From heritage to contemporary, each Far Eastern Hospitality Management hotel exudes and offers unique aesthetics and experiences. Historic shophouses turn into boutique hotels, and new structures rise, amplifying the contemporary landscape of the city. Singapore has it lucky.
Staying for a few nights and exploring the Arab Quarters and Little India was eye-opening. It was time to move to District 11 in the central region of Singapore. The district is known to be a medical hub with the development of the Tan Tock Seng Hospital and the Health City Novena.
A few steps away is Far Eastern Hospitality Management's newest hotel brand and its flagship property—the Oasia Hotel Novena.
The Oasia Hotel Novena was developed around three key values that reflect the best of Asian hospitality: thoughtfulness, respect, and care. With these values, Oasia Hotel Novena translates it into its design, service, and guest experience.
"For busy travelers, we wanted to create a feeling of warmth and coziness. Guests will be truly looked after and feel rejuvenated and relaxed," said Raphael Saw, COO of the Hospitality Business Group at Far East Organization.
Oasia is chic and unique; the look is minimalist. The interior is a montage of Japanese aesthetics that exude serenity—high ceilings, and the space is clean, open, and unobtrusive, with organic appointments and finishes in stone and wood. It's breathtaking.
| Oasia Hotel Novena lobby |
| One with minimalism |
Confirming my theory, the architect is Japanese. "The hotel is designed by award-winning Japanese designer Takashi Sugimoto from Super Potato in collaboration with a Singapore architectural firm, Ong & Ong. Both firms are known for their cutting-edge designs of natural elements."
Upon arrival, I was ushered to the Club Floor on Level 22 for check-in. Accessible to select guests, the exclusive club lounge is referred to as the "Living Room," where breakfast, all-day coffee, and evening cocktails are served. It's a relaxing space with an infinity pool and a view of Singapore's panoramic skyline.
| The infinity pool at the Living Room of the Club Lounge on Level 22 |
The 8th Floor offers a tranquil escape from the urban buzz. The level dedicated to wellness and leisure features an outdoor swimming pool referred to as "Level 8 Pool," a garden gazebo, a 24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center, and sauna facilities.
Hungry? Head to Oasia Hotel Novena's stylish restaurant, Zaffron. The dining space is inspired by saffron, the finest spice in the world and applauded for its superb aroma and taste. Picking up from the spice's acclaim, Zaffron's culinary offerings are conceived to appeal to the diners' five senses.
| Zaffron interior |
With the impressive facilities, what should one expect from the hotel rooms? It should be thoughtfully appointed and stylish, right? Oasia Hotel Novena delivered.
All the rooms at Oasia Hotel Novena are well-planned, with the spaces wisely utilized. Fashioned by Super Potato, the four Club Suites and 100 Club Rooms are designed to provide new levels of comfort and luxury. Each of the rooms provides a very residential bedroom vibe, making it easy to nestle in comfortably in no time.
Extended amenities can make the Club Room guest feel like they are coming home to their bedroom. The pre-check-in service allows guests to head straight to their designated room, where a pre-loaded iPod is playing their favorite tune and the Nespresso machine is brewing the preferred coffee flavor. Do you have a preferred room scent that will remind you of home? Make a request.
My Club Room was on the 25th level, the top floor, and technically the penthouse. Living sky-high above the Lion City, the room's picture windows presented a sweeping view of the city and the mountain beyond.
| Living at the top |
| The view from a Club floor room on Level 25 |
Design firm Ong & Ong created the 312 Deluxe Rooms and Superior Rooms as pleasing. Each room is fitted with appointments discerning guests would expect from a stylish hotel, like a 40" LED interactive IP television and a spacious bathroom with a rain shower, to name a couple.
As much as I wanted to cherish the comforts of my stylish Oasia Hotel Novena Club Room, the Novena district neighborhood beckoned. The Oasia Hotel's address in Novena holds establishments of importance, like the medical centers right across from the hotel and the Novena (Catholic) Church.
| Novena Church |
Therapeutic activities beyond hospital walls are a skip away from Oasia Hotel Novena. For retail therapy, the shopping malls of Novena Squares 1 and 2 are right next door. For food therapy, there's a variety of cuisines offered by the upscale restaurants and food courts nearby. Should the need to explore more of Singapore arise, the MRT is a few steps away from the hotel.
Novena District is another face of the Lion City worth looking at. Should you opt to explore the area, find your oasis in Oasia Hotel Novena.
CONVERSATION