Singapore's Most Inspiring Design Centric Hotels
- Chandreyi Bandyopadhyay
- Apr 3
- 7 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
The bustling city features luxury amidst natural surroundings, with an intrinsic love for all things art and design.
Singapore’s hotels are a masterclass in blending design, art, and luxury within an urban landscape shaped by bold architectural policies and biophilic planning. The city-state’s focus on sustainable urbanism and its "City in a Garden" vision extends seamlessly into hospitality, where hotels are melting pots of design and creativity. From lush vertical gardens to repurposed heritage buildings, each property is a testament to Singapore’s commitment to thoughtful design. When I first arrived, every hotel I stepped into felt like a curated dialogue between past and future—where modernist elegance meets traditional craftsmanship, and public spaces double as art galleries. In Singapore, modern design sensibilities are helping hotels weave stories through space, where sustainability, innovation, and heritage converge to redefine urban living. The language is often uncomplicated but deeply nuanced, appreciative of natural order and relatable, as found in the various forms of art available to gawk at in luxury hotels in the city.
Capella Singapore
At Capella Singapore for instance, Norman Foster’s vision integrates contemporary elegance with colonial charm, complemented by striking Southeast Asian art.
Capella Singapore’s art collection is a striking fusion of nature, culture, and contemporary mastery. At the heart of the Grand Ballroom, Nikolas Weinstein’s breathtaking floating glass sculpture—a one-metric-ton chandelier of 10,000 hand-blown tubes—transforms with light, appearing transparent by day and reflective by night. On The Greens, Bernar Venet’s towering steel sculpture The Arc engages guests with its fluid, mathematical form. Meanwhile, Gaagal, a monumental hand-painted mural by Otis Hope Carey, brings indigenous Australian artistry to life, embodying movement and oceanic energy in an alfresco setting.
The newly reimagined manors at this hotel seamlessly blend contemporary design with an exquisite curation of art and furnishings. Capella Manor, refreshed by Australian designer Simone Haag, features a neutral palette enriched with Asian-inspired fabrics and artwork. A standout Pelle Lure Lantern casts leafy shadows across the living space, complete with a custom rug in earthy tones. Sculptural vignettes of pewter, ceramics, and rare timbers add authenticity, complemented by storied vintage pieces like 1930s Swedish Carved Monk Chairs.
Meanwhile, the Colonial Manors, redesigned by Matthew Shang Design Office, honour their heritage with elements that reflect a globetrotter’s journey. Historic maps of Singapore are woven into the design narrative, while an eclectic mix of Persian rugs, tropical-print cushions, and curated artwork bring warmth and character. Soft Roman blinds, textured headboards, and spherical lighting in the bedrooms enhance a sense of intimacy. The thoughtful juxtaposition of past and present transforms these manors into immersive design sanctuaries, where history, craftsmanship, and artistic expression converge to create a timeless retreat.
Artyzen
When it comes to design forward thinking, Artyzen Singapore redefines hospitality with art-forward interiors and curated installations that celebrate local heritage. Walking into Artyzen feels much akin to walking inside a gallery. The hotel’s art collection is a masterful blend of heritage, craftsmanship, and contemporary expression, curated to create a seamless visual dialogue between tradition and modernity. The property’s artistic identity is anchored in its celebration of Peranakan culture, nature, and the interplay between organic and man-made forms.
Among the standout pieces, Guerilla Gardener and Outdoor Miner by Simon Periton are striking steel sculptures that transform delicate leaf motifs into architectural elements, casting intricate shadows and creating a dynamic connection with their surroundings.
These pieces blur the line between nature and urban aesthetics, embodying both fragility and resilience. Meanwhile, 11h20 by Laurène Guarneri captures the ephemeral beauty of raindrops and puddles through delicate glasswork, freezing fleeting moments in time to evoke reflection and serenity.
The vibrant spirit of Peranakan heritage is woven throughout the interiors. Terence Tan’s Timeless Peranakan series in the rooms and Flourishing KumCheng collection celebrate the intricate craftsmanship of Peranakan pottery and architecture, infusing guest spaces with rich cultural narratives. Aeropalmics’ hand-drawn Peranakan Graphics in the lift lobbies and restaurant pay tribute to traditional Peranakan tiles and orchids, symbolizing prosperity and legacy.
Together, these thoughtfully curated works transform Artyzen Singapore into a living gallery, where history, design, and art converge to offer guests an immersive and inspiring experience.
St Regis Singapore
The St. Regis Singapore is a treasure trove of artistic mastery, housing one of Asia’s finest private art collections with over 70 exceptional works spanning sculptures, paintings, and prints. Iconic masterpieces by Pablo Picasso, Fernando Botero, and Marc Chagall share space with celebrated Asian artists like Georgette Chen, Anthony Poon, and Li Chen, creating an exquisite dialogue between global and regional artistry.
A hallmark of every St. Regis property, a grand mural graces the hotel’s interiors—a tradition dating back to the legendary Old King Cole painting at the brand’s New York flagship. At The St. Regis Singapore, this tradition is embodied by Gathering of the Immortals, a striking 15th-century Chinese mural that presides over the reception area, evoking an air of timeless grandeur.
Among the hotel’s sculptural highlights, Anthony Poon’s Sense Surround greets guests at the driveway with bold geometric forms, a dynamic homage to the fluidity of Chinese Ribbon Dance. Meanwhile, Reclining Woman by Fernando Botero stands as a signature bronze, welcoming arrivals with the artist’s signature voluminous elegance, while works by Picasso provide a refined backdrop for cocktail hours at the Astor Bar.
For an immersive experience, a complimentary guided art tour led by the St. Regis Butlers takes guests through this extraordinary collection daily at 5:30 PM, offering deeper insights into the storied works that adorn the hotel.
Raffles Singapore
The iconic Raffles Singapore’s art and design narrative is a testament to its rich heritage and timeless elegance. Within its meticulously restored colonial architecture, the hotel’s artistic curation reflects a seamless blend of history and sophistication. Grand polished teak verandahs and white marble colonnades frame the interiors, while heritage-inspired details create a refined ambiance.
A defining element of Raffles Singapore is its tradition of storytelling through art. The legendary Writers Bar, dedicated to the literary greats who once frequented the hotel, evokes the glamour of a bygone era. The grand lobby and suites feature curated memorabilia and décor that pay tribute to renowned writers like Somerset Maugham and Joseph Conrad.
Throughout the property, artistic influences draw from Singapore’s colonial past, blended with contemporary luxury. Carefully chosen design elements, from floral Art Deco motifs to intricate handcrafted details, ensure that every space within Raffles Singapore is not just a place to stay, but a living gallery of history, art, and timeless refinement.
W Singapore – Sentosa Cove
This hotel’s art collection is a vibrant fusion of contemporary creativity and cultural storytelling, seamlessly integrated into the hotel’s dynamic design.
A striking feature of the W Lawn, Bon Bon by Laurence Jenkell captivates with its gleaming gold form, evoking nostalgia and joy. This oversized candy sculpture, twisted in plexiglass, reflects childhood memories and indulgence, infusing the space with warmth and whimsy.
Complementing this playful energy, Lucas Beaufort’s expressive acrylic work extends W’s artistic footprint across the globe, his fluid characters adding a sense of movement and spontaneity.
Sculptural grandeur defines Matin de Naples by Corda Mauro, a bronze piece that reinterprets classical human forms with a contemporary twist, emphasizing power and beauty. Similarly, Jugenstill 1985 by Arman Fernandez, renowned for his “accumulations,” transforms musical instruments into an opulent artistic statement, celebrating music and design in equal measure.
Studio Juju’s Peacocks, positioned near the Living Room, are striking two-meter-high sculptures featuring hand-painted aluminum plates and mirrored surfaces, inspired by the intricate textures of a peacock’s plumage. Meanwhile, Kozo Nights by Peter Gentenaar redefines paper artistry, with delicate, bamboo-reinforced sculptures suspended in W Lounge, evoking organic movement akin to floating leaves.
JW Mariott Singapore South Beach
JW Marriott Singapore South Beach seamlessly merges contemporary art with avant-garde architecture, creating a dynamic visual experience for guests. The hotel’s design, envisioned by renowned architect Foster + Partners, incorporates a curated collection of striking artworks that reflect Singapore’s cultural vibrancy and modern sophistication.
Among the highlights, large-scale installations and mixed-media pieces grace the public spaces, transforming the interiors into an evolving art gallery. Upon arrival, guests are greeted by a seven-meter video wall installation by South Korean artist Lee Lee Nam, bringing art to life through movement and technology. The lobby features Donna a Cavallo, a sculpture by acclaimed Colombian artist Fernando Botero, known for his signature voluptuous forms.
At the hotel entrance, Gorilla, a reclaimed scrap metal sculpture by Turner Prize winner Iain Nutting, captures attention with its unique composition. The corridor leading to the reception desk is lined with sculptures by Taiwanese artist Ju Ming and paintings by Singaporean artist Lim Tze Peng, reflecting Southeast Asian themes.
Sculptural works placed throughout the hotel pay homage to Singapore’s colonial past while embracing bold, abstract forms that complement the sleek interiors. Meanwhile, Animalia by Francesco Rugi & Silvia Quintanilla - a captivating digital installation that brings the natural world to life through dynamic visuals, featuring animated wildlife motifs that evolve in real-time, responding to movement and ambient changes. This immersive piece transforms art as an experiential element, engaging guests with an ever-shifting, organic display.
Greenscapes As Priority
Singapore’s skyline is a testament to sustainable innovation, where hotels seamlessly integrate lush vertical gardens into their architecture, creating verdant urban retreats.
Park Royal Collection Pickering leads the way with its dramatic hotel-in-a-garden concept, featuring cascading greenery across 15,000 square meters of sky terraces, solar-powered skylights, and a gravity-driven rainwater system that nourishes its lush façade.
Similarly, Oasia Hotel Downtown transforms a high-rise into a living ecosystem, enveloped in a red aluminium lattice draped with over 21 species of climbing plants that thrive in Singapore’s tropical climate, providing natural cooling and a habitat for urban biodiversity.
At Sofitel Singapore City Centre, the 6th-floor lawn and herb garden bring a touch of nature to the cityscape, complementing its eco-conscious hospitality. Even within the grandeur of Capella Singapore, discreet pockets of vertical gardens integrate with Sentosa’s rainforest, merging heritage architecture with nature.
Design is at the heart of everything the Singaporeans do. Take The Warehouse Hotel for instance, set in a restored 19th-century godown. Modern design elevates industrial chic with bespoke installations that pay homage to Singapore’s trade legacy at this hotel.
These hotels exemplify the country’s commitment to biophilic design, proving that sustainability and luxury can coexist harmoniously, enhancing guest experiences while fostering environmental responsibility.
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