Shangri-La Singapore

In a city like Singapore, there's no shortage of modern, gleaming skyscrapers. So, you might find it strange that the best hotel is a 40-year old property set on 17 acres. But, the Shangri-La Singapore is no ordinary 40-year old hotel. It happens to be the hotel that launched the luxury brand back in 1971 with only one tower.

Shangri-La Singapore

Today, the Shangri-La Singapore is comprised of three separate towers and a total of 750 rooms. In 1978, the Garden Wing was opened, adding 161 rooms to the complex. In 1982, the Valley Wing added a 17-story tower with another 140 rooms. The Main Lobby is located in the Tower Wing, the original hotel structure, and is nothing short of opulent.

Main Lobby

Due to flight delays and missed connections, we did not arrive at the Shangri-La until 6:15am on the morning after our scheduled check-in. The Main Lobby was where we checked in and even after having been deprived of sleep for more than 35 hours, we were completely blown away. When you step into this lobby, you know immediately that you are in one of the best hotels in the world and expectations begin to grow.

Our check-in went smoothly and, within minutes, we were being escorted to our Deluxe Double Room in the Valley Wing. At 613 sq. ft., the Deluxe Room would easily qualify as a "suite" in most hotels. Valley Wing privileges include complimentary breakfast at the exclusive Summit Room, afternoon tea and daily champagne, wines, juices and canapés at the Champagne Bar and complimentary minibar (excludes alcohol and snacks). 

The Valley Wing is the most exclusive wing of the hotel and was officially opened in 1985.  Since its launch, its unique ambience, combined with personalized services and exclusive facilities, has made it the premier accommodation choice for the discerning traveller who appreciates world-class luxury.

Deluxe Double Room

Our room featured an all-in-one fax machine; Wedgewood tea set with a selection of teas; marble bathroom with double sinks, a bath tub with an LCD television and separate glass-enclosed shower, with rain-shower head; a writing desk; satellite/cable television; coffee-and tea-making facilities; electronic safe and mini bar. Valley Wing guests also enjoy complimentary internet connectivity throughout the hotel. And, Intenet connections and speeds were very good during our short stay.

Deluxe Bathroom

After being up for nearly two days without sleep, thanks to a missed flight connection in Hong Kong and an unplanned 7-hour layover, all we could think about was crawling into bed for some much needed sleep. Fortunately, the double beds (two of them in our room) were super comfortable. The pillows, linens and bedding are of the highest quality, as you would expect from Shangri-La. The room was quiet and there was nothing to disturb our sleep.

After a few hours of sleep, we felt it best to wake up and at least try to get on schedule with local time to help offset days of jetlag. We were invited to join Cheryl Ng, Shangri-La Singapore's Director of Communications, for late lunch at Shang Palace, the hotel's Cantonese restaurant. After two days of nothing but airline food, Shang Palace was a much-needed treat for the senses. Although many of the dishes we tried could be considered 'traditional' Cantonese cuisine, the preparation and presentation were anything but traditional. Needless to say, the meal was superb. Shang Palace will be the first restaurant we visit on our return to Singapore.

After a brief and informative tour of the three wings of the hotel, we readied ourselves for a couples' massage at CHI, The Spa.  CHI, The Spa, was established in December 2012. "It provides travellers with a place for personal peace and well-being." 

CHI, The Spa, reception

After checking in at the spa reception desk, we were shown to the dressing rooms where we shed our clothes, donned the provided massage undies, bathrobes and slippers. Next, we were introduced to our therapists who offered us a cup of delicious, warm lemongrass-infused tea, which we enjoyed while having our feet cleaned with warm washcloths. This is so decadent, and wonderful.

Couples treatment room at CHI, The Spa

Our treatment room was equipped with two massage tables, which we quickly occupied. Over the next 90 minutes, all of the stress of airline travel was masterfully massaged away. The treatment definitely ranks in our top three all-time favorite spa treatments. After the massage, we were invited to relax in the peaceful 'recovery' room with tea and peaceful music.

The next morning, we decided to have breakfast in the Summit Room, located in the lobby of the Valley Wing. A nice selection of cold breakfast items was avalable buffet-style to complement the extensive à la carte menu. Rickee ordered Eggs Benedict, which were poached perfectly and dressed with a delicious Hollandaise atop a crispy English muffin with a tasty slice of Canadian bacon wedged in between.

Summit Room

Our only regret is that Cathay Pacific robbed us of one more night at Shangri-La Singapore. We would have loved to experience more of the property, try some of the different restaurants and the beautiful swimming pool. Even though our stay was a short one, it was long enough to claim this as one of the very best hotels in the world, and one that we look forward to visiting in the future.

For more information, contact www.shangri-la.com/singapore

Originally posted on: 1/22/2016