, the showcase of figurines illustrates historical scenes captured in still frames, depicting different motions of daily life in the past.   Guestroom Corridor Embellishment Location: North Tower, Guestroom Corridors Inspired by traditional local snacks that are widely enjoyed over the years, these three-dimensional art pieces are symbolic of transcending time and were created through the use of authentic baking moulds purposefully coloured with vibrant hues to bring together a mix of both the old and the new. i.        Love Letters An egg-biscuit crisp that is often rolled up and enjoyed during the Lunar New Year festivities. ii.       Honeycomb Crisps A tasty egg crisp that gets its unique shape from a traditional brass mould widely used in the past. iii.     Kueh Tutu A steamed flour cake that comprises grated coconut or peanuts. iv.     Steamed Rice Kueh A traditional snack that is widely enjoyed by the local Teochew dialect group, the Rice Kueh comprises glutinous rice encased in a pink steamed dough layer. The Fairmont Premier Room The new Fairmont Premier Room draws inspiration from the iconic Straits Chinese culture, also known as Peranakan[2], with a modern flair that is familiar yet fresh. With the intention to provide guests with a comfortable residential feel that offers a sense of place, the overall design is timeless and classic.   Fairmont Premier Room Room Size: 39 square metres Location: North Tower Draped in an intricate pattern that is an interpretation of Peranakan lace embroidery, the bespoke carpet found in the guestrooms also resembles the olden-day hand-painted clay tile flooring of Peranakan homes, and took almost 20 attempts to finalise the ideal representative patterns used. Dressing the balcony of the guestrooms are exquisite curtain sheers that take inspiration from the delicate embroidery commonly found on the traditional Peranakan kebaya, a traditional blouse-dress combination often worn by the Peranakan ‘Nyonya’ women. Timeless and classic, the curtain sheers take the form of falling leaves and adds to the illusion of movement with the embroidered patterns on a translucent lace fabric. Plantation Shutters Reminiscent of the colonial black-and-white bungalows that dot Singapore, plantation shutters are featured as windows between the bathroom and bedroom of some of our newly renovated Fairmont Premier Rooms, providing a nostalgic hue of old Singapore.   Art piece by Andre Tan Displayed above the bedhead of all guestrooms is an art piece developed by local digital artist, Andre Tan. Featuring one of three designs, the art piece is created in a variation of colour tones and stems from the concept of showcasing Singapore’s unique heritage and colonial history. A remarkable depiction of the common sights from Singapore’s past, cohesively combined with elements of modern day scenes, the exceptional art piece highlights and details the old and new sights in Singapore, fused with traditional Peranakan batik patterns, in an overall presentation of the past and the present. ABOUT HIRSCH BEDNER ASSOCIATES World-renowned as the “Number 1 Hospitality Design Firm” and honoured in 2013 by the Gold Key Awards, Hospitality Design, Perspective Awards, the Boutique Design Awards and the European Hotel Design Awards; HBA/Hirsch Bedner Associates, unveils the world’s most anticipated hotels, resorts, and spas. Leading the hotel design industry since 1965, HBA remains keenly attuned to the pulse of changing industry trends governed by today's sophisticated traveller.  The company’s international presence, depth of experience, and detailed industry knowledge enables them to identify interior design trends at their source, make definitive predictions about new directions and innovations, and influence design standards at a global level. HBA’s ultimate objective is to add value, raise standards and enhance the brand of a project's owner and operator. HBA creates the signature looks of today’s luxury brands, independent contemporary boutiques, urban resort spas, world-class residences, restaurants, casinos, and cruise ships. From continent to continent, each HBA interior is the result of a unique and sensitive response to location, architecture, and client vision.  With over 1,200 designers around the globe in 16 offices and a recent expansion in several locations in Asia, HBA is a true global company with more than 75% of its employees now outside the United States. HBA’s international presence, combined with its extensive knowledge of the interior design industry, has facilitated the ability to rewrite the language of design with each new project. ABOUT EDG EDG measures success by the performance of their projects and by client satisfaction. They are distinguished by their design vision as well as keen insights into the business issues facing hotel owners and operators and independent restauranteurs in this ever-changing market. Leadership, a fresh approach and the design of inspiring and profitable concepts are their hallmarks.    Based in the San Francisco Bay Area with offices in Bangkok, Singapore and Dallas, Texas, they travel the world in search of new ideas. A creative team of Architects, Designers, Chefs, Restaurateurs and Hoteliers, they are united in their passion for creating dynamic design solutions with a strategic edge.  Eye-catching design is key, but they measure success by the performance of their projects and client satisfaction. Their 50-person design team is worldly, passionate and experienced.  They take pride in delivering the best service in the design market today.  EDG takes a collaborative approach encouraging all ideas to be expressed and curated together to form a unified final experience.  This particular project was lead by the design team of Michael Goodman, Piya Thamchariyawat, Yoko Ishihara and Toshi Kasai, under the guidance of CEO and President Jennifer Johanson.   1 Peranakans often refer to the early Straits Chinese immigrants who settled down in Southeast Asia and adopted the local customs and traditions then, creating a unique hybrid culture that remains a part of Singapore’s living heritage today. [2] Peranakans often refer to the early Straits Chinese immigrants who settled down in Southeast Asia and adopted the local customs and traditions then, creating a unique hybrid culture that remains a part of Singapore’s living heritage today.