The Fullerton Bay Hotel, Singapore: ‘New Heritage’ and iconic glamour

(The Fullerton Bay Hotel review: previously published in February 2011)

Here there is no reason to hold back on the praise: this is an astonishing hotel experience which is combined with heritage; tailored as very modern while themed to reflect the history of Singapore! The Fullerton Bay Hotel’s glamorous and exquisite interior designs are richly steeped in this – in fact the property sits right on one of this nation state’s most important landmarks. More on that below as we tour this hotel extraordinaire.

The Fullerton Bay Hotel: distinct characters

Described as a heritage-centric hotel and yet with a vision for the future, it introduces a kind of ‘new heritage’, including distinct different characters conjured up by a team of skilled, well-renowned designers and architects. The resulting design and interiors are sometimes hard to put into words as one admires it in awe – drinking in all the delightful details that, from the moment one arrives to the entrance, reveal themselves one after the other. Why, some materials are so luxurious and intriguing one feels prompted to enquire about their specifics and origins!

The Clifford Pier, The Fullerton Bay Hotel

Heavily inspired by the early 20th century design and architecture, one can envision what a colonial luxurious kind of stay must have been like in its heydays, and here relive this experience, while it is brought into a modern kind of setting – thus the ‘new heritage’ tag.

Also, visitors can imagine how this particular exclusive property in the future, say 30 years from now, will be a reference point as an admirable example in how to merge the past with the present and the future.

The Fullerton Bay Hotel is inter-connected with Singapore’s former landing point for sea passengers and immigrants. Coming up with a new-build that would do such a prominent site justice was an undertaking of great magnitude. But it feels like the achievement has struck just the right balance in its combination of refinement and sophistication – and marrying of heritage from the colonial era with the modernity of Singapore.

The actual hotel building, on its prime waterfront location, makes a statement with its unusual contemporary glass façade; tinted blue and diamond-shaped.

While showcasing the love of the new the nod to history permeates the experience in the form of interior designs, vintage and contemporary art. Its colonial-inspired wood furnishings and décor as well as the service embodying contemporary luxury and refined elegance would not feel out of place in a royal home.

The towering ivory French panelling inside the Clifford Pier restaurant, the golden door handles and the mega-sized chandelier stretching down from the 18-metre high lobby ceiling are just some of the many examples of worldly twenty-first century elegance.

Not only is this a lavish hotel but also a destination for heritage tourists. And as in-house hotel guest of course you get to have it all, which includes among the most refined and stylish accommodation in the whole region.

When travel is an art form extra luxurious pool towels, premium Molton Brown toiletries, and Moët & Chandon in the room fridge all prescribes to the kind of service level one would expect.

One certainly feels prompted to dress up for the occasion. Any day is a celebration here as one revels in classical and bespoke surroundings. One is easily reminded of the importance of what to wear (don’t hesitate to bring your most posh dresses, ladies!) And the hotel does more than just satisfy the suits. Discerning holidaymakers will definitely find their fit.

Having afternoon tea or savouring The Anderson Collection consisting of eight timeless vintage drinks at The Landing Point (Built in 1933, Clifford Pier was a landing point for immigrants and other sea passengers) is pure pleasure. Or having blissful sundowners while lazing away on daybeds by the sleek rooftop pool, with the business district skyscrapers as backdrop and sweeping vistas of the transforming Marina Bay. This hotel adventure appeals as much to nostalgia buffs as it does to high-end travellers.

The Fullerton Bay Hotel: The arrival experience

With The Fullerton Hotel already established as one of Singapore’s most high-ranking hotels in the iconic Fullerton building – once the centre of Singapore’s commercial, social and official life – the second addition to the Fullerton pedigree is perched on the Marina bay horizon and part of another historic edifice, Clifford Pier.

This refurbished former landing point of sea passengers and immigrants who came to Singapore now constitutes the majestic hotel entrance. It forms the first stage in a three-stage Fullerton Bay Hotel arrival.

So by staying here one kills at least two birds with one stone: a visit to one of Singapore’s most essential heritage sites, while also having an outstanding and as such surprisingly affordable luxury hotel stay. In addition, from there one is very well positioned for visits to Singapore’s prestigious Arts and Cultural precinct, not to mention the nearby shopping belts of Suntec City and Orchard Road.

Already when approaching, one gets quite impressed by the sight of the prominent structure with its flagpole on top of the roof. (And, just as new arrivals used to disembark here from ships in the past, one can in fact arrive to the hotel also by boat as the new-build – resting on massive concrete poles on the water – comes with built-in berths for yachts!) This former Customs House (which looks its best when illuminated), with an oval structure resembling a train-station, is now a dedicated hotel arrival zone and the first step into elegant, palatial surroundings.

This is also the kind of hotel where collection cars are regular visitors at the valet parking outside the entrance. At any given day you can spot limited-edition luxury cars here. Seeing James Bond driving up in the latest sports car – would feel just like… right in the middle of a Bond movie!

By the entrance the doormen and bellboys in dresses reminiscent of yesteryear are on alert to greet you as if welcoming as a statesman. This feeling of experiencing timelessness from the start sets the tone nicely.

The Landing Point, The Fullerton Bay Hotel

The Fullerton Bay Hotel, Historic The Landing Point: promenade and lounge, spectacular waterfront rooms overlooking Marina Bay

Search no further for a wow arrival experience! Once inside this foyer it feels just like entering a classic museum, except perhaps for the myriad of colours from chandeliers being reflected in the floor marble.

You pass the concierge desk, adorned with a rectangular chandelier above and then approach a seating-corner with an amazing wall mirror separated into triangle cubes in various tilted angles. Some of these come with fine line-strokes, forming a stylish pattern. Two long designer sofas in antique style and with plush upholstering, two high back chairs and in the middle a beige textile table are paired with some amazing, tall, floor lamps.

There you turn left and then immediately right again into the two-tiered lounge The Landing Point. From one space to the next this feels like a carefully choreographed journey. This second stage of the hotel arrival, where the doorman escorts you through an amazing 6-metre wide walkway on mirror-polished marble, is beautifully dramatic.

The Landing Point derives its name from the long passageway that immigrants had to take upon arrival at the Clifford Pier.

Also incorporating a restaurant, it features quite amazing and opulent surroundings. Its long, impressive indoor promenade is lined with pillars, subtly lit lanterns and bespoke marble mosaics in green, beige and brown hues, and with Arabic-influenced patterns on which the light from four round chandeliers is reflected.

And finally you arrive to the actual lobby with its mammoth chandelier, within the shiny glass-clad hotel where even more alert hosts greet you. And should for some reason checking in take some extra time you will for sure not mind lingering as you contemplate the impressive interior from one of the bespoke sofas.

Meanwhile, the level below ground floor is dedicated to the special ‘check in’ for yachts, and with boating tours for guests.

The spectacular rooms

Once managing to get as far as to the elevators, don’t think the design adventure is over! Even their interiors are bespoke beyond imagination – no detail has been overlooked to be part of the custom-designed interiors.

The 100 rooms are distributed over five floors in a u-form above a water atrium with the berths at the bottom. Their very thick marble and leather-covered doors with golden handles and lockers increase the anticipation of what to find inside.

And, unsurprisingly, guests find themselves indulged in rooms and suites that offer the last word in comfort.

Finally entering, I get to luxuriate with a stay amid only exquisite materials or surfaces (luxurious leather and chrome, fabric-panelled walls and polished burl wood) and amenities (Nespresso machine, The Artisan Selection of tea from Gryphon and The Molton Brown Hotel Therapy Collection toiletries).

The toiletries from Molton Brown features a very fruity, green-hued purifying plum-kadu hair wash/shampooing purificant, as well as a very fragrant, purifying ambrusca bath and shower/bain douche purificant.

And now we come back to the theme topic: There are two generic themes where the reviewed room was the modern “western ambience” type. I smile, as it turns out that my modern Italian gold-coloured shoes fits nicely against the beige ivory limestone. The room’s soft furnishings come in golden cream tones and gold embellishments.

Hardwood, leather, marble or limestone covers every possible surface from floor to ceiling, including all built-in furniture and frames around mirrors.

The marble used for the bathroom counter, around the tub and television furniture is heavily veined; the kind of marble that has the colour of chocolate ice cream mixed with vanilla.

The other theme has an “Asian ambience” with materials and designs such as polished rosewood, and latticed screens and with leather and chrome embellishments.

In addition there are six suites (five ethnic-themed and a Presidential Suite) as a tribute to the historical prominence of the hotel’s location. Individually themed, these are adorned with bespoke artwork and antiques alongside contemporary pieces that embody the spirit unique to the suite’s theme.

The rooms also come with exclusive balconies enabling unobstructed views. Also, thanks to the unique design, the higher up the wider is the building – so that each balcony is guaranteed optimal privacy.

By the sliding glass doors, covered with bright beige as well as velvet blackout curtains, there is a regal writing desk with a dark brown shiny surface and with easy access to Internet and Wi-Fi connections. Next to it a laptop-friendly safe is smartly hidden. And on the opposite side two brown-hued armchairs with a table are upholstered with designer fabrics. On the table a very generously assembled fruit platter is presented for the guest, along with handcrafted chocolates replenished daily. Here I also get to taste the unbelievably delicious signature dessert called The Fullerton Kueh Lapis (of Indonesian origin), which has been brought to the room while I spent some time outside.

Savouring the room details and atmosphere is bliss. Among all the delights within this hotel the high-ceilinged rooms have to be among the finest in Asia!

By now you probably have no doubt also that the bed is supremely comfortable, outfitted with a Sealy mattress.

Rooftop pool and The Lantern – Singapore scene-stealer

Elsewhere to recline is on indolent daybeds by the glittering pool and nearby the gym, which also houses the rooftop bar Lantern (the pier’s historical Chinese name was Red Lantern Pier, because of a red lantern with used to hang from the pier as a guide to seafarers).

Open from noon until to 2.00 am., leisure pleasure combines relaxation with invigorating swims in the pool adorned with extra luxurious marine- and heaven blue mosaic tiles. Also Lantern has fast built its reputation as one of the coolest places for Singapore’s cosmopolitan crowd as a breezy rooftop affair with show-stopping views of the Marina Bay waterfront.

The Fullerton Bay Hotel’s F&B outlets are stand-alone destinations and among them Lantern is a real scene-stealer, in competition also with outside venues.

While you spend the afternoon on over-water daybeds with a cocktail and some lifestyle publication or good book, nearby office workers will look down in envy and yearn for the ‘after work sessions’ when they can also pop over for drinks and great food.

The Lantern offers delectable gourmet snacks and tantalising grilled meats, accompanied with fine champagnes and wines etc. El Diablo (Don Julio Blanco Tequila, Ginger, Lime, Carsis, Soda), Red Lantern (Don Julio Blanco, Watermelon, Cucumber, Cointreau, Lime) and Imperial Berry Mojito (Pampero Blanco rum, Berries, Mint, Lime, Bubbles) are among the creative cocktails.

Aside rocking chairs, reminiscent of colonial-era garden furniture, a sofa rests against a transparent glass wall constituting the far end of the infinity pool, which enables patrons to watch the swimmers from sub surface level. After dark the Lantern looks magical with the pool and its fountains illuminated by multiple lighting.

French brasserie Clifford

Clifford is the modern French brasserie open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, in a truly bespoke design setting with 10-metre high floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the waterfront and featuring an al fresco outdoor deck.

Its layout comes with a series of salons with towering French panelling and masculine herringbone oak floors and furniture swathed in rich fabrics. There are features from theatrical salons as well as ships. Facing the windows a single velvet sofa stretches along the full length of the wall. Designer lamps hang from the ceiling above vintage furnishings in warm grey, burnt orange and dark aubergine. Impressive lofty pillars are tinted in a subdued green.

Holidaymakers and business executives alike who dine here can choose their wine pairings from the 800-bottle fine wine library.

From a menu with a touch of early 20th Century design there are a choice of cooked-to-order breakfast items including Fullerton Bay Benedict with prosciutto or house cured salmon, roasted fingering potatoes and hollandaise sauce. Or try Louis Outhier’s egg with caramelized sweet potatoes.

Overall, Clifford offers a superb European breakfast selection with Viennese pastries, French butter & preserves, an organic Greek yogurt selection, Brittany Crepes, Belgian waffles dressed with champagne mango compote etc.

A la Carte menus offer ‘contemporary and modern interpretation of new world flavours and culinary styles that caters to all palates’.

The lunch menu, which introduces new items every other week, offered for instance Roasted monkfish with façon paella and lobster sauce. This dish came with the paella done as a kind of sliced sandwich, or cake, with salmon on top and with 3 pieces of fish. Awesome! The same goes for Herb breaded yellow fin tuna with fresh tomato salsa.

Meat on the menu were Baby chicken variation, leg fricassee, roasted endives, parmesan and shaved black truffles; 3-hour home-made duck confit with truffle mashed potatoes; or pommes sarladaise (French garlic potatoes).

Dessert of the Day was that Fullerton Kueh Lapis cake you can get never get enough of; just as beautiful to look at as it tastes good. Homemade marshmallows were also served.

The Landing Point, The Fullerton Bay Hotel

Historic and colonial inspiration at The Landing Point

Finally we turn back to the chic indoor lounge area The Landing Point, the third of the culinary experiences and the place to impress and be impressed while enjoying the waterfront panorama, overlooking the giant (space) ship–like Marina Bay Sands through leaning floor-to-ceiling glass windows or on its spacious outdoor terrace.

Positioned alongside the beautifully dramatic indoor promenade already presented, you find this elegant restaurant and majestic 13-metre long bar. Hues of aqua green, mineral silver and plum with opulent soft furnishings and subtle lighting offers a truly exciting interior. Exquisite!

In this stylish ambience the exquisite Afternoon Tea is served daily presenting an array of delightful light bites: Mini Bagles, Finger Sandwiches, Chocolate Éclair, Tarte Citron, and English Scones with Strawberry Jam and Clotted Cream. Select from fresh teas and infusions, for example Honeyed White Tea, Gyokuro Green Tea, Pu-Erh 1998 Vintage Tea, and Lemongrass infusion.

At sunset, the tempo shifts gear at this the ‘gourmand’s lounge du jour’, as the guests indulge in signature cocktails, or a wide range of spirits, cognacs, brandies and whiskies as well as new and old world wines.

With historic references and inspired by the location, ‘The Clifford Collection’ is a range of eight contemporary cocktails while ‘The Anderson Collection’ consists of eight timeless vintage drinks. A third unique collection named ‘The Old Fashioned Cocktails’ customizes originals from the 19th century with guests’ choice of whiskey, bourbon or rum.

The Landing Point also serves a carefully selected variety of organic salads, delicious sandwiches and local Asian favourites.

Even though of boutique size compared to many other top-tier hotels in the region, The Fullerton Bay take things to the next level a notch or two, precisely because of what has been described above. It succeeds well with its intention to create a modern colonial hotel that pays tribute to the bygone era. A bespoke, modern classic is born!