As a small cosmopolitan city, Singapore can leave your head spinning when trying to look for a suitable hotel for your business trip or luxury getaway. Five-star hotels, ranging from boutique local ones to global five-star properties, are literally only about 10 paces apart, and are situated all over the Southeast Asian city.

So while we were planning our trip to Lah-Lah-land, we knew we had to make sure of our accommodation choices and with so many to choose from, our informed decisions brought us to one of the most trusted names in the hospitality industry – the Shangri-La Singapore.

Unparalleled hospitality

Getting there from the Changi Airport is a breeze, thanks to a complimentary limousine service offered to hotel guests (similar services can cost about AED 2,000 from Europe’s top hotels) upon arrival and departure. As we lounged inside the black Mercedes-Benz town car, we were treated to lush greenery that only tropical countries can naturally offer.

After about 20 minutes, we arrived at the sprawling hotel on Orange Grove Road, just a stone’s throw away from Singapore’s renowned Orchard Road shopping district. A distinct zen-like aura embraced us as the tall glass doors opened and beckoned us in. We arrived at around 8:00am, a good six hours prior to the scheduled check-in time, but we were still warmly accommodated and ushered into our deluxe room at the Garden Wing.

The journey from the lobby to our room offered instant relaxation as we walked past the humongous indoor garden. Where else can you find a hotel that houses a true oasis of various flora to get your mind off your worries and tell you you’re also there to unwind a little bit?

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Understated Asian-style luxury

Shangri-La’s slogan of luxury with an Asian spirit came alive as we entered the room, which features modern amenities topped with a elegant, understated brand of luxury that never feels excessive or unnecessary – just enough to let you stay comfortably without the guilt of living in a disconnected, Czar-like bubble of opulence.

As we stayed after the renovation of the Garden Wing which was completed in May 2012, we were among the first guests to experience the aesthetic and technological improvements that were made in the 34-year old tower. Popular with leisure travellers and business executives alike, the Garden Wing extends a privacy and tropical welcome to all who stay and an atmosphere that is a far cry from the frenetic energy of a modern cosmopolitan city.

From outside room, a view of the lush garden below awaits, while from the balcony, the grand Singapore-famous swimming pool and recreation area invites you to kick back and relax. Every night, the majestic lobby also hosts a live Jazz performers, so you can get your entertainment while sipping your favourite cup of Earl Grey or remotely catching up with your work.

Appreciation for local art

A tour around the hotel will show guests a number of fine pieces from local artists. Local gallery Chesham Fine Art was appointed to work in collaboration with the designers to create the various pieces of artwork found around the hotel. The main mural, which can be found in the Lobby Court, stands 10 metres high and attempts to capture the essence of Shangri-La. All 15 paintings, six scupltures, the copper lotus bud at base of sweeping staircase and the tall vase in the reception area were made by eight names from the local art community who tapped into their creative stores to capture a balance between contemporary and orientalist aestheticism.

The full monty

Dining options abound and one can never feel famished at the SLS. Local and international cuisines are served at The Line, a place that proves to be most popular among the hotel’s visitors. High tea and classy finger food are available at the lobby court and The Rose Veranda for those who are up for a fancy treat in the middle of the afternoon.

Sushi-cravers will find themselves gravitating towards the in-house Japanese restaurant, Nadaman. Meanwhile, Cantonese dishes are craftily prepared at the Shang Palace. And for those looking for European culinary delights, the BLU Restaurant and Bar is open and welcome to receive diners.

Health and wellness

The Health Club promises to let you continue your fitness regimen even when you’re away from your home. In fact, with its equipment and inviting atmosphere, you would probably wish you were able to do your workouts there everyday instead of your usual Dubai gym. Aside from being open 24-hours, there’s just no feeling more refreshing than seeing lush greens while taking care of your body.

Guests who do not wish to work up a sweat can instead head to the spa. The specialist spa room features a wide variety of treatments, from body scrubs to herbal baths. Performed in a unique thermal steam bed, the nourishing steam wrap purifies and revitalises the skin while replenishing the essential vitamins and minerals to leave the skin smooth and soft. The earliest recorded beginning of bath therapy originates from ancient oriental history.

An invigorating hydrotherapy treatment seeks to stimulate the muscles and to revitalise and re-balance the body. A complete suite of spa retreat packages is also available to meet the differing needs of both men and women.

Book your Eid Al Adha vacation at the Shangri-La Singapore now.  Visit their website at www.shangri-la.com/singapore/shangrila ^[21] or call +65 6737 3644 for more information.