Each of these unique properties offers an authentic experience in the garden city

Do luxury hotel chains not excite you anymore? While we certainly can't fault the five-star experience at these hotels, it can get a tad repetitive, which is why travellers and culture-seekers are starting to look out for more unique and stylish accommodations that truly give them a memorable stay.

Or perhaps, you're a local looking for your next Instagram-worthy staycation spot. Here are nine design-led properties for the perfect Singapore getaway.

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Photo 1 of 3 Six Senses Duxton façade (Image: Six Senses)
Photo 2 of 3 The Opium Suite bedroom (Image: Six Senses)
Photo 3 of 3 The Pearl Suite bedroom (Image: Six Senses)

1. Six Senses Duxton

Designed by celebrated hotelier Anouska Hempel, Six Senses’ first Singapore outpost oozes eclectic east-meets-west style. A collection of eight restored 19th-century shophouses, the property pays tribute to its heritage with elements borrowed from Chinese, Malay and European cultures.

Entering the hotel is an experience in itself, with opulent marigold yellow furnishings boldly contrasted with large golden fans and dark, polished wood welcoming you in the reception lobby. Inspired by Singapore’s past, each of the 49 rooms boasts names like Pearl, Opium and Shophouse. We recommend that you check into the Duxton Duplex Suite, a gorgeous two-storey loft that boasts a dramatic restored spiral staircase as its centrepiece.

sixsenses.com/en/hotels/duxton

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Photo 1 of 4 Six Senses Maxwell façade (Image: Six Senses)
Photo 2 of 4 Reception lobby (Image: Six Senses)
Photo 3 of 4 The Maxwell Studio (Image: Six Senses)
Photo 4 of 4 The Maxwell Studio (Image: Six Senses)

2. Six Senses Maxwell

Just a short walk away from Six Senses Duxton is sister property Six Senses Maxwell along Cook Street, which is also housed within a block of conserved shophouses. The two properties are collectively known as Six Senses Singapore and share their facilities—including the Maxwell outpost’s rooftop pool and spa pods.

Designed by French designer Jacques Garcia, the interiors draw reference to its colonial-style architecture, with European design details that lean towards the baroque style. Dark wood cabinetry, high-backed velvet damask armchairs, and upholstered wall panels welcome guests at the reception. The 138 rooms, across six room types, hint at a bygone era with ornate headboards, handmade vintage rugs, and curated original art.

sixsenses.com/en/hotels/maxwell

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Photo 1 of 3 The Warehouse Hotel lobby (Image: The Warehouse Hotel)
Photo 2 of 3 River View Suite (Image: The Warehouse Hotel)
Photo 3 of 3 Warehouse Sanctuary (Image: The Warehouse Hotel)

3. The Warehouse Hotel

Housed within a restored heritage building, The Warehouse Hotel takes on an industrial aesthetic, without forgetting to inject elements of Singapore’s identity. A dramatic canopy of gears and pendant lights welcomes you at the spacious lobby, along with artworks and products sourced from Asian artists and designers.

Designed by Asylum, each of its 37 rooms is uniquely styled, with as many as 34 different room configurations to make the most of the space. Minimalistic and elegant, these rooms provide a restful respite that keeps guests coming back.  The hotel’s largest room is the River View Suite, which overlooks the Singapore River from the hotel’s top floor. The loft-style suite retains the original beams and peaked ceiling of the 19th-century building.

thewarehousehotel.com

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Photo 1 of 2 Bathroom of Vagabond Executive Club Suite (Image: The Vagabond Club)
Photo 2 of 2 Bedroom of Vagabond Executive Club Suite (Image: The Vagabond Club)

4. The Vagabond Club

Occupying a 1950s heritage Art Deco building, The Vagabond Club is the work of Jacques Garcia. Evoking a modern Parisian salon, the luxury boutique hotel’s red-and-gold palette is sultry and luxurious. You’ll also find an art collection curated by British absurdist artist Peter Millard, as well as original pieces created by the hotel’s Artists in Residence (ask for a complimentary art tour). The hotel’s whiskey bar, the Whiskey Library, boasts a collection 1,000 rare and unique whiskeys for you to choose from.

For an unforgettable experience, check into the 68sqm Vagabond Executive Club Suite, which offers a separate living area, two Italian marble and glass mosaic bathroom and a standalone bathtub, as well as a skylight.

hotelvagabondsingapore.com

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Photo 1 of 3 Naumi Singapore facade (Image: Naumi)
Photo 2 of 3 Eden & Nirwana room (Image: Naumi)
Photo 3 of 3 Cloud 9 Infinity Pool & Bar (Image: Naumi)

5. Naumi Singapore

Located in the central business district of Singapore, Naumi Singapore is an urban oasis with gorgeous views of the city skyline. Vines decorate the minimalistic façade of this 10-storey building, making the boutique hotel one that is hard to miss. On the tenth floor, an intimate rooftop deck features an infinity pool overlooking the cityscape.

Naumi Singapore offers 73 elegantly-appointed rooms across five room types, including two spacious designer-inspired rooms—Gabrielle & Camellia, inspired by Coco Chanel, and Eden & Nirwana, inspired by Andy Warhol. 

naumihotels.com/singapore

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Photo 1 of 2 M Social Singapore lobby (Image: M Social)
Photo 2 of 2 Loft Terrace room from above (Image: M Social)

6. M Social Singapore

A Millenium Hotels property, M Social Singapore is a fun and upbeat lifestyle hotel along Robertson Quay. Designed by Philippe Starck, eclectic prints and textures decorate the boutique hotel, splashed in a vibrant colour palette. The famed designer’s chic loft and alcove interiors also add a sense of adventure for the modern traveller.

There are five room types to choose from, from the intimate Alcove Cosy Room to the spacious Loft Terrace Room that occupies two floors. The latter even comes with a private balcony or garden terrace, perfect for outdoor lovers.

millenniumhotels.com/en/singapore/m-social-singapore

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Photo 1 of 3 So Sofitel Singapore facade (Image: Sofitel)
Photo 2 of 3 So VIP suite (Image: Sofitel)
Photo 3 of 3 So Lofty suite (Image: Sofitel)

7. So Sofitel Singapore

Part of AccorHotels, So Sofitel Singapore is housed within a 1920s neo-classical property that was formerly the Eastern Extension Telegraph Company Building. Designed by Miaja Design Group, the hotel is a combination of European flair and Singaporean touches, adapted to the building’s former structure.

Look forward to classic details like decorative wainscoting and French cupola-style light boxes on the ceilings that evoke a glass dome. 134 sophisticated rooms are divided into two wings—So Hip and So Heritage—which offers a selection of two room types and three types of suites. We love the So VIP suite for the extra space—it comes with a king-sized bed, separate dining area, and spacious bathroom.

sofitel-so-singapore.com

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Photo 1 of 4 Lloyd's Inn facade (Image: Lloyd's Inn)
Photo 2 of 4 The Patio Room (Image: Lloyd's Inn)
Photo 3 of 4 The Patio Room (Image: Lloyd's Inn)
Photo 4 of 4 Outdoor bathtub of the Pation Room (Image: Lloyd's Inn)

8. Lloyd’s Inn

Just five minutes away from the Orchard Road shopping belt, Lloyd’s Inn sits amongst other housing estates on Lloyd Road, offering an authentic stay for travellers. A departure from the high-rise buildings of the city, the industrial-style detached house designed by local studio Farm offers only 34 rooms, with eight room types.

Inside the rooms, a monochromatic palette of white and black is accented by wooden furniture and concrete floors, some offering a private garden or an outdoor tub. For an intimate getaway, check into the Patio Room which boasts its own private deck with an outdoor dining area and bathtub for your slice of the sky.

lloydsinn.com

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Photo 1 of 3 Active Studio room (Image: Ann Siang House)
Photo 2 of 3 Culinary Studio room (Image: Ann Siang House)
Photo 3 of 3 Wellbeing Suite (Image: Ann Siang House)

9. Ann Siang House

Located in the vibrant Ann Siang neighbourhood, Ann Siang House is a conservation property from the 1920s. A fusion of local heritage and modern design, the boutique hotel’s six room types caters to every traveller—from the weekend visitor and the fitness junkie to the master chef and wellness aficionado.

Active Studio rooms come equipped with fitness necessities so you can keep up with your routine in the comfort of your room, while the Culinary Studio rooms come with a fully fitted kitchen that's complete with quality cooking equipment and pasta-making essentials. The Wellbeing Suite pampers travellers with an Ogawa massage chair, Hysses Aroma Burner with essential oils, and an ensuite bathtub featuring Mandy T’s handmade bath salts.

8mcollective.com/annsianghouse

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