Unique Sleeps: ANDAZ Singapore

Singapore. Skyscrapers, rooftop bars, fabulous food, world class shopping and now, the setting for Crazy Rich Asians. Aussies have long known Singapore as the perfect stopover city – great to break up a trip to Europe, even better for a few days break from the world back home. Now the whole world is waking up to this super sleek city, thanks to a movie about how the other half lives in the Lion City. In the space of two hours, Singapore burst onto the silver screen in all its glory – from the all out luxury to the street food. If you’re keen to see it all for yourself, check into the Andaz Singapore – a concept by Hyatt, where you can have your own Singaporean adventure.

This is no average five star hotel. The hotel sits on the 29^th to 39^th floors of the Duo Tower, one of the city’s newest skyscrapers in the historic Kampong Glam district. The cluster of towers are covered in a tessellated exterior that resembles a giant honeycomb – setting the tone for a hotel that takes design very seriously, and isn’t afraid to mix things up. Take the elevator to the 25^th floor to check in, at a series of freestanding desks perched next to the bar. There’s no traditional lobby area here, instead guests are brought straight into the heart of the hotel. The message is that you’re at home, and you might as well get comfortable. Each night there’s plenty of buzz at the Lounge, where just behind the check in desks every single guest can enjoy complimentary refreshments – coffee, tea, soft drinks, juice and snacks – all day.

The 29^th floor has actually been separated into a series of different spaces – there’s the check in, the bar, the lounge, and then Alley 25, where there are several different small eateries for guests to choose from. Dine on roast chicken and steaming short rib at The Green Oven, where much of the food comes from the huge namesake Italian oven in the corner of the room, try modern Asian BBQ at Smoke and Pepper, or get stuck into local dishes at Annie’s Wok and Steam. There’s six different micro restaurants to choose from, each beautifully designed with its own visual identity – the experience takes its cues from Singapore’s famous street dining, just a very luxury version. In the morning, the sprawling breakfast buffet takes over several of the restaurants, with everything from bircher muesli and omelettes to congee and dumplings on offer.

Now this is Singapore, so if you’re looking to take things up a notch, head upstairs all the way to level 38, where you’ll find 665°F, the hotel’s fine dining grill house. Most of the magic is made using the Pira oven and grill – grass-fed Tasmanian tenderloins and Black Onyx Ribeye steaks that melt in your mouth, accompanied with beautiful heirloom tomato salads and flame-grilled broccoli. Taking design notes from London’s Saville Row tailor stores, 665°F is perfect for power lunches or special dinners. Just save room for dessert – the ivory and bitter chocolate mousse sphere is almost too perfect to eat, but worth every mouthful.

One floor above the grill house is the Andaz’s rooftop bar, Mr Stork. This is not your average rooftop bar. Yes, there are stunning 360 degree views out over the city, yes there are fantastic cocktails and master mixologists keeping your thirst quenched, but there’s also teepees. That’s right, the Andaz has pitched ten teepee huts around their rooftop, where you can sit back among the manicured garden and take in the view away from the crowds.

Beyond the teepees and fine dining, the Andaz takes very good care of its guests, with an open air pool, state of the art gym and extremely spacious rooms. Look out at the city lights from your bedroom, enjoying complementary snacks and non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages in your mini bar, before dropping the black out blinds for the night. The Andaz is all about laid back luxury, so don’t expect to find over the top furnishings or extravagant decorations – rooms are sleek and chic, designed for comfort and convenience. Business travellers love the bedside USB ports and power points, leisure travellers will enjoy the full size wardrobes and day beds.

Whatever type of trip you’re taking in Singapore this year, the Andaz has you sorted.