Presidential Suite
Andaz Singapore
For Presidents: Local GLAMour at Andaz Singapore’s Presidential Suite
Words by Ethan L of ARCHITALITY
Visuals by Klaus T of CHUTTERSNAP
It’s sometimes hard to understand abstract artworks like those in the Tate Modern or MoMA. Most of them seem to have a faint connection with their original inspiration, or too much complexity. Not Andaz Singapore, a literal living, breathing, work of art. It is modern, uniquely abstract, yet so intrinsically local and easily understood.
André Fu needs no further introduction. A trailblazer in hospitality design, the much sought-after Hong Kong -based designer has created masterpieces all across the globe, from the penthouses at The Berkeley in London to the rooms overlooking Nijo castle at Hotel the Mitsui in Kyoto.
Andaz Singapore’s outpost in Singapore’s Bugis precinct is just as unique. A storied neighbourhood with a rich history of fishermen, merchants and gangs, Fu’s design weaves in its distinctive elements to create his interpretation of modern tropical ‘kampung’ bungalows in the sky.
Andaz Singapore’s authenticity in design differentiates it from many ‘edgy’ luxury hotels. It is vibrant and contemporary, yet remains starkly rooted in the locale’s flavour. The hotel’s corridors are meandering curves aligned to the tower’s unusually shaped floorplan, forming the basis of ‘alleyways’ where doors mimic shophouse entrances - complete with a letter box that doubles as a keycard reader with the room number. Ours reads 3720.
Located at the uppermost corner of the Duo Tower, the Presidential suite is angular, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering unparalleled views of the downtown core and busy straits. The glass is coated with micro dot film, which almost invisibly shields the haven from excess heat and UV rays, creating a personal haven.
The double doors open to reveal the ‘patio’ of the bungalow - the Presidential Suite’s entrance foyer. Two plants in sleek raised black pots flank both sides of the white wooden-panelled walls - reminiscent of a local tropical beachfront bungalows which were built using wood. Kuning coloured (a shade of yellow associated with Malay royalty) folding doors open to reveal a large wooden dining room and salon.
A mahogany dining table sits ten, with orange leather upholstered wooden seats exuding Hermes vibes. The shelf houses artworks, porcelain vases and ceramic figures, books on Christian Dior, Ai Wei Wei and Hockney.
The connected living room is richly furnished with an assortment of modernist-minimalist dark oak furniture, with bold splashes of cumin yellows, aubergines and terracottas. Most notable is the BeoVision Avant 55" LED TV with BEOLAB 18 surround sound column by Bang & Olufsen, which promises a cinematic experience. We were be spoilt for choice with the variety of seats - a yellow indochine swivelling armchair sits next to two roundtables, with an L-shaped wooden sofa upholstered with ash-grey cushions acting as a ‘cocoon’.
A folding screen with teracotta-coloured cloth acts as a sunshield in the morning. Behind, an interesting potted fiddle leaf plants, and a lamp inspired by local streetlights. Neatly tucked away too is a semi private television room that may be ideal for children. Fu’s favourite part? The incredibly cosy corner of living room where sunlight and glass converge, with two wooden rocking chairs overlooking the bustling city.
The Suite’s welcome amenity is Andaz Singapore’s signature pandan chiffon cake - an original pandan cake coated with mousse and coconut shavings—also, an amenity kit with a bar from a local chocolatier Awfully Chocolate. The kitchenette is stocked with TWG Tea - only pity it had everything but the iconic Singapore Breakfast Tea. The fridge is stocked with an in house Pilsner created in collaboration with Trouble Brewing, the Andaz Pils.
The master bedroom lies behind another set of mango-yellow folding doors, with batik-inspired motifs lining the headboards. Two saucer-like bedside lamps flank each side, emitting a cosy warm glow. Wood panelled feature walls add a form of texture and raw authenticity, mimicking the feeling of living in the bungalows of old. The beige carpet rug is splashed with lilac, reminiscent of the Vanda Miss Joaquim (the city-state’s national Orchid). Floors are lined with oakwood tiles that appear as panels to complete the entire sensation.
The toilet is a stunning surprise hidden behind yet another set of folding doors, done deliberately to allow guests to have a sensory experience as they explore the comforts of the Suite. His and hers sinks, each framed with a round pan-like mirror, are topped with beige limestone and adorned with heaps of Christophe Laudamiel’s creations. A large standalone Laufen bathtub equipped with bubble jets, overlooks the busy cityscape below through the floor-to-ceiling glass panels. Beside, a walk-in rainshower for two beckons, clad with textured beige stone that creates an almost zen-like atmosphere.
Perfumer Christophe Laudamiel crafted a bespoke scent for Andaz Singapore, a smell that can only be described as multi-dimensional. The combination of Chinese Cedarwood, hints of fresh orange blossoms and notes of dewy orchids result in a unique line of amenities capturing the essence of Bugis. Deeply layered and multifaceted, Laudamiel took inspiration by walking through the storied streets of the neighbourhood.
TURNING IN, Fu’s choice of playful, vibrant colours proves that bright colours can be luxurious and regal (contrary to the current trend of neutral and calming tones). It reflects Fu’s personal sense of ‘relaxed’ luxury, which abandons stuffy and formal atmospheres that are too predictable and almost suffocating. The myriad of bold, creative shapes seen in Fu’s custom-made furniture forms a collage of styles often seen in a local lived-in home. This is a beautiful modernist take, with influences of everyday life transformed into abstract works of art. Our senses are An-dazzled - local flair with much character.
PETIT MORES: Everyone will know if you’ve taken a slipper home from the Andaz.
It’s irresistible.
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Interiors: André Fu Studio
Exteriors: Buro Ole Scheeren
Amenities: Christophe Laudamiel specially crafted for Andaz Singapore
Fittings: Laufen