Tatler checks into the charming boutique hotel in Little India, which reopened in March as part of Oakwood's new brand, The Unlimited Collection
Staycations have been our form of escape for more than a year now, and it's for this reason we've become more discerning in choosing the right hotels that will suit our preference. Some of us prefer a getaway within the city while others (like my partner and I) would rather go for boutique hotels situated in districts that are worth re-exploring.
That's what the recently reopened Wanderlust hotel is all about. It's right smack in the centre of Little India, which means you won't run out of foodie gems to rediscover no matter the time of the day. And now that it is part of The Unlimited Collection by Oakwood, a new brand that allows for curation of independent properties that retain their unique positioning while leveraging Oakwood's hospitality management style, the boutique hotel has plenty more new experiences that ensure a memorable stay.
Find out more about our staycation experience below.
Related: Capella Singapore Sentosa: Hotel Staycation Review With Pets
First Impressions
Upon arriving at Wanderlust, located right in the heart of the bustling Little India Conservation Area, my partner and I immediately felt like we had been transported out of Singapore. Gone were the skyscrapers and huge malls that were—for us, at least—stark reminders of the city island. Instead, we were welcomed by a charming 1920s heritage building surrounded by shophouses, that would be our home for the next three days.
After undergoing a major renovation and reopening in March of this year as part of The Unlimited Collection by Oakwood (which includes Kēsa House and Ann Siang House), the boutique hotel has become a somewhat grown-up version of its previous self after shedding its loud and almost jarring design and replacing it with a more contemporary and sophisticated look softened by warm and earthy colours.
What remained was the same friendly and helpful staff, who made check-in a breeze. Before we went to our room, they brought us to their mini ‘mama shop’ where we could choose one item from their selection of nostalgic snacks and toys from our childhood, including pick-up sticks, five stones, ice gems and haw flakes.